Visa Types
Japan Permanent Residency Guide
How you can immigrate to Japan, how to protect yourself from Fraud and What to expect after you arrive in Japan.
Key Points for Japan PR Visa >>>
Do you need a visa to travel to Japan?
Yes, Indians need visa to travel to Japan.
Japan visa application is made online or offline?
The visa application form and file submission, including all needed papers, are done offline.
Do I need to give biometrics?
Yes, biometrics are required for obtain a visa.
Is there an interview required to obtain a Japan visa?
No, an interview is not usually required to obtain an Japan visa, but it may vary.
The embassy may interview you by phone or in person.
What is the maximum length of stay permitted on a PR visa?
You can live indefinitely on a permanent resident (PR) visa.
What kind of visa will we acquire from Japan?
It will be a physical sticker visa, which will be affixed to a page in your passport.
Current Visa fees: (Updated on 16-10-2023)
For a single-entry visa: 3,000 YEN
For a double-entry or multiple-entry visa: 6,000 YEN
For a transit visa: 700 YEN
For Fee Details: Click here
Step-by-step guide
Let us walk you through the process
- Before applying for a visa to Japan, it is crucial to identify the specific visa type that aligns with your purpose of travel, such as a tourist visa, work visa, or student visa.
- Understanding the requirements and eligibility criteria for each visa type is essential to ensure a successful application process.
- By accurately identifying the appropriate visa type, you can streamline your application process and increase the chances of obtaining a visa to Japan.
When you're ready to apply, download the visa application form, fill it out, print it, and take it with you to the Visa Application Centre along with the required documents for the chosen visa category.
- After filling out your visa form, you must schedule an appointment at the Visa Application Centre to submit your application.
- Once you have booked your appointment, you will receive a confirmation email and a letter of appointment.
- If you are part of a family or group, each member needs to book a separate appointment.
- Once you have submitted your application, you will be required to pay the visa application fee.
- If you choose to download the form and bring it to the Visa Application Centre, you can make the payment during your appointment.
- The visa fee must be paid at the Visa Application Centre in person.
At the Visa Application Centre, several steps will take place upon your arrival. Here's what typically happens at a Visa Application Centre.
- Once the decision on your visa application is returned to the Visa Application Centre, you will receive an email update.
- You can also track your visa application status online using the Reference Number provided on the invoice/receipt issued by the Visa Application Centre, along with your date of birth.
Once approved, you'll get your e-visa electronically (From April 1, 2024). E-visas are usually processed faster than regular visas. If you have an eVisa, you must show the "visa issuance notice" on your mobile device at the airport, but you need internet access to do so. PDFs, photos, screenshots, or printed copies won't be accepted.
Click here to learn how to show the "visa issuance notice" on your phone.
DOCUMENT CHECKLIST
When applying for a PR visa to Japan, you will generally need to provide a comprehensive set of documents to support your application. The following checklist covers the most common documents needed:
- Application Form for Permanent Residency: Obtain the application form from the Immigration Bureau of Japan or their official website.
- Passport: Provide a copy of your valid passport with a valid residence card.
- Residence Card: Include a copy of your valid residence card.
- Photographs: Provide recent passport-sized photographs as per the specifications mentioned on the application form or on the Immigration Bureau's website.
- Employment History: Include documentation of your employment history in Japan, such as employment contracts, tax certificates, or proof of income.
- Tax Payment Certificate: Obtain a tax payment certificate (Nozei Shoumei) from the tax office indicating that you have been paying taxes properly.
- Income Statements: Provide income statements for the past several years, such as tax returns or salary statements.
- Proof of Financial Stability: Provide bank statements, investment account statements, or any other documents that demonstrate your financial stability and ability to support yourself in Japan.
- Education and Qualifications: Include copies of your educational certificates, degrees, and qualifications.
- Family Register: Provide a copy of your family register (Koseki Tohon) or equivalent document indicating your family background and relationships.
- Proof of Japanese Language Proficiency: Include certificates or documentation demonstrating your Japanese language proficiency, such as JLPT (Japanese Language Proficiency Test) results or certificates from Japanese language schools.
- Certificate of Residence (Juminhyo): Provide a certificate of residence obtained from the municipal office where you live in Japan.
