See at a glance which residence statuses can be changed into which, with the main requirements and documents. Colors show difficulty by the type of official requirements.
Highlights:Where to goDocumentsAmountsDeadlines
What the colors mean (by type of official requirements)
●Family relationship：Mainly whether a family relationship such as marriage or parent-child is genuine
◆Qualification requirements：Education/work history, tests, an employment contract or similar must be met
▲Several strict requirements：Years of residence, income, full payment of taxes and pension, points, etc. are all required
✕In principle no direct change：In principle you must first return home, etc.; allowed only in special circumstances
Hover over (or tap) a status on the map to highlight the routes from it; tap an arrow, a cell in the table below, or a card to see the requirements and documents.
↔ The map can be scrolled sideways
Conversion table
Rows are your current status; columns are the status you want. Color and shape show the requirement type. A blank cell only means this site has not covered it yet, not that the change is impossible. Tap a cell for details.
Now ＼ Want
家族滞在家族滞在 (Dependent)
技術・人文知識・国際業務技術・人文知識・国際業務 (Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services)
特定技能特定技能 (Specified Skilled Worker)
経営・管理経営・管理 (Business Manager)
高度専門職高度専門職 (Highly Skilled Professional)
日本人の配偶者等日本人の配偶者等 (Spouse or Child of Japanese National)
永住者の配偶者等永住者の配偶者等 (Spouse or Child of Permanent Resident)
定住者定住者 (Long-Term Resident)
永住者永住者 (Permanent Resident)
帰化帰化
留学留学 (Student)
技能実習技能実習 (Technical Intern Training)
家族滞在家族滞在 (Dependent)
—
技術・人文知識・国際業務技術・人文知識・国際業務 (Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services)
—
特定技能特定技能 (Specified Skilled Worker)
—
経営・管理経営・管理 (Business Manager)
—
高度専門職高度専門職 (Highly Skilled Professional)
—
日本人の配偶者等日本人の配偶者等 (Spouse or Child of Japanese National)
—
永住者の配偶者等永住者の配偶者等 (Spouse or Child of Permanent Resident)
—
定住者定住者 (Long-Term Resident)
—
永住者永住者 (Permanent Resident)
—
No routes match. A combination with no arrow on the map is either not yet covered by this site or not applicable in principle.
As the spouse or child of a work visa holder etc., change to 「家族滞在」
Main requirements
The applicant is the spouse or child of the supporting person, is supported by them, and engages in daily activities in Japan.
The supporting person must hold one of: 教授, 芸術, 宗教, 報道, 高度専門職, 経営・管理, 法律・会計業務, 医療, 研究, 教育, 技術・人文知識・国際業務, 企業内転勤, 介護, 興行, 技能, 特定技能２号, 文化活動 or 留学.
「特定技能１号」 holders in principle cannot bring family members; 「技能実習」 is also not among the eligible statuses for the supporting person.
If the supporting person is an international student, this is limited to those receiving education at a university, junior college, etc., a 高専, or the specialized course of a 専修学校, etc. (excluding those receiving only Japanese language education).
Proof of the supporting person's occupation and income (在職証明書, 住民税課税・納税証明書, etc.) must be submitted; if the supporting person does not engage in income-earning activities, submit a bank balance certificate in their name, a scholarship certificate, etc.
Note：「家族滞在」 holders cannot engage in income-earning activities; part-time work requires a separate 資格外活動許可. For spouses, children, etc. who already hold 「家族滞在」 when the family member changes from 「留学」 to 「特定技能１号」, the 出入国在留管理庁 states that a change to 「特定活動」 may be permitted on humanitarian grounds.
Main documents
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📍 出入国在留管理庁 (immigration)
📍 You prepare it⏳ Taken within 6 months before the submission date
Not required for those under 1 year old on the date the residence card is issued (required for age 1 and over for cards issued on or after June 14, 2026)
📍 You prepare it
To be presented
📍 Other
Any one of: 戸籍謄本, 婚姻届受理証明書, 結婚証明書 (copy), 出生証明書 (copy), etc.
📍 You prepare it
Only if the supporting person engages in an income-earning business or paid activities
📍 Your employer (organization)💴 The official page does not state a fee.⏳ When submitted to Immigration, it must be within 3 months of the issue date (出入国在留管理庁; certificate issued in Japan).
The page states 「在職証明書又は営業許可書の写し等」; a document showing the supporting person's occupation is sufficient.
Only if the supporting person runs a business and proves their occupation with a copy of a business license
📍 You prepare it
Only if the supporting person engages in an income-earning business or paid activities
📍 City/ward office (市区町村)⏳ Within 3 months of the issue date (certificate issued in Japan)
Certificates for the supporting person; a single certificate stating both the total income for the year and the tax payment status is sufficient.
International students who find a job in Japan after graduating apply for a change based on how their academic background relates to their duties
Main requirements
For work requiring technology or knowledge in the natural sciences or humanities: must have graduated from a university having majored in a related subject (or received equivalent or higher education), or have completed a specialized course at a 専修学校 in Japan having majored in a related subject (meeting the 告示 requirements), or have 10 or more years of practical experience (except for IT work by those who have passed an exam or hold a qualification designated by 告示).
For work requiring a foreign cultural background, such as translation, interpreting, language instruction, public relations and overseas trade: must have 3 or more years of related practical experience; this does not apply to university graduates engaged in translation, interpreting or language instruction.
Must engage in the above work under a contract with a public or private organization in Japan, with remuneration equal to or greater than what a Japanese national would receive for the same work.
When changing from 「留学」 as a graduate (or expected graduate) of a Japanese university (including graduate schools and junior colleges), a graduate of an excellent overseas university, etc., materials may be omitted under カテゴリー２ (except for dispatch arrangements).
Note：The above are the materials for カテゴリー３ (organizations that submitted the previous year's 法定調書合計表); カテゴリー１・２ in principle need only the application form, photo, documents proving the category, etc., while カテゴリー４ also needs materials explaining why the 法定調書合計表 cannot be submitted. Employment under a dispatch arrangement additionally requires a dispatch pledge, etc. When the カテゴリー２ omission conditions are met, attach the 「提出書類省略に関する説明書」. For those wishing to start work in April, the 入管 asks that applications be filed between December 1 and the end of January; after the examination is completed, once you have graduated (received your diploma) you must bring the materials to the 地方出入国在留管理局 to receive your new residence card.
Main documents
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📍 出入国在留管理庁 (immigration)
📍 You prepare it⏳ Taken within 6 months before the submission date
📍 You prepare it
📍 Your employer (organization)
Material proving that the affiliated organization falls under カテゴリー３.
