Permanent Residency (Eijuuken) is the ultimate goal for many expats. We explain the standard 10-year path and the "fast track" points system.

Permanent Residency (PR) frees you from visa renewals and allows you to work any job (or no job). Here is how to get permanent residency in Japan.

Path 1: The Standard Route (10 Years)

• Requirement: Live in Japan for 10 consecutive years.
• Work: At least 5 of those years must be on a work visa.
• Conduct: No criminal record (even traffic violations can hurt).
• Financial: Stable income (usually 3 million JPY+ per year).
• Taxes: ALL taxes and pension must be paid on time. One late payment can result in rejection.

Path 2: The Spousal Route (3 Years)

• Requirement: Married to a Japanese national (or PR holder) for 3 years.
• Residency: Lived in Japan for at least 1 year.
• Benefit: Much faster than the standard route.

Path 3: The HSP Points System (1 or 3 Years)

If you are a "Highly Skilled Professional" (HSP), you can skip the line.

• 80 Points: You can apply for PR after just 1 year.
• 70 Points: You can apply for PR after 3 years.
• How to get points: High salary, advanced degree (Masters/PhD), young age, Japanese language ability (N1/N2).

👉 Next Step: Fastest Way to Get Japanese Citizenship (Naturalization)

Why Apply?

• Mortgages: Easier to get a home loan.
• Security: You can stay in Japan even if you lose your job or get divorced.
• Credit: Easier to get credit cards and loans.