- Health Certificate: Obtain a health certificate from a designated medical institution certifying that you are not suffering from any contagious diseases.
- Criminal Record Check: Include a criminal record check issued by the relevant authorities in your home country and any other countries where you have resided for a significant period.
- Recommendation Letters (Optional): You may include recommendation letters from individuals or organizations that can support your application for permanent residency.
Note: Please note that this is a general document checklist, and specific requirements may vary depending on your circumstances and the immigration office's guidelines. It is advisable to consult the Immigration Bureau of Japan or seek professional assistance to ensure you have all the necessary documents and meet the requirements for permanent residency.
- Regular Permanent Resident (定住者, Teijusha):
- Application for Permanent Residence
- Residence Card
- Passport (copy)
- Photographs
- Proof of residence in Japan for the required period (usually 10 years or more)
- Certificate of Employment or Income Statements
- Tax Payment Certificate (Nozei Shoumei)
- Proof of Financial Stability
- Health Certificate
- Criminal Record Check
- Other supporting documents as required
- Highly Skilled Professional (特定技能, Tokutei Gino):
- Application for Permanent Residence
- Residence Card
- Passport (copy)
- Photographs
- Proof of residence in Japan for the required period (minimum of 3 years for highly skilled professionals)
- Highly Skilled Professional Evaluation Sheet (scored by points)
- Proof of Financial Stability
- Health Certificate
- Criminal Record Check
- Other supporting documents as required
- Spouse or Child of Japanese National (日本人の配偶者・子等, Nihonjin no Haigūsha / Koto):
- Application for Permanent Residence
- Residence Card
- Passport (copy)
- Photographs
- Proof of relationship (e.g., marriage certificate or birth certificate)
- Proof of residence in Japan (if applicable)
- Proof of Financial Stability
- Health Certificate
- Criminal Record Check
- Other supporting documents as required
- Long-Term Resident (永住者, Eijusha):
- Application for Permanent Residence
- Residence Card
- Passport (copy)
- Photographs
- Proof of residence in Japan for a significant period
- Proof of Financial Stability
- Health Certificate
- Criminal Record Check
- Other supporting documents as required
- Investor/Business Manager (投資家・経営者, Tōshika / Keieisha):
- Application for Permanent Residence
- Residence Card
- Passport (copy)
- Photographs
- Proof of investment or business activities in Japan
- Proof of Financial Stability
- Business-related documents (e.g., business plan, financial statements)
- Health Certificate
- Criminal Record Check
- Other supporting documents as required
- Refugees (難民認定者, Nanmin Nintei-sha):
- Application for Permanent Residence
- Residence Card
- Passport (copy)
- Photographs
- Refugee recognition certificate issued by the Japanese government
- Proof of Financial Stability
- Health Certificate
- Criminal Record Check
- Other supporting documents as required
Note: Please note that the document requirements may vary based on individual circumstances and the discretion of the immigration authorities. It is advisable to consult the official website of the Immigration Bureau of Japan or seek professional advice to ensure you have all the necessary documents and meet the specific requirements for each type of permanent residency application.
VISA APPLICATION FORMS
Before submitting your visa application, please ensure to review the list of required documents. The guidelines provided on this website will assist you in preparing your documents accurately. By following these guidelines, you can minimize the risk of your visa application being rejected due to incorrect or insufficient documents.
Download National visa application form:
Note: It’s important to note that visa requirements and procedures may change over time. Therefore, we always recommend visiting the Japanese embassy or consulate in your country for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding the application process for a Japanese permanent Residence visa from India.
VISA APPLICATION GUIDELINES:
The process for applying for a Japanese Permanent Residence visa from India typically involves the following steps:
- Eligibility Assessment: Determine if you meet the eligibility criteria for PR, which usually includes residing in Japan for a specific period, having stable employment or income, and meeting certain residency requirements.
- Document Preparation: Gather the required documents, which may include a valid passport, residence card, employment records, tax certificates, income statements, proof of Japanese language proficiency, family register, and other supporting documents.
- Application Submission: Submit your PR application at the nearest Immigration Bureau of Japan or regional immigration office. Fill out the application form and provide all the necessary documents as per the requirements.