📍 Your employer (organization)
📍 You prepare it
Only for 専門学校 graduates who obtained the 専門士 or 高度専門士 title
📍 Your school
📍 Legal Affairs Bureau (法務局)⏳ Within 3 months of the issue date (certificate issued in Japan)
📍 Your employer (organization)
📍 Your employer (organization)
For a newly established business, submit a business plan.
📍 Your employer (organization)
Only for those mainly using language ability in customer-facing work (e.g., translation/interpreting, hotel front desk and other customer service)
📍 You prepare it
Only the main documents are listed here; see the official page for the full list and the latest forms.
家族滞在 (Dependent)／特定技能 (Specified Skilled Worker)→→技術・人文知識・国際業務 (Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services)
Apply for a change after finding professional work that matches your academic background and work history
Main requirements
For work requiring technology or knowledge in the natural sciences or humanities: must have graduated from a university having majored in a related subject (or received equivalent or higher education), or have completed a specialized course at a 専修学校 in Japan having majored in a related subject (meeting the 告示 requirements), or have 10 or more years of practical experience (except for IT work by those who have passed an exam or hold a qualification designated by 告示).
For work requiring a foreign cultural background, such as translation, interpreting, language instruction, public relations and overseas trade: must have 3 or more years of related practical experience; this does not apply to university graduates engaged in translation, interpreting or language instruction.
Must engage in the above work under a contract with a public or private organization in Japan, with remuneration equal to or greater than what a Japanese national would receive for the same work.
Note：The above are the materials for カテゴリー３ (organizations that submitted the previous year's 法定調書合計表); カテゴリー１・２ in principle need only the application form, photo, documents proving the category, etc., while カテゴリー４ also needs materials explaining why the 法定調書合計表 cannot be submitted. Employment under a dispatch arrangement additionally requires a dispatch pledge, etc.
Main documents
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📍 出入国在留管理庁 (immigration)
📍 You prepare it⏳ Taken within 6 months before the submission date
📍 You prepare it
📍 Your employer (organization)
Material proving that the affiliated organization falls under カテゴリー３.
📍 Your employer (organization)
📍 You prepare it
Only for 専門学校 graduates who obtained the 専門士 or 高度専門士 title
📍 Your school
📍 Legal Affairs Bureau (法務局)⏳ Within 3 months of the issue date (certificate issued in Japan)
📍 Your employer (organization)
📍 Your employer (organization)
For a newly established business, submit a business plan.
📍 Your employer (organization)
Only for those mainly using language ability in customer-facing work (e.g., translation/interpreting, hotel front desk and other customer service)
📍 You prepare it
Only the main documents are listed here; see the official page for the full list and the latest forms.
日本人の配偶者等 (Spouse or Child of Japanese National)／永住者の配偶者等 (Spouse or Child of Permanent Resident)→→技術・人文知識・国際業務 (Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services)
Find a job after divorce etc. and change to 「技術・人文知識・国際業務」
Main requirements
Same requirements as 「技術・人文知識・国際業務」: engaging, under a contract with a public or private organization in Japan, in work requiring technology or knowledge in the natural sciences or humanities, or a foreign cultural way of thinking or sensibility.
Academic background/work history: graduation from a university in a related field or equivalent or higher education, completion of a related course at a 専修学校 in Japan, or 10 or more years of practical experience; translation, interpreting, language instruction, etc. require 3 or more years of related practical experience (except for university graduates engaged in translation, interpreting or language instruction).
Remuneration no less than what a Japanese national would receive for the same work.
The circumstances of stay are also considered: among the ISA's non-permission cases, there is an example where an application to change to this status after divorce was denied because the circumstances of stay were found problematic due to a criminal conviction.
Note：The above are the materials for カテゴリー3 (organizations that submitted the previous year's 法定調書合計表); カテゴリー1・2 in principle need only documents proving the category, while カテゴリー4 also needs materials explaining why the 法定調書合計表 cannot be submitted, etc.
Main documents
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📍 出入国在留管理庁 (immigration)
Use the application form on the 「技術・人文知識・国際業務」 page.
📍 You prepare it⏳ Taken within 6 months before the submission date
Not required for those under 1 year old on the date the residence card is issued (required for age 1 and over for cards issued on or after June 14, 2026)
📍 You prepare it
To be presented
📍 Your employer (organization)
Proves that the affiliated organization falls under カテゴリー3.
📍 Your employer (organization)
📍 You prepare it
📍 Legal Affairs Bureau (法務局)⏳ Within 3 months of the issue date (certificate issued in Japan)
📍 Your employer (organization)
📍 Your employer (organization)
For a new business, submit a business plan.
📍 Your employer (organization)
Only when using language ability in customer-facing work
📍 You prepare it
Only the main documents are listed here; see the official page for the full list and the latest forms.
留学 (Student)／技術・人文知識・国際業務 (Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services)／家族滞在 (Dependent)→→特定技能 (Specified Skilled Worker)
After passing the skills test for the field and a Japanese test, change to 特定技能1号
Main requirements
Age 18 or over; there is no academic requirement, but you must pass the skills test for the field and a Japanese test (日本語能力試験 N4 or above, or 国際交流基金日本語基礎テスト; some fields have additional requirements).
Must work under a 特定技能 employment contract concluded with the 特定技能 affiliated organization, with remuneration equal to or greater than that of a Japanese national doing the same work.
The affiliated organization must prepare a 1号特定技能外国人支援計画 (which may be entirely entrusted to a 登録支援機関) and meet the standards for affiliated organizations.
The total period of stay in 「特定技能１号」 is in principle no more than 5 years.
Note：Materials follow the submission document lists on the 「特定技能」 page: Table 1 (applicant), Table 2 (affiliated organization) and Table 3 (each field). Nationals of Cambodia, Thailand and Vietnam also need the procedural documents prescribed by bilateral agreements. 「特定技能１号」 holders in principle cannot bring family members (家族滞在); when changing from 「留学」, a spouse or child already residing with 「家族滞在」 may be permitted to change to 「特定活動」.
Main documents
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📍 Your employer (organization)
📍 出入国在留管理庁 (immigration)
The 特定技能 page provides a dedicated application form.
📍 You prepare it⏳ Taken within 6 months before the submission date
📍 You prepare it
📍 Your employer (organization)
📍 Your employer (organization)
Also attach 「賃金の支払」 (attachment to reference form No. 1-6).
📍 Other
📍 City/ward office (市区町村)⏳ Within 3 months of the issue date (certificate issued in Japan)
A tax assessment certificate for the same fiscal year is also required; may be omitted if it was submitted in a residence application within the past 1 year and its content has not changed. If there are arrears, submit a 「公的義務履行に関する誓約書」.
