Permanent Residency in Japan for Spouse of Japanese Citizen | Full Application Process & Expert Advice

For foreign nationals living in Japan as the spouse of a Japanese citizen, applying for Permanent Residency is a major milestone.
Having supported many clients through this process, I know firsthand that while the application seems straightforward, there are many important details to consider.
In this article, I will share insights and practical tips based on real-life cases, explaining the application conditions, key points, and how to ensure a smooth application process.

1 Introduction
2 Eligibility Requirements for Spouses of Japanese Nationals
3 Self-Check Before Applying: The Immigration Bureau’s “Permanent Residency Self-Check Sheet”
4 Key Issues Often Encountered in Real Applications
5 Application Timeline
6 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
7 Key Takeaways from the Administrative Scrivener’s Perspective
8 Conclusion
9 Contact Us

Introduction

Obtaining Permanent Residency (PR) is a common goal for many foreign nationals wishing to live in Japan long-term with stability.
For those holding a Spouse of Japanese National residence status, there is often an opportunity to apply for PR relatively earlier compared to other visa categories.

Many of my clients have transitioned from a spouse visa to permanent residency. In this article, I will share frequently encountered situations and highlight the key steps and precautions based on my professional experience.

Eligibility Requirements for Spouses of Japanese Nationals

✅ Basic Requirements for Spouse of Japanese National PR Applications

Requirement	Details
Marriage Duration	Married to a Japanese national for at least 3 consecutive years
Residency Period	Continuously living in Japan for at least 1 year
Public Obligations	Proper payment of taxes, pension, and health insurance premiums
Financial Stability	Stable income and/or sufficient savings
Good Conduct	No criminal or legal violations

👉What matters most is demonstrating a stable life in Japan.

Self-Check Before Applying: The Immigration Bureau’s “Permanent Residency Self-Check Sheet”

Because of the many required documents and complex eligibility criteria, many people feel unsure whether they qualify for permanent residency.

The Immigration Bureau (Immigration Services Agency of Japan) offers a Permanent Residency Self-Check Sheet to help applicants assess whether they meet the necessary conditions before applying.

There is a dedicated self-check sheet specifically for Spouse of Japanese National and Spouse of Permanent Resident applicants. The main criteria include:

Checklist Item	Details
Marriage & Residency Period	Married for 3+ years and residing in Japan for 1+ year
Resident Tax Payment	Proper payment of resident tax for the past 3 years
National Tax	No unpaid national taxes (income tax, consumption tax, etc.)
Pension Contributions	Proper pension payments for the past 2 years
Health Insurance Contributions	Proper health insurance payments for the past 2 years
Current Residence Status	Holding a 3-year or 5-year residence period
Criminal Record	No criminal convictions or penalties

☑ Important Point
If you answer “No” to even one item, your application may be denied.
However, answering “Yes” to all questions does not guarantee approval—it is still subject to overall evaluation by immigration officers.

👉 If you’re unsure after reviewing the self-check, I highly recommend consulting with a certified Gyoseishoshi (Administrative Scrivener) or immigration professional before applying.

Key Issues Often Encountered in Real Applications

Having assisted multiple applications for permanent residency by spouses of Japanese nationals, I have seen several common issues that require careful attention during the process.

① Pension & Health Insurance Payments

In one case, the applicant’s employer was late in paying their social insurance premiums.
Even though it wasn’t the applicant’s personal fault, immigration still reviews all payment histories.
To address this, we submitted a written explanation from the company clarifying the reasons for the delay.

② Compliance of the Japanese Spouse Also Matters

The Japanese spouse’s tax and pension payment history is also reviewed during the PR application.
Immigration assesses the household as a whole, ensuring both spouses are meeting their legal obligations.

③ The Importance of a Well-Written Statement of Reasons

Beyond submitting the required documents, it is crucial to explain the applicant’s current living situation and future plans in Japan.
The Statement of Reasons plays a critical role in how the immigration officer evaluates the application.

Application Timeline

Stage	Estimated Duration
Preparation Period	About 1–2 months (document collection, drafting statement of reasons)
Immigration Review	About 4–6 months
Approval Notification	Approximately 6 months after application submission

Note: Processing times may vary depending on individual circumstances.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Is Japanese language ability required?
No official language requirement exists for spouse PR applications. However, having Japanese language skills can leave a positive impression on immigration officers and help with daily life in Japan.

Q2: Will my Japanese spouse’s tax issues affect my application?
Yes. Tax or pension non-compliance by either spouse may negatively affect the overall household assessment.

Q3: How much income is required?
There is no strict income requirement. However, a household income of around 3 to 4 million yen annually is often seen as a practical guideline depending on family size.

Q4: What are the benefits of hiring a Gyoseishoshi (Administrative Scrivener)?
A specialist can help you:

Draft a persuasive Statement of Reasons
Organize and verify all required documents
Ensure compliance with immigration standards
Minimize the risk of mistakes or missing items

Key Takeaways from the Administrative Scrivener’s Perspective

✅ Permanent Residency Applications Are Judged Holistically
Not just length of stay, but tax history, family circumstances, and future plans are all reviewed.

✅ The Statement of Reasons Is Critical
Through supporting multiple PR applications, I strongly feel that the quality of the statement significantly influences the result.
Clearly presenting your situation and future plan is essential.

✅ Resolve Any Uncertainties in Advance
If there are any unclear issues related to taxes or pension payments, submit explanatory documents proactively.

Conclusion

For spouses of Japanese nationals, permanent residency applications depend heavily on the careful organization of documents and a well-prepared case.
In my experience, success often comes down to how well you present your life and plans in Japan.

At my office, we offer full support for: