Applying for Permanent Residency in Japan from a TRANSFEREE Visa (2024 Guide)

Can permanent residency (PR) be obtained while on a TRANSFEREE visa in Japan? Despite the TRANSFEREE visa’s original intent as a temporary visa for foreign employees on secondment, it is possible to secure PR status. Here, we’ll explain the requirements, options, and considerations for applying for PR as a transferee.

Is Permanent Residency Possible with a TRANSFEREE Visa?

A TRANSFEREE visa is issued for foreign employees transferred to a Japanese branch or office on a temporary basis, under the assumption that they will eventually return to their home country. Immigration officers may scrutinize PR applications for transferees more closely, given the temporary nature of this visa. However, under certain conditions and with reasonable grounds, the TRANSFEREE visa can be extended long-term, making PR approval possible.

Options for Permanent Residency Application as a Transferee

For transferees considering PR, there are three main options. Choose the one that best aligns with your background and circumstances:

1. General Permanent Residency Application
   • Requires 10+ years of stay in Japan, with at least 5 years in a work visa status.
2. Highly Skilled Professional (HSP) Route
   • If you achieve 70 points or more under the HSP Points System, you may be eligible for PR after a minimum of 3 years.
   • For those with 80 points or more, PR is possible after just 1 year of residence.
3. As a Spouse of a Japanese National
   • If married to a Japanese national, you may apply for PR after 3 years of marriage and at least 1 year of residency in Japan.

Key Considerations for PR Applications from a TRANSFEREE Visa

While the TRANSFEREE visa allows for potential PR application, there are unique conditions to keep in mind:

• Continuous Residency Requirements
  • Transferees often travel abroad for business, which can affect the “continuous residency” requirement. Extended periods outside Japan may impact PR eligibility, as Immigration may consider such cases as non-continuous residency.
• Compliance with Japanese Laws
  • Income earned both inside and outside Japan must comply with Japanese tax laws, and you must be enrolled in Japan’s pension system (in the case of applicable countries with social security agreements).
  • To apply for PR, ensure your TRANSFEREE visa is valid for at least 3 years.
• Living in Japan During the PR Review
  • It’s essential to remain in Japan until the PR review is complete. If your secondment ends during this time and you return to your home country, your PR application may be denied.

Summary: Securing Permanent Residency from a TRANSFEREE Visa

Obtaining permanent residency from a TRANSFEREE visa in Japan is feasible with the right approach. By meeting the continuous residency, legal compliance, and application requirements, transferees can successfully transition to PR status.

If you need guidance on the PR application process from a TRANSFEREE visa, contact Continental Immigration for expert assistance. We provide personalized support to streamline your journey to permanent residency in Japan.