Those who completed 技能実習2号 in good standing can change to 特定技能1号 without taking the tests
Main requirements
If you completed 技能実習2号 in good standing (completed 2 years 10 months or more as planned) and the intended work is related to your 技能実習2号 job category/operation, the skills and Japanese tests are waived; if it is unrelated, you must pass the skills test, and your Japanese ability is regarded as proven.
Those who completed 「技能実習」 etc. before the 技能実習法 took effect (November 1, 2017) must pass both the skills and Japanese tests if permission is granted on or after April 1, 2027.
You cannot change to 特定技能 during training while your 技能実習 plan has not yet ended; during 技能実習2号 you may apply in advance.
Must work under a 特定技能 employment contract concluded with the 特定技能 affiliated organization, with remuneration equal to or greater than that of a Japanese national doing the same work.
The affiliated organization must prepare a 1号特定技能外国人支援計画 (which may be entirely entrusted to a 登録支援機関) and meet the standards for affiliated organizations.
Note：Materials follow the submission document lists on the 「特定技能」 page: Table 1 (applicant), Table 2 (affiliated organization) and Table 3 (each field). Nationals of Cambodia, Thailand and Vietnam also need the procedural documents prescribed by bilateral agreements. After completing 技能実習2号, you cannot work until you obtain permission to change to 特定技能; the 入管 recommends preparing early.
Main documents
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📍 Your employer (organization)
📍 出入国在留管理庁 (immigration)
The 特定技能 page provides a dedicated application form.
📍 You prepare it⏳ Taken within 6 months before the submission date
📍 You prepare it
📍 Your employer (organization)
📍 Your employer (organization)
Also attach 「賃金の支払」 (attachment to reference form No. 1-6).
📍 Other
📍 City/ward office (市区町村)⏳ Within 3 months of the issue date (certificate issued in Japan)
A tax assessment certificate for the same fiscal year is also required; may be omitted if it was submitted in a residence application within the past 1 year and its content has not changed. If there are arrears, submit a 「公的義務履行に関する誓約書」.
Start your own business or take a management position, meeting the revised standards for capital, employment, etc.
Main requirements
Capital etc. of 30 million yen or more (for a corporation, the paid-in capital or total contributions; for a sole proprietorship, the total amount invested as required for the business).
Employing 1 or more full-time employees (limited to Japanese nationals, 特別永住者, and 永住者・日本人の配偶者等・永住者の配偶者等・定住者).
The applicant or a full-time employee has Japanese ability equivalent to B2 or higher under 「日本語教育の参照枠」 (e.g., JLPT N2 or above, BJT 400 points or above, graduation from a higher education institution such as a Japanese university).
The applicant holds a doctoral, master's or professional degree (including foreign degrees) in business management or a related field, or has 3 or more years of experience in business operation or management.
The business plan must be confirmed by a business management expert such as a 中小企業診断士, 公認会計士 or 税理士 as to its specificity, reasonableness and feasibility.
An office appropriate to the scale of the business must be secured; using one's home as the business office is in principle not accepted.
Note：The above are the main materials for カテゴリー３・４; 「直近の年度の決算文書の写し」 is also required, and if the applicant engages in management (rather than business operation), 「所属機関の代表者に関する申告書」 is required. カテゴリー１・２ in principle need no other materials. Arrangements such as business outsourcing that lack the substance of a business operator's activities are not recognized as 経営・管理 activities.
Main documents
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📍 出入国在留管理庁 (immigration)
📍 You prepare it⏳ Taken within 6 months before the submission date
📍 You prepare it
📍 Your employer (organization)
The 経営・管理 page also lists “When employed as a manager in Japan: documents stating working conditions (employment contract, etc.)”.
📍 You prepare it
📍 Legal Affairs Bureau (法務局)⏳ Within 3 months of the issue date (certificate issued in Japan)
If corporate registration has not yet been completed, submit a copy of the articles of incorporation or another document showing that the corporation will start the business.
📍 Your employer (organization)
📍 You prepare it
📍 Your employer (organization)
📍 Your employer (organization)
📍 You prepare it
Only for organizations in カテゴリー４ (that have not submitted a 法定調書合計表)
📍 Your employer (organization)
Only the main documents are listed here; see the official page for the full list and the latest forms.
Change to 高度専門職1号 with 70 or more highly skilled professional points
Main requirements
The intended activities fall under one of 高度専門職1号イ (research/education), ロ (specialized technical work) or ハ (business management).
Must meet the 上陸許可基準 for 「高度専門職１号」, i.e., also meet the requirements of the corresponding work-based status of residence (e.g., 技術・人文知識・国際業務, 経営・管理).
The total points calculated for items such as academic background, work history, annual income, age and research achievements is 70 or more.
ロ (advanced specialized/technical) and ハ (advanced business management) require an annual income of 3 million yen or more.
1号ハ (premised on 「経営・管理」 activities) must meet the 「経営・管理」 permission standards as revised on October 16, 2025.
Note：The reference points calculation table and the basic examples of 疎明資料 can be downloaded from the 「高度専門職」 page; other materials may be requested during the examination.
Main documents
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📍 出入国在留管理庁 (immigration)
Choose the form according to the intended activities, e.g., form 「N」 for 1号ロ based on 技人国, and form 「M」 for 1号ハ based on 経営・管理.
📍 You prepare it⏳ Taken within 6 months before the submission date
📍 You prepare it
📍 Your employer (organization)
📍 You prepare it
📍 You prepare it
Only when submitted by someone other than the applicant
📍 Other
Only the main documents are listed here; see the official page for the full list and the latest forms.
留学 (Student)／技術・人文知識・国際業務 (Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services)／高度専門職 (Highly Skilled Professional)／経営・管理 (Business Manager)／特定技能 (Specified Skilled Worker)／家族滞在 (Dependent)／定住者 (Long-Term Resident)→→日本人の配偶者等 (Spouse or Child of Japanese National)
After marrying a Japanese national, change to 「日本人の配偶者等」
Main requirements
A legally valid marriage with a Japanese national: submit the Japanese spouse's 戸籍謄本 recording the fact of the marriage (if it is not yet recorded, also attach a 婚姻届受理証明書) and a marriage certificate issued by the authorities of the applicant's country of nationality.
Explain the reality of the marriage with the 質問書 and materials on the couple's interactions (2-3 photos of the two together, SNS records, call records, etc.).
