1. Compatibility with state of residence

The period of stay and activities of "permanent residents" are unlimited, but they are subject to revocation of status of residence and deportation like other statuses of residence.
The basic concept of permanent residence permit is that "there is no problem with the status of residence during the period of residence in Japan for a considerable period of time, and it is assumed that there will be no problem with such residence in the future.

2. Criteria

In order to be granted permanent residence, the following three requirements must be met: (1) good conduct, (2) independent livelihood, and (3)compatibility with the national interest. However, the requirements in (1) and (2) are not required for spouses of Japanese nationals, permanent residents, or special permanent residents.
(1) Good conduct,
None of the following must apply.
a. Persons who have been sentenced to imprisonment, imprisonment, or a fine for violating the laws of Japan. However, in cases where a person has been sentenced to a suspended sentence of execution and the period of said suspended sentence of execution has elapsed without being revoked, and another five years have elapsed thereafter, the person shall be treated as not falling under this item.
In addition, cases in which the extinction of punishment is applied under the following criminal law provisions will also be treated as not applicable.
(a) When a person who has completed the execution of a sentence of imprisonment or severer punishment, or has obtained a release from the execution of such sentence, and ten years have passed without the person being sentenced to a fine or severer punishment, the pronouncement of the sentence shall cease to be effective.
The same shall apply to a person who has completed the execution of a sentence of a fine or less, or obtained exemption from the execution of such sentence, when five years have passed without the person being sentenced to a fine or more.
(b) When two years have elapsed without a person who has been granted immunity from punishment being sentenced to a fine or severer punishment after the granting of such immunity becomes final and binding, the granting of immunity from punishment shall cease to be effective.
When two years have elapsed without a person who has been granted immunity from punishment being sentenced to a fine or severer punishment after the granting of such immunity becomes final and binding, the granting of immunity from punishment shall cease to be effective.
b. Persons who are still under protective measures under the Juvenile Law
c. Those who have special circumstances that prevent them from being recognized as having good conduct, such as repeatedly committing illegal acts or disturbing public morals in daily life or social life.
(2) Possess assets or skills sufficient to earn an independent living
The person must not be a burden to the public in their daily life and must be expected to have a stable life in the future in view of their occupation or the assets they have.
The independent livelihood requirement does not necessarily need to be fulfilled by the applicant himself/herself, but if it is recognized that the applicant and his/her spouse can continue to lead a stable life when viewed as a household unit, the applicant will be treated as conforming to the requirement. However, even if the household income itself is sufficient, it is unlikely that the spouse will be recognized as being able to continue a stable lifestyle if the spouse is a part-time employee.
In principle, the period for verifying past income is the most recent five years.
(3) Conform to the interests of Japan.
　A. The person must be recognized as a member of the Japanese community for a long period of time.
(A) Must have been granted a period of stay of at least three years.
(B) As a general rule, the applicant must have resided in Japan for 10 years or more, and must have resided in Japan for 5 years or more with the status of employment or residence (excluding “Technical Intern Training” and “Specified Skilled WorkerⅠ”).
The main exceptions to the shortened period of stay requirement are as follows
a. In the case of spouses of Japanese nationals, permanent residents, and special permanent residents, it is sufficient that they have been married for at least three years and have resided in Japan for at least one year.
In the case of the biological child of a Japanese national, permanent resident, or special permanent resident, the child must have resided in Japan continuously for at least one year. However, the residency requirement is not required for those who acquire status of residence due to birth.
b. Reside in Japan for 5 years or more with " Long-Term Resident ".
c. At least three years have passed since obtaining 70 or more points in the point calculation of Highly Skilled Professional, or at least one year has passed since obtaining 80 or more points.
d. Those who are recognized as contributing to Japan in the fields of diplomacy, society, economy, culture, etc., and have resided in Japan for 5 years or more.
(C) Fulfillment of public obligations such as tax payment, public pension, medical insurance, and notification obligations under the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act, and compliance with laws and regulations
The period subject to confirmation of tax payment is the most recent five years, except in cases where the residency requirement is shortened.
The period subject to confirmation of payment of public pension and medical insurance premiums is the most recent two years, except in cases where the residency requirement is less than two years.
If the application is rejected due to non-payment of taxes and insurance premiums for the period subject to confirmation, the requirement for compliance with the national interest will not be satisfied even if the applicant reapplies after making additional payments for the non-payment. Therefore, it is necessary to reapply when the public obligation has been properly fulfilled for the newly calculated period subject to confirmation.

Fees for “Permanent Resident”

Basic fee (excluding tax)	Remarks (legal expenses, etc.)
170,000yen	80,000yen for advance payment. 8,000yen for the legal cost

*Information publicized by the Ministry of Justice
1. Guideline for Permanent Resident
https://www.isa.go.jp/en/publications/materials/nyukan_nyukan50.html
2. Permission for permanent residence based on applicants’ contribution to Japan
https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/content/930003503.pdf(Guidelines) https://www.isa.go.jp/en/publications/materials/nyukan_nyukan16.html(Actual cases)