Permanent Residency in Japan: Relaxation of Requirements (2024)

FAQs

What is the requirement for permanent residency in Japan? ›

10 years of consecutive residence in Japan, which should include 5 years of residence under a work visa or those granted according to the family status (Spouse of Japanese national, Long Term Resident...) Currently having the longest period of stay (3 years in most cases)

You can also boost your score by proving knowledge of the Japanese language. To qualify for permanent residency within one to five years of living in Japan, you will need to score a minimum of 70 points. Those with a score of 80 points or higher are eligible to obtain permanent residency after just one year.

However, this depends on where you come from. But, if you want to move to Japan permanently, you will need to apply for a long-term stay visa at the Japanese diplomatic missions (embassy/consulate) in your home country to enter Japan. Once you get the status of a permanent resident in Japan, it will be indefinite.

Buying Property Doesn't Give You A Visa

First and foremost, buying a house in Japan does NOT help you acquire a visa or permanent resident status. The residency process is the same whether you own property or not.

Tokyo High Court ruling supports Japan's ban on dual citizenship. Article 11 of the nationality law states: “If a Japanese citizen acquires the nationality of a foreign country of their own choice, that Japanese citizen loses Japanese nationality.”

Naturalization is a process that confers nationality upon those who are not nationals and wish to acquire nationality. In Japan, the permission for naturalization is under the authority of the Minister of Justice (Article 4 of the Japanese Nationality Act).

A person who already stayid in Japan and would like to extend stay for long period of time can apply for permanent resident visa. You can get permission to live in Japan with no period, without changing your nationality.

Can an American move to Japan? Yes. You can move to Japan from the US. You'll need to apply for the relevant visa for your situation, at the Japanese Embassy or Consulate² which is closest to your home.

Japan is a stunning destination and highly sought after by Americans who want to retire abroad. It is very difficult to gain residency in Japan, but if you do, it can be a great place to retire. The healthcare system is one of the best in the world.

How long can you live in Japan without citizenship? ›

Most statuses of residence allow you to stay in Japan for a period between three months and five years. If you wish to stay longer, you must apply for an extension at an immigration bureau inside Japan before the expiry date of your current residence permission.

You must have a valid passport and an onward/return ticket for tourist/business "visa free" stays of up to 90 days. Your passport must be valid for the entire time you are staying in Japan.

Flat 35 is a fully fixed interest rate housing loan provided by the Japan Housing Finance Agency in collaboration with private financial institutions. Applications are received at these partnering financial institutions.

There are no legal restrictions for foreigners renting or buying a property in Japan. However, the process and requirements can be complicated. If you are planning on buying a property, please make sure to reach out for legal advice.

Portugal has a warm climate and a much lower cost of living than the US, which makes it one of the easiest countries to immigrate to from the US. Portugal is well known for its beautiful beaches, rich culture and history, and vibrant cities.

Cambodia is one of the easiest and cheapest countries for immigration. The only thing you need to do to get a residency there is to pay a fee for the required number of months. For 12-months, the sum is $285. Another easy country to move to is Portugal.

How to move to Japan from the US- The Visas. Japan is all about working, and you would have to get a job in Japan in order to get a visa. You can do this by applying for a Japanese company, and getting a job with them. The company will start the process of visa application for you.

Dual citizens should carry both valid passports (U.S. and Japan) at all times when traveling to/from the U.S. The dual citizen must present the Japanese passport when going through Japanese immigration and the U.S. passport at U.S. immigration.

Dual Nationality by Birth

Individuals can acquire dual US/Japan citizenship by either: being born in the US with at least one Japanese parent, or. being born in another country with one Japanese parent, and one US citizen parent who was present in the US for a certain period of time before the birth.

Does the US allow dual citizenship? ›

If you qualify for dual citizenship, you must first immigrate to the U.S. Then you must become a permanent U.S. resident before being eligible for U.S. citizenship. Learn more about immigrating to the U.S. And find out how to become a permanent resident.

The decision by the high court endorsed a district court ruling in January 2021 that deemed dual citizenship “could cause conflict in the rights and obligations between countries, as well as between the individual and the state.”