Proof of the cost of staying in Japan is required (usually the 住民税課税・納税証明書 for the most recent year of the person bearing the costs), and the Japanese spouse residing in Japan acts as the 身元保証人.
If you are no longer engaged in the activities of your original status of residence and your family relationship has changed, apply as soon as possible; not engaging in the activities of your original status of residence may lead to revocation of the status of residence.
The examination also comprehensively considers conduct, independent livelihood (on a 世帯 basis), and fulfillment of tax obligations and of notification obligations under the 入管法.
Note：After obtaining it, the status of residence may be revoked if you do not engage in activities as a spouse for 6 consecutive months or more without a justifiable reason.
Main documents
Documents: Marriage to a Japanese national: change to 「日本人の配偶者等」
📍 出入国在留管理庁 (immigration)
📍 You prepare it⏳ Taken within 6 months before the submission date
Not required for those under 1 year old on the date the residence card is issued (required at age 1 or older for cards issued from 2026-06-14)
📍 City/ward office (市区町村)⏳ Within 3 months of issue (official general rule: all certificates issued in Japan must be within 3 months of the issue date)
Of the Japanese spouse, and it must state the marriage with the applicant
Only if the marriage is not yet recorded in the 戸籍謄本
📍 City/ward office (市区町村)
📍 Other
📍 City/ward office (市区町村)💴 Varies by 市区町村. For example, 新宿区: 300 yen per copy at the counter or by mail, 200 yen per copy at a convenience store; 大阪市: 300 yen per fiscal year at the counter, 200 yen per fiscal year at a convenience store.⏳ When submitted to Immigration, it must be within 3 months of the issue date (出入国在留管理庁).
For the person bearing the applicant's costs in Japan, the most recent fiscal year; it is enough if one of this and the tax payment certificate states both total income and tax payment status
📍 City/ward office (市区町村)💴 Varies by 市区町村. For example, 新宿区: 300 yen per copy at the counter or by mail; 大阪市: 200 yen per fiscal year per tax item at a convenience store.⏳ When submitted to Immigration, it must be within 3 months of the issue date (出入国在留管理庁).
Only if costs in Japan cannot be proved with the tax assessment/payment certificates, e.g., because of recent arrival or moving
📍 You prepare it
Same as above
📍 Your employer (organization)
📍 You prepare it
The Japanese spouse residing in Japan serves as the sponsor
📍 City/ward office (市区町村)💴 Varies by 市区町村. For example, 新宿区: 300 yen per copy at the counter, 200 yen per copy at a convenience store.⏳ When submitted to Immigration, it must be within 3 months of the issue date (出入国在留管理庁).
Listing all members of the Japanese spouse's household; omit My Number, do not omit other items
After marrying a 永住者 or 特別永住者, change to 「永住者の配偶者等」
Main requirements
A legally valid marriage with a 「永住者」 or 特別永住者: submit marriage certificates issued by the authorities of the spouse's and the applicant's countries of nationality; if a 婚姻届 has been submitted to a Japanese 市区町村, also attach a 婚姻届受理証明書.
Explain the reality of the marriage with the 質問書 and materials on the couple's interactions (2-3 photos of the two together, SNS records, call records, etc.).
Proof of the cost of staying in Japan is required (usually the 住民税課税・納税証明書 for the most recent year of the person bearing the costs), and the 永住者 spouse residing in Japan acts as the 身元保証人.
If you are no longer engaged in the activities of your original status of residence and your family relationship has changed, apply as soon as possible; not engaging in the activities of your original status of residence may lead to revocation of the status of residence.
The examination also comprehensively considers conduct, independent livelihood (on a 世帯 basis), and fulfillment of tax obligations and of notification obligations under the 入管法.
Note：After obtaining it, the status of residence may be revoked if you do not engage in activities as a spouse for 6 consecutive months or more without a justifiable reason.
Main documents
Documents: Marriage to a 永住者: change to 「永住者の配偶者等」
📍 出入国在留管理庁 (immigration)
📍 You prepare it⏳ Taken within 6 months before the submission date
Not required for those under 1 year old on the date the residence card is issued (required at age 1 or older for cards issued from 2026-06-14)
📍 Other
Marriage certificate issued by an authority of the home country of the spouse (永住者) and of the applicant
Only if the 婚姻届 has been submitted to a 市区町村 in Japan
📍 City/ward office (市区町村)
📍 City/ward office (市区町村)💴 Varies by 市区町村. For example, 新宿区: 300 yen per copy at the counter or by mail, 200 yen per copy at a convenience store; 大阪市: 300 yen per fiscal year at the counter, 200 yen per fiscal year at a convenience store.⏳ When submitted to Immigration, it must be within 3 months of the issue date (出入国在留管理庁).
For the person bearing the applicant's costs in Japan, the most recent fiscal year; it is enough if one of this and the tax payment certificate states both total income and tax payment status
📍 City/ward office (市区町村)💴 Varies by 市区町村. For example, 新宿区: 300 yen per copy at the counter or by mail; 大阪市: 200 yen per fiscal year per tax item at a convenience store.⏳ When submitted to Immigration, it must be within 3 months of the issue date (出入国在留管理庁).
Only if costs in Japan cannot be proved with the tax assessment/payment certificates, e.g., because of recent arrival or moving
📍 You prepare it
Same as above
📍 Your employer (organization)
📍 You prepare it
The 永住者 spouse residing in Japan serves as the sponsor
📍 City/ward office (市区町村)💴 Varies by 市区町村. For example, 新宿区: 300 yen per copy at the counter, 200 yen per copy at a convenience store.⏳ When submitted to Immigration, it must be within 3 months of the issue date (出入国在留管理庁).
Listing all members of the 永住者 spouse's household; omit My Number, do not omit other items
After completing elementary, junior high and high school in Japan and finding a job, change to 「定住者」
Main requirements
Completed compulsory education in Japan (graduated from elementary and junior high school), and have graduated or are expected to graduate from a Japanese high school.
Were under 18 at the time of entry, and have resided continuously with 「家族滞在」 since entry.
Have secured employment (including a job offer); intended for those who will work beyond the scope of the 資格外活動許可 (28 hours per week).
Have fulfilled public obligations such as the 住居地届出.
Note：Those who do not meet the compulsory education condition but have graduated (or are expected to graduate) from a Japanese high school, and whose supporting person resides in Japan as their 身元保証人, can apply to change to 「特定活動」 (those who transferred into a high school also need 日本語能力試験 N2 or above or BJTビジネス日本語能力テスト400点以上). Those holding 「留学」 etc. who qualify for 「家族滞在」 are also covered by this treatment.
