Permanent Residency to Married for 3 years, stayed in Japan for 1 year
Permanent Residency for Spouses: Requirements After 3 Years of Marriage and 1 Year in Japan
Eligibility for Permanent Residency as a Foreign Spouse in Japan
If you have been married to a Japanese national for at least three years and have lived in Japan for over a year, you may be eligible to apply for permanent residency. However, the process involves stringent requirements and often requires thorough preparation to ensure success. If you have 80pt+ High Skilled Professional points, you may be able to apply for permanent residence immediately (not required 3years after your marriage).
Key Requirements for Foreign Spouses of Japanese Nationals Seeking Permanent Residency
1. Marriage Duration and Residency in Japan
Foreign spouses who have been married for three years and have resided in Japan for at least one year can apply for permanent residency under Japan’s spouse visa requirements. This means that, for example, if you were married abroad for two years and then relocated to Japan for work, staying in Japan for at least one year, you are eligible to apply. However, the process remains challenging, requiring detailed preparation and documentation.
2. Visa Status and Length of Stay Requirements
To apply for permanent residency, your visa must have a validity of “more than three years” at the time of application. Often, new spouse visa holders are initially issued a one-year visa, with renewals over the following years. Therefore, even if you meet the marriage and residency requirements, a spouse visa of less than three years’ validity may delay your application. In such cases, waiting until you receive a three-year visa renewal is essential. If you have enough HSP points, you will have another option for your Permanent Residence Application.
Alternatively, applicants may consider transitioning to a Work or Highly Skilled Professional (HSP) visa, which can offer a faster route to eligibility. At Continental, we’ve assisted numerous clients on one-year spouse visas in successfully obtaining permanent residency through alternative visa options.
3. Required Documentation for Tax and Residency Verification
Permanent residency applicants on a spouse visa must submit a Certificate of Residence Taxation and a Certificate of Tax Payment for the past three years. If you have resided in Japan for under three years, you may be unable to provide these documents, making the review process more rigorous. In these cases, applicants must submit alternative documentation and a thorough explanation, as this lack of standard documentation increases the scrutiny of your application.
Get Expert Advice with Continental’s Advisory Services
At Continental, we offer a comprehensive initial assessment to help determine your likelihood of obtaining permanent residency based on your unique circumstances. Contact us today for professional guidance tailored to simplify your permanent residency journey in Japan.
He/she must wait for a three-year visa.
Professional
Masakazu Murai
18 years’ experience in Investment Banking at Mitsubishi UFJ Morgan Stanley (JV, MUFG Bank and Morgan Stanley). He had provided financial advisory more than 500 entrepreneurs and senior management.
During his tenure, he worked as an employee union executive committee member in promoting diversity, including the active participation of foreigners and women in the office, and engaged in activities to improve the working environment. He specializes in financial consulting and VISA/PR consulting.
Gyoseishoshi Immigration Lawyer
CMA(Japanese financial analyst license)
CFP (Certified Financial Planner)
Master of Business Administration in Entrepreneurship
