What is a “long-term resident” status? Requirements and how to apply for a permanent resident status in Japan.

What is a “long-term resident” status?

The status of residence “long-term resident” is granted by the Ministry of Justice only to those who are permitted to reside in Japan for special reasons. It is also one of the statuses of residence called “status-based visa” because it is a status of residence based on one’s status, such as being a third-generation Japanese American or a spouse of a permanent resident.
The period of stay can be either five years, three years, one year, six months, or a period of stay that does not exceed five years, as designated individually by the Ministry of Justice.

What are the special circumstances that qualify as a “long-term resident”?

Circumstances in which the status of residence “long-term resident” is granted are as follows:

• Grandparents or parents who have renounced their Japanese citizenship (so-called Nikkei)
• Marrying a “permanent resident”
• A refugee as recognized by the government
• Divorcing or bereaved by a Japanese spouse and still wishing to stay in Japan
• A child born abroad from a former spouse living together with a Japanese spouse.

As shown above, these are mainly obtained through bloodline or marriage and is not a status of residence that everyone can obtain.

Working as a “long-term resident”

The “long-term resident” status permits you to work and imposes no limitations on the extent of your employment. In other words, neither the nature nor the hours of work are restricted. Simple labor, as well as part-time work are also permitted.

Application for “long-term resident” Status

Foreign nationals seeking “long-term resident” status should ensure that they meet the special criteria outlined above. Additionally, it is required to prepare documents demonstrating the unique conditions. The conditions for acquiring a residence permit also vary according to the circumstances, which is why it is critical to prepare extensively before applying.

Conclusion

We have discussed the details and conditions of the “long-term resident” status of residency in this article. Due to the fact that “long-term resident” status is highly dependent on blood relations, among others, collecting the appropriate documents can be a hassle.
If you have any questions about acquiring a residence status in Japan, please feel free to contact us. We provide a comprehensive all-in-one visa solution for foreigners.