Main documents
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📍 出入国在留管理庁 (immigration)
Use the application form for 「日本人の配偶者等」「永住者の配偶者等」「定住者」.
📍 You prepare it⏳ Taken within 6 months before the submission date
4 cm tall x 3 cm wide, taken within 3 months before the application.
📍 You prepare it
Must state your history of completing compulsory education in Japan.
📍 Your school
📍 Your school
If you apply while still in high school, submit it at the time of permission (when receiving the residence card).
📍 Your employer (organization)
📍 You prepare it
📍 City/ward office (市区町村)💴 Varies by 市区町村. For example, 新宿区: 300 yen per copy at the counter, 200 yen per copy at a convenience store.⏳ When submitted to Immigration, it must be within 3 months of the issue date (出入国在留管理庁).
All members of the 世帯; with the individual number omitted and no other items omitted; issued within the past 3 months.
After divorce from or the death of a Japanese spouse, change to 「定住者」
Main requirements
You wish to continue living in Japan after divorce from or the death of your Japanese spouse (or the de facto breakdown of the marriage); permission is granted only when the Minister of Justice finds sufficient reason, comprehensively considering the intended activities, circumstances of stay and necessity of staying.
Permission cases published by the ISA considered: having obtained parental authority over a biological child who is a Japanese national and having a record of custody and upbringing, or continuously paying child support; and having a certain income.
In permission cases involving a former Japanese spouse, the period in Japan was about 5-10 years and the marriage period about 3-11 years, and some involved domestic violence by the former spouse.
Non-permission cases include: a criminal conviction, a long solo stay outside Japan, a short period of actual married life, and about 1 year 3 months in Japan with insufficient settledness.
Conduct, independent livelihood, and fulfillment of tax obligations and of notification obligations under the 入管法 are also considered.
Note：The 出入国在留管理庁 has not published a dedicated list of materials for this type of change; the above are the materials listed for 「定住者」 in 入管法施行規則別表第三, and additional materials may be requested during the examination. Published cases are for reference only, and similar situations may lead to different conclusions. After divorce or bereavement, a 「配偶者に関する届出」 must be made within 14 days; if you do not engage in activities as a spouse for 6 consecutive months or more without a justifiable reason, the status of residence may be revoked.
Main documents
Ticked: 0／7・🔒 ticks are saved only in this device's browser
📍 出入国在留管理庁 (immigration)
Use the application form for 「日本人の配偶者等」「永住者の配偶者等」「定住者」.
📍 You prepare it⏳ Taken within 6 months before the submission date
Not required for those under 1 year old on the date the residence card is issued (required for age 1 and over for cards issued on or after June 14, 2026)
📍 You prepare it
To be presented
📍 Other
📍 Other
📍 You prepare it
To be completed by a 身元保証人 residing in Japan.
Only when someone other than the applicant submits on their behalf (to be presented)
📍 Other
Only the main documents are listed here; see the official page for the full list and the latest forms.
永住者の配偶者等 (Spouse or Child of Permanent Resident)→→定住者 (Long-Term Resident)
After divorce from or the death of a 永住者 or 特別永住者 spouse, change to 「定住者」
Main requirements
You wish to continue living in Japan after divorce from or the death of your 「永住者」 or 特別永住者 spouse (or the de facto breakdown of the marriage); permission is granted only when the Minister of Justice finds sufficient reason, comprehensively considering activities, circumstances of stay and necessity of staying.
Permission cases published by the ISA: bereavement of a 特別永住者 spouse (about 13 years 8 months in Japan), with a need to continue running a business and a certain income; separation of 3 years or more from a 永住者 spouse due to domestic violence, with the marriage effectively broken down and custody of the child being contested.
Non-permission case: after the marriage with a 永住者 effectively broke down, the person stayed alone outside Japan for about 1 year 9 months.
Conduct, independent livelihood, and fulfillment of tax obligations and of notification obligations under the 入管法 are also considered.
Note：The 出入国在留管理庁 has not published a dedicated list of materials for this type of change; the above are the materials listed for 「定住者」 in 入管法施行規則別表第三, and additional materials may be requested during the examination. Published cases are for reference only, and similar situations may lead to different conclusions. After divorce or bereavement, a 「配偶者に関する届出」 must be made within 14 days; if you do not engage in activities as a spouse for 6 consecutive months or more without a justifiable reason, the status of residence may be revoked.
Main documents
Ticked: 0／7・🔒 ticks are saved only in this device's browser
📍 出入国在留管理庁 (immigration)
Use the application form for 「日本人の配偶者等」「永住者の配偶者等」「定住者」.
📍 You prepare it⏳ Taken within 6 months before the submission date
Not required for those under 1 year old on the date the residence card is issued (required for age 1 and over for cards issued on or after June 14, 2026)
📍 You prepare it
To be presented
📍 Other
📍 Other
📍 You prepare it
To be completed by a 身元保証人 residing in Japan.
Only when someone other than the applicant submits on their behalf (to be presented)
📍 Other
Only the main documents are listed here; see the official page for the full list and the latest forms.
技術・人文知識・国際業務 (Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services)→→永住者 (Permanent Resident)
In principle, apply for permanent residence permission after 10 years of residence (including 5 years with a 就労資格)
Main requirements
In principle, 10 or more years of continuous residence in Japan, including 5 or more years of continuous residence with a 就労資格 or 居住資格.
Good conduct, and assets or skills sufficient for an independent livelihood; for applications filed on or after April 1, 2026 and still under examination as of October 1 of the same year, the new ガイドライン applies to the income criteria: the 世帯's annual income must consistently reach a level that corresponds to the number of 世帯 members and exceeds the average income of Japanese 世帯.
Proper fulfillment of public obligations such as paying taxes, paying 公的年金・公的医療保険 premiums, and making the notifications required under the 入管法; payments not made by the original deadline are in principle evaluated negatively, even if they have been paid by the time of application.
Not having been sentenced to a 罰金刑, 拘禁刑, etc.; the current status of residence is held with the longest period of stay (for applications by March 31, 2027, a period of stay of 「3年」 is also regarded as the longest), and the 上陸許可基準 etc. for that status are met.
Note：Applications on or after April 1, 2027 are subject to the ガイドライン revised on 令和8年10月1日, which adds considerations such as Japanese ability (in principle B1-equivalent or higher), understanding of Japanese systems and rules, and long-term absences from Japan within the past 10 years. Fee upon permission: 200,000 yen (10,000 yen for applications accepted by September 30, 2026).