Unlike some Asian countries, relocating to Japan is not difficult as long as you are prepared. This means having all of the right documents together before you even board your flight to the island nation. What do you need for a Japanese relocation?

Japan has the longest process to provide citizenship to any foreigner. If you want to have citizenship in japan, you must have lived in the country for about 5 years and taken permission from the Justice Minister. It requires lots of paperwork and a long process of around 6-12 months.

Naturalization is the process of becoming a Japanese citizen. Permanent residency and status of residence are procedures that allow you to continue living in Japan as a foreigner, but naturalization allows you to obtain citizenship as a Japanese citizen and of course continue living in Japan.

In general, US expats living in Japan are required to file tax returns with both the US and Japanese governments. As a US citizen, you are required to file a US Federal Tax Return every year, regardless of where you live or work.

On average, rent in Japan is cheaper than the US; monthly costs for three-bedroom apartments tend to range around 60,000 yen ($450), whereas family rent in the US can rise to more than $2,000.

While you work—If your work is covered by both the U.S. and Japanese Social Security systems, you (and your employer, if you are employed) would normally have to pay Social Security taxes to both countries for the same work.

In Japan, unlike other countries, there are no restrictions for foreigners based on whether or not they have permanent resident status, Japanese nationality, or based on their visa type. This means that foreigners are allowed to own both land and buildings in Japan as real estate properties.

Countries Natixis ranked as secure retirement locations are mostly concentrated in Europe but also include New Zealand and Australia. The top three countries in the rankings are Norway, Switzerland and Iceland, all of which have life expectancies of 83 years, compared to 77 in the U.S. and the world average of 72.

Does Japan offer a retirement visa? ›

Japan does not offer a “retiree” visa and instead retirees should enter Japan on some other visa (perhaps on a cultural visa – which is longer term than a standard tourist visa – to study zen or another art), live here for a number of years, and then apply for a long term resident visa (after seven years of residence ...

Also, regardless of nationality, all residents in Japan are required to pay national taxes (such as income tax, sales tax, etc.) and local taxes (such as residence tax, etc.). In order for you to reside in Japan, you will need a status of residence.

Longer Stays with an appropriate visa such as a work visa

If you will be staying longer than 90 days with an appropriate visa, you must register your address with your residence's municipal office and obtain a Resident Card (“Zairyu Card”) from regional immigration offices.

To work in Japan as an American citizen, you will need to apply for a special working visa. If this is your first time applying for a job in Japan, contact the Japanese embassy in your country to get more information about the visas available for US citizens and start preparing your application.

A person who already stayid in Japan and would like to extend stay for long period of time can apply for permanent resident visa. You can get permission to live in Japan with no period, without changing your nationality.

The decision by the high court endorsed a district court ruling in January 2021 that deemed dual citizenship “could cause conflict in the rights and obligations between countries, as well as between the individual and the state.”

How to move to Japan from the US- The Visas. Japan is all about working, and you would have to get a job in Japan in order to get a visa. You can do this by applying for a Japanese company, and getting a job with them. The company will start the process of visa application for you.

Unlike some Asian countries, relocating to Japan is not difficult as long as you are prepared. This means having all of the right documents together before you even board your flight to the island nation. What do you need for a Japanese relocation?

Japan is a stunning destination and highly sought after by Americans who want to retire abroad. It is very difficult to gain residency in Japan, but if you do, it can be a great place to retire. The healthcare system is one of the best in the world.

In Japan, unlike other countries, there are no restrictions for foreigners based on whether or not they have permanent resident status, Japanese nationality, or based on their visa type. This means that foreigners are allowed to own both land and buildings in Japan as real estate properties.

Why is it hard to get citizenship in Japan? ›

Japan is one of the difficult countries in the world for foreigners because of strict immigration policies and a low acceptance rate for foreign citizens seeking permanent residency or citizenship. Foreigners can acquire japanese citizenship by marriage or naturalization.

The average monthly cost of living in Japan is around $2000 For the Local Natives. Expats and Digital Nomads will spend more to keep up with their living standards of around $1100 to $2000 per month while Living in Japan.