- Application Processing: The immigration authorities will review your application and conduct background checks. This process may take several months, and additional documents or information may be requested.
- Interview and Examination: If deemed necessary, you may be called for an interview or examination to further assess your eligibility for PR. This could involve an interview with an immigration officer or a language and knowledge test.
- Decision and Notification: Once your application is processed, you will receive a notification regarding the decision on your PR application. If approved, you will be granted a Certificate of Eligibility for Permanent Residence.
- Issuance of Residence Card: Upon receiving the Certificate of Eligibility, visit the local municipal office to update your status and obtain a new residence card indicating your PR status.
Note: It's important to note that the specific requirements and procedures for applying for PR may vary depending on individual circumstances and the discretion of immigration authorities. It is recommended to consult with the nearest Immigration Bureau of Japan or an immigration lawyer for detailed guidance and assistance throughout the PR application process.
- Regular Permanent Resident (定住者, Teijusha): This refers to individuals who have resided in Japan for a specified period, typically 10 years, and meet the necessary requirements to obtain permanent residency. Regular permanent residents have the right to live and work indefinitely in Japan and enjoy many of the same benefits and protections as Japanese citizens.
- Highly Skilled Professional (特定技能, Tokutei Gino): This category is designed for individuals with exceptional skills, knowledge, or achievements in specific fields such as academia, research, business, arts, or sports. Highly skilled professionals may be eligible for a fast-track PR application process, extended visa periods, and other preferential treatment.
- Spouse or Child of Japanese National (日本人の配偶者・子等, Nihonjin no Haigūsha / Koto): This category applies to foreign spouses or children of Japanese nationals. It allows them to obtain permanent residency based on their family relationship with a Japanese citizen.
- Long-Term Resident (永住者, Eijusha): Long-term residents are individuals who have been living in Japan for an extended period under various visa statuses, such as work visa, student visa, or other legal residency categories. After fulfilling the necessary requirements, they can apply for permanent residency to live and work indefinitely in Japan.
- Investor/Business Manager (投資家・経営者, Tōshika / Keieisha): This category is for individuals who invest a significant amount of capital or engage in business management activities in Japan. It allows them to obtain permanent residency based on their contribution to the Japanese economy and business sector.
- Refugees (難民認定者, Nanmin Nintei-sha): Refugees are individuals who have been recognized by the Japanese government as facing a well-founded fear of persecution or danger in their home country. They are granted residency in Japan under the refugee status and may eventually become eligible for permanent residency.
Note: These categories represent different pathways to obtaining permanent residency in Japan, each with its own specific requirements and conditions. It is essential to consult with the nearest Immigration Bureau of Japan or an immigration lawyer for accurate and up-to-date information regarding the specific criteria and procedures for each category.
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The eligibility criteria for applying for Permanent Residence (PR) visa in Japan typically include the following:
- Residency Period: Generally, you must have resided in Japan for a certain number of years continuously and lawfully. The required residency period varies depending on the circumstances, such as 10 years for regular permanent residency or shorter periods for certain categories like highly skilled professionals or individuals with exceptional abilities.
- Employment or Income Stability: Demonstrating stable employment or income is often a requirement. This can be shown through employment records, tax certificates, income statements, and other relevant documents.
- Good Conduct: Applicants should have a clean criminal record and have not engaged in any activities that would be considered harmful to public order or national security.
- Tax and Social Insurance Payments: It is generally expected that applicants have been fulfilling their tax obligations and contributing to social insurance systems.
- Knowledge of Japanese Language and Society: While not a strict requirement for all categories, having a basic level of proficiency in the Japanese language and knowledge of Japanese society and culture is beneficial and may be considered favorably.
- Contribution to Japan: In some cases, applicants who have made significant contributions to Japan's economy, academia, culture, or society may be eligible for PR even if they do not meet the standard residency requirements.
Note: It's important to note that the eligibility requirements and specific criteria can vary depending on the type of PR visa sought and individual circumstances. It is recommended to consult with the nearest Immigration Bureau of Japan or an immigration lawyer for accurate and up-to-date information regarding the specific eligibility requirements for the Permanent Residence visa category you are interested in.