Main documents
Documents: Permanent residency application checklist: work-related statuses and 家族滞在
📍 You prepare it
📍 You prepare it⏳ Taken within 6 months before the submission date
📍 You prepare it
Only for 家族滞在
📍 Other
Any one of 戸籍謄本, 出生証明書, 婚姻証明書, or 認知届の記載事項証明書, etc.
📍 City/ward office (市区町村)💴 Varies by 市区町村. For example, 新宿区: 300 yen per copy at the counter, 200 yen per copy at a convenience store.⏳ When submitted to Immigration, it must be within 3 months of the issue date (出入国在留管理庁).
Only if employed by a company, etc. (for 家族滞在, the supporter's employment)
📍 Your employer (organization)💴 The official page does not state a fee.⏳ When submitted to Immigration, it must be within 3 months of the issue date (出入国在留管理庁; certificate issued in Japan).
Only if self-employed
📍 You prepare it
Only in other cases (including being unemployed)
📍 You prepare it
📍 City/ward office (市区町村)💴 Varies by 市区町村. For example, 新宿区: 300 yen per copy at the counter or by mail, 200 yen per copy at a convenience store; 大阪市: 300 yen per fiscal year at the counter, 200 yen per fiscal year at a convenience store.⏳ When submitted to Immigration, it must be within 3 months of the issue date (出入国在留管理庁).
Most recent 5 years; for 家族滞在, the applicant's or the supporter's
📍 City/ward office (市区町村)💴 Varies by 市区町村. For example, 新宿区: 300 yen per copy at the counter or by mail; 大阪市: 200 yen per fiscal year per tax item at a convenience store.⏳ When submitted to Immigration, it must be within 3 months of the issue date (出入国在留管理庁).
Periods within the most recent 5 years not covered by payroll deduction
📍 Tax office (税務署)💴 Online (e-Tax) request: number of sheets x 370 yen; written request (counter or mail): number of sheets x 400 yen. An electronic file counts as 1 sheet per file.⏳ When submitted to Immigration, it must be within 3 months of the issue date (出入国在留管理庁). An electronic tax payment certificate is "usable multiple times within its validity period", but the official page does not state the specific period.
Most recent 2 years; if there was any National Pension period, receipts for 24 months must be submitted, and if that is difficult, attach a statement of reasons
Must meet the revised 経営・管理 standards and the general requirements for permanent residence
Main requirements
In principle, 10 or more years of continuous residence in Japan, including 5 or more years of continuous residence with a 就労資格 or 居住資格.
Good conduct, and assets or skills sufficient for an independent livelihood; for applications filed on or after April 1, 2026 and still under examination as of October 1 of the same year, the new ガイドライン applies to the income criteria: the 世帯's annual income must consistently reach a level that corresponds to the number of 世帯 members and exceeds the average income of Japanese 世帯.
Proper fulfillment of public obligations such as paying taxes, paying 公的年金・公的医療保険 premiums, and making the notifications required under the 入管法; payments not made by the original deadline are in principle evaluated negatively, even if they have been paid by the time of application.
Not having been sentenced to a 罰金刑, 拘禁刑, etc.; the current status of residence is held with the longest period of stay (for applications by March 31, 2027, a period of stay of 「3年」 is also regarded as the longest), and the 上陸許可基準 etc. for that status are met.
Since the enforcement on October 16, 2025, applications for permanent residence permission from 「経営・管理」 are not approved if the revised 「経営・管理」 permission standards (capital etc. of 30 million yen or more, employment of full-time employees, etc.) are not met.
Note：Applications on or after April 1, 2027 are subject to the ガイドライン revised on 令和8年10月1日, which adds considerations such as Japanese ability (in principle B1-equivalent or higher), understanding of Japanese systems and rules, and long-term absences from Japan within the past 10 years. Fee upon permission: 200,000 yen (10,000 yen for applications accepted by September 30, 2026).
Main documents
Documents: Permanent residency application checklist: work-related statuses and 家族滞在
📍 You prepare it
📍 You prepare it⏳ Taken within 6 months before the submission date
📍 You prepare it
Only for 家族滞在
📍 Other
Any one of 戸籍謄本, 出生証明書, 婚姻証明書, or 認知届の記載事項証明書, etc.
📍 City/ward office (市区町村)💴 Varies by 市区町村. For example, 新宿区: 300 yen per copy at the counter, 200 yen per copy at a convenience store.⏳ When submitted to Immigration, it must be within 3 months of the issue date (出入国在留管理庁).
Only if employed by a company, etc. (for 家族滞在, the supporter's employment)
📍 Your employer (organization)💴 The official page does not state a fee.⏳ When submitted to Immigration, it must be within 3 months of the issue date (出入国在留管理庁; certificate issued in Japan).
Only if self-employed
📍 You prepare it
Only in other cases (including being unemployed)
📍 You prepare it
📍 City/ward office (市区町村)💴 Varies by 市区町村. For example, 新宿区: 300 yen per copy at the counter or by mail, 200 yen per copy at a convenience store; 大阪市: 300 yen per fiscal year at the counter, 200 yen per fiscal year at a convenience store.⏳ When submitted to Immigration, it must be within 3 months of the issue date (出入国在留管理庁).
Most recent 5 years; for 家族滞在, the applicant's or the supporter's
📍 City/ward office (市区町村)💴 Varies by 市区町村. For example, 新宿区: 300 yen per copy at the counter or by mail; 大阪市: 200 yen per fiscal year per tax item at a convenience store.⏳ When submitted to Immigration, it must be within 3 months of the issue date (出入国在留管理庁).
Periods within the most recent 5 years not covered by payroll deduction
📍 Tax office (税務署)💴 Online (e-Tax) request: number of sheets x 370 yen; written request (counter or mail): number of sheets x 400 yen. An electronic file counts as 1 sheet per file.⏳ When submitted to Immigration, it must be within 3 months of the issue date (出入国在留管理庁). An electronic tax payment certificate is "usable multiple times within its validity period", but the official page does not state the specific period.
Most recent 2 years; if there was any National Pension period, receipts for 24 months must be submitted, and if that is difficult, attach a statement of reasons
Time in 特定技能1号 does not count toward the 5 years with a 就労資格
Main requirements
In principle, 10 or more years of continuous residence in Japan, including 5 or more years of continuous residence with a 就労資格 or 居住資格; the ガイドライン makes clear that 就労資格 here does not include 「技能実習」 or 「特定技能１号」.
The ガイドライン excludes only 「特定技能１号」; it does not exclude 「特定技能２号」 from 就労資格.
