Company-Sponsored Permanent Residency in Japan

1. Overview

Company-sponsored permanent residency (永住許可, Eijū Kyoka) is a critical pathway for long-term foreign professionals and their families to settle in Japan. Unlike standard work visas, which are tied to a specific employer and activity, permanent residency grants individuals the freedom to live and work in Japan indefinitely without sponsorship restrictions, provided they comply with Japanese laws. For companies, sponsoring key employees for permanent residency is a strategic tool for talent retention, offering stability to valuable international staff and supporting long-term business operations in Japan. The process is governed by the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act and administered by the Immigration Services Agency of Japan (ISA).

2. Applicable Objects & Scenarios

This pathway is primarily designed for foreign nationals residing in Japan under a long-term visa (e.g., Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services, Intra-company Transferee, Highly Skilled Professional) who seek indefinite settlement. It is particularly relevant for:

• Key Employees: Executives, managers, and specialized technical professionals employed by a Japanese company or a foreign company's branch in Japan.
• Long-Term Residents: Individuals who have lived and worked continuously in Japan for a significant period (typically 10 years, with reductions possible under certain conditions) with a stable income and clean legal record.
• Spouses and Dependents: Family members of the above, who may apply concurrently or separately if they meet residency requirements.
• Companies: Employers seeking to secure the long-term presence of indispensable foreign talent by supporting their application.

3. Core Conclusions

• Independence from Sponsor: Successful applicants are no longer tied to their sponsoring company for immigration status, granting them freedom to change jobs or start a business.
• Long-Term Stability Requirement: A core requirement is a demonstrable record of stable, lawful residence and sufficient income/assets to support oneself and dependents without public assistance.
• Good Conduct Mandatory: Applicants must exhibit good conduct, meaning compliance with Japanese laws, including timely tax and social insurance payments.
• Sponsorship Role: The current employer's support, through documentation like employment certificates and tax records, is crucial during the application, but the grant is a personal status.
• Processing Time: The review is thorough and can take several months to over a year; applications should be planned well in advance.

4. Procedures & Steps

Step 1: Preparation

The applicant, often with support from their company's HR or an immigration lawyer, must gather extensive documentation.

• Personal Documents: Passport, Residence Card, recent photo.
• Proof of Stable Residence & Income: Tax certificates (納税証明書, Nōzei Shōmeisho) and proof of pension/health insurance contributions (課税証明書, Kazei Shōmeisho) from the local municipality for the past several years. Employment verification, salary statements, and bank statements.
• Company-Sponsored Documents: A letter of guarantee from the employer, documents proving the company's stability (e.g., corporate registry, financial statements), and a document explaining the applicant's role and importance.
• Application Forms: Completed "Application for Permission for Permanent Residence" and "Letter of Reason for Application."

Step 2: Application & Submission

The applicant must submit the complete dossier in person at the regional Immigration Services Bureau (入国管理局, Nyūkoku Kanrikyoku) having jurisdiction over their place of residence. Application fees apply (please verify with official sources). The sponsoring company does not submit the application but provides critical supporting documents.

Step 3: Review & Confirmation

The ISA conducts a comprehensive review of the applicant's background, including criminal, tax, and residency history. They may interview the applicant or the sponsoring company. If approved, the applicant will be notified to receive a new Residence Card with "永住者" (Permanent Resident) status. If denied, a reason is typically provided, and re-application is possible after addressing the deficiencies.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How many years of residence are required? A: The standard requirement is 10 years of continuous residence, with at least 5 years on a work visa. This period can be shortened to 1-3 years for Highly Skilled Professionals (Point-based system) or spouses of Japanese nationals/permanent residents.

Q2: Does my company need to guarantee me after I get permanent residency? A: No. A key benefit of permanent residency is that your status is no longer dependent on your employer's sponsorship.

Q3: What are the income requirements? A: There is no fixed published number. The ISA assesses whether your income (or household income) is stable and sufficient to lead a normal life in Japan without risk of becoming a public charge. This is evaluated through tax certificates and employment records.

Q4: Can I apply if I have missed pension or health insurance payments? A: Consistent payment of public dues (taxes, pension, insurance) is a critical factor for "good conduct." Gaps or non-payment can lead to denial. It is advisable to rectify any arrears before applying.

Q5: How long is the processing time? A: It varies but typically ranges from 4 to 10 months or longer, depending on the caseload at the immigration bureau and the complexity of the application.

Q6: Can my family apply with me? A: Spouses and children holding dependent visas cannot apply as dependents on your application. They must meet the residency requirements individually. However, your stable status and income will support their separate applications.

Q7: Do I lose permanent residency if I leave Japan for a long time? A: If you plan to be absent from Japan for over one year, you must apply for a Re-Entry Permit before leaving. Permanent residency can be revoked if you cease to reside in Japan for an extended period without maintaining ties.

6. Risks & Compliance

• Accuracy is Paramount: Incomplete or incorrect documentation is the most common reason for delays or denial. Double-check all forms and certificates.
• Tax Compliance is Scrutinized: The immigration authorities will verify your tax payment history with the National Tax Agency and local municipality. Ensure all obligations are met.
• Legal Representation: While not mandatory, consulting with a licensed immigration lawyer (行政書士, Gyōsei Shoshi) is highly recommended for complex cases.
• Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Immigration policies are subject to change. Always consult the official Immigration Services Agency website or a legal professional for the most current information and advice tailored to your specific situation.

7. References & Sources

• Immigration Services Agency of Japan (ISA) - Permanent Residence: https://www.isa.go.jp/en/applications/status/long_term/ejjuka.html
• ISA Application Forms and Guides: https://www.isa.go.jp/en/applications/forms/index.html
• Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act (English Translation): https://www.japaneselawtranslation.go.jp/en/laws/view/3590

8. Related Topics

• Highly Skilled Professional Visa (ポイント制)
• Change of Status of Residence
• Re-Entry Permits
• Japanese Tax Filing Procedures for Residents
• National Pension & Health Insurance System