Good conduct, and assets or skills sufficient for an independent livelihood; for applications filed on or after April 1, 2026 and still under examination as of October 1 of the same year, the new ガイドライン applies to the income criteria: the 世帯's annual income must consistently reach a level that corresponds to the number of 世帯 members and exceeds the average income of Japanese 世帯.
Proper fulfillment of public obligations such as paying taxes, paying 公的年金・公的医療保険 premiums, and making the notifications required under the 入管法; payments not made by the original deadline are in principle evaluated negatively, even if they have been paid by the time of application.
Not having been sentenced to a 罰金刑, 拘禁刑, etc.; the current status of residence is held with the longest period of stay (for applications by March 31, 2027, a period of stay of 「3年」 is also regarded as the longest), and the 上陸許可基準 etc. for that status are met.
Note：The new ガイドライン applicable from April 1, 2027 likewise excludes 「技能実習」「育成就労」「特定技能１号」 from 就労資格, and adds considerations such as Japanese ability. Fee upon permission: 200,000 yen.
Main documents
Documents: Permanent residency application checklist: work-related statuses and 家族滞在
📍 You prepare it
📍 You prepare it⏳ Taken within 6 months before the submission date
📍 You prepare it
Only for 家族滞在
📍 Other
Any one of 戸籍謄本, 出生証明書, 婚姻証明書, or 認知届の記載事項証明書, etc.
📍 City/ward office (市区町村)💴 Varies by 市区町村. For example, 新宿区: 300 yen per copy at the counter, 200 yen per copy at a convenience store.⏳ When submitted to Immigration, it must be within 3 months of the issue date (出入国在留管理庁).
Only if employed by a company, etc. (for 家族滞在, the supporter's employment)
📍 Your employer (organization)💴 The official page does not state a fee.⏳ When submitted to Immigration, it must be within 3 months of the issue date (出入国在留管理庁; certificate issued in Japan).
Only if self-employed
📍 You prepare it
Only in other cases (including being unemployed)
📍 You prepare it
📍 City/ward office (市区町村)💴 Varies by 市区町村. For example, 新宿区: 300 yen per copy at the counter or by mail, 200 yen per copy at a convenience store; 大阪市: 300 yen per fiscal year at the counter, 200 yen per fiscal year at a convenience store.⏳ When submitted to Immigration, it must be within 3 months of the issue date (出入国在留管理庁).
Most recent 5 years; for 家族滞在, the applicant's or the supporter's
📍 City/ward office (市区町村)💴 Varies by 市区町村. For example, 新宿区: 300 yen per copy at the counter or by mail; 大阪市: 200 yen per fiscal year per tax item at a convenience store.⏳ When submitted to Immigration, it must be within 3 months of the issue date (出入国在留管理庁).
Periods within the most recent 5 years not covered by payroll deduction
📍 Tax office (税務署)💴 Online (e-Tax) request: number of sheets x 370 yen; written request (counter or mail): number of sheets x 400 yen. An electronic file counts as 1 sheet per file.⏳ When submitted to Immigration, it must be within 3 months of the issue date (出入国在留管理庁). An electronic tax payment certificate is "usable multiple times within its validity period", but the official page does not state the specific period.
Most recent 2 years; if there was any National Pension period, receipts for 24 months must be submitted, and if that is difficult, attach a statement of reasons
Permanent residence can be applied for, but the general requirements apply, with no special provision for spouses
Main requirements
The 出入国在留管理庁's 「永住許可申請３」 lists 「家族滞在」 as eligible to apply; the ガイドライン's special provision for spouses and biological children is limited to spouses or children of Japanese nationals, 永住者 and 特別永住者, and does not apply to 家族滞在.
In principle, 10 or more years of continuous residence in Japan, including 5 or more years of continuous residence with a 就労資格 or 居住資格.
Good conduct and an independent livelihood; the income section of the new ガイドライン states that income earned through 資格外活動 by holders of non-work statuses such as 「家族滞在」 is not counted toward the 世帯's annual income.
Proper fulfillment of public obligations such as paying taxes, paying 公的年金・公的医療保険 premiums, and making the notifications required under the 入管法; payments not made by the original deadline are in principle evaluated negatively, even if they have been paid by the time of application.
Not having been sentenced to a 罰金刑, 拘禁刑, etc.; the current status of residence is held with the longest period of stay (for applications by March 31, 2027, a period of stay of 「3年」 is also regarded as the longest), and the 上陸許可基準 etc. for that status are met.
Note：The official page does not state whether the period of stay with 家族滞在 counts toward the 5 years with a “就労資格 or 居住資格”. Applications on or after April 1, 2027 are subject to the ガイドライン revised on 令和8年10月1日, which adds considerations such as Japanese ability (in principle B1-equivalent or higher), understanding of Japanese systems and rules, and long-term absences from Japan within the past 10 years. Fee upon permission: 200,000 yen (10,000 yen for applications accepted by September 30, 2026).
Main documents
Documents: Permanent residency application checklist: work-related statuses and 家族滞在
📍 You prepare it
📍 You prepare it⏳ Taken within 6 months before the submission date
📍 You prepare it
Only for 家族滞在
📍 Other
Any one of 戸籍謄本, 出生証明書, 婚姻証明書, or 認知届の記載事項証明書, etc.
📍 City/ward office (市区町村)💴 Varies by 市区町村. For example, 新宿区: 300 yen per copy at the counter, 200 yen per copy at a convenience store.⏳ When submitted to Immigration, it must be within 3 months of the issue date (出入国在留管理庁).
Only if employed by a company, etc. (for 家族滞在, the supporter's employment)
📍 Your employer (organization)💴 The official page does not state a fee.⏳ When submitted to Immigration, it must be within 3 months of the issue date (出入国在留管理庁; certificate issued in Japan).
Only if self-employed
📍 You prepare it
Only in other cases (including being unemployed)
📍 You prepare it
📍 City/ward office (市区町村)💴 Varies by 市区町村. For example, 新宿区: 300 yen per copy at the counter or by mail, 200 yen per copy at a convenience store; 大阪市: 300 yen per fiscal year at the counter, 200 yen per fiscal year at a convenience store.⏳ When submitted to Immigration, it must be within 3 months of the issue date (出入国在留管理庁).
Most recent 5 years; for 家族滞在, the applicant's or the supporter's
📍 City/ward office (市区町村)💴 Varies by 市区町村. For example, 新宿区: 300 yen per copy at the counter or by mail; 大阪市: 200 yen per fiscal year per tax item at a convenience store.⏳ When submitted to Immigration, it must be within 3 months of the issue date (出入国在留管理庁).
Periods within the most recent 5 years not covered by payroll deduction
📍 Tax office (税務署)💴 Online (e-Tax) request: number of sheets x 370 yen; written request (counter or mail): number of sheets x 400 yen. An electronic file counts as 1 sheet per file.⏳ When submitted to Immigration, it must be within 3 months of the issue date (出入国在留管理庁). An electronic tax payment certificate is "usable multiple times within its validity period", but the official page does not state the specific period.
Most recent 2 years; if there was any National Pension period, receipts for 24 months must be submitted, and if that is difficult, attach a statement of reasons
Permanent residence can be applied for after 3 years at 70 points or 1 year at 80 points
Main requirements
70 or more points under the 高度専門職省令, and continuous residence of 3 years or more as a 「高度人材外国人」 maintaining the required points (or 70 or more points when calculated as of 3 years before the application date, with residence at 70 or more points maintained for 3 years or more).
For 80 or more points, the above period is shortened to 1 year or more.
Good conduct, and assets or skills sufficient for an independent livelihood; for applications filed on or after April 1, 2026 and still under examination as of October 1 of the same year, the new ガイドライン applies to the income criteria: the 世帯's annual income must consistently reach a level that corresponds to the number of 世帯 members and exceeds the average income of Japanese 世帯.
Proper fulfillment of public obligations such as paying taxes, paying 公的年金・公的医療保険 premiums, and making the notifications required under the 入管法; payments not made by the original deadline are in principle evaluated negatively, even if they have been paid by the time of application.
Not having been sentenced to a 罰金刑, 拘禁刑, etc.; the current status of residence is held with the longest period of stay (for applications by March 31, 2027, a period of stay of 「3年」 is also regarded as the longest), and the 上陸許可基準 etc. for that status are met.
Note：For 「高度専門職１号ハ」 and 「高度専門職２号」 premised on 「経営・管理」 activities, permanent residence is not approved if the 「経営・管理」 permission standards revised on October 16, 2025 are not met. The new ガイドライン applicable from April 1, 2027 does not treat B1 Japanese ability as a consideration for 高度人材外国人. Fee upon permission: 200,000 yen.
Main documents
Documents: Permanent residency application checklist: Highly Skilled Professional (70 / 80 points or more)
📍 You prepare it
📍 You prepare it⏳ Taken within 6 months before the submission date
📍 You prepare it
📍 City/ward office (市区町村)💴 Varies by 市区町村. For example, 新宿区: 300 yen per copy at the counter, 200 yen per copy at a convenience store.⏳ When submitted to Immigration, it must be within 3 months of the issue date (出入国在留管理庁).
📍 Your employer (organization)💴 The official page does not state a fee.⏳ When submitted to Immigration, it must be within 3 months of the issue date (出入国在留管理庁; certificate issued in Japan).
Only if self-employed
📍 You prepare it
or a certificate of registered matters of the corporation, etc.
📍 City/ward office (市区町村)💴 Varies by 市区町村. For example, 新宿区: 300 yen per copy at the counter or by mail, 200 yen per copy at a convenience store; 大阪市: 300 yen per fiscal year at the counter, 200 yen per fiscal year at a convenience store.⏳ When submitted to Immigration, it must be within 3 months of the issue date (出入国在留管理庁).
80 points: most recent 1 year; 70 points: most recent 3 years (applicant and supporters)
📍 City/ward office (市区町村)💴 Varies by 市区町村. For example, 新宿区: 300 yen per copy at the counter or by mail; 大阪市: 200 yen per fiscal year per tax item at a convenience store.⏳ When submitted to Immigration, it must be within 3 months of the issue date (出入国在留管理庁).
80 points: most recent 1 year; 70 points: most recent 3 years
80 points: most recent 1 year; 70 points: most recent 3 years
📍 Tax office (税務署)💴 Online (e-Tax) request: number of sheets x 370 yen; written request (counter or mail): number of sheets x 400 yen. An electronic file counts as 1 sheet per file.⏳ When submitted to Immigration, it must be within 3 months of the issue date (出入国在留管理庁). An electronic tax payment certificate is "usable multiple times within its validity period", but the official page does not state the specific period.
Only if you are the business owner of a workplace covered by social insurance at the time of application
📍 Pension office / ねんきんネット
📍 You prepare it
Calculated as of the time of application; for an 80-point applicant holding a status of residence other than 高度専門職, the points as of 1 year before the application are used, and for a 70-point applicant, the points as of 3 years before the application
Only if you hold this notice
📍 出入国在留管理庁 (immigration)
📍 You prepare it
Not needed if a notice of points calculation result has been submitted (80-point ア page); to reuse previously submitted materials, submit the 「資料転用願出書」 (70-point ア page)
📍 You prepare it
📍 You prepare it
📍 You prepare it
📍 Other
Only if you have such materials (listed on the 70-point page)
📍 Other
Only when submitted by someone other than the applicant (listed on the 70-point page)
3 years of marriage + 1 year of residence; exempt from the conduct and livelihood requirements
Main requirements
Applications by March 31, 2027: 実体を伴った婚姻生活 has continued for 3 years or more, with continuous residence in Japan of 1 year or more; for their biological children etc., continuous residence of 1 year or more.
Spouses or children of Japanese nationals, 永住者 and 特別永住者 are not required to meet the two requirements of “good conduct” and “independent livelihood”.
They must still properly fulfill public obligations such as taxes and 公的年金・公的医療保険, must not have been sentenced to a 罰金刑, 拘禁刑, etc., and must reside with the longest period of stay (for applications by March 31, 2027, 「3年」 is also regarded as the longest).
Applications filed on or after April 1, 2026 and still under examination as of October 1 of the same year: if the 世帯 is currently a public burden or there is a realistic possibility of this, and there are no special circumstances, this may be evaluated negatively.
Applications on or after April 1, 2027: 5 or more years of married life and 3 or more years of continuous residence (3 or more years for biological children etc.), with new considerations such as Japanese ability added.
Note：Fee upon permission: 200,000 yen; spouses and children meeting certain conditions may have it reduced to 20,000 yen.
📍 You prepare it⏳ Taken within 6 months before the submission date
📍 Other
Spouse: the Japanese spouse's 「戸籍謄本(全部事項証明書)」 or a 婚姻証明書 issued by the home country's authority; biological child: the Japanese parent's 戸籍謄本
📍 City/ward office (市区町村)💴 Varies by 市区町村. For example, 新宿区: 300 yen per copy at the counter, 200 yen per copy at a convenience store.⏳ When submitted to Immigration, it must be within 3 months of the issue date (出入国在留管理庁).
📍 Your employer (organization)💴 The official page does not state a fee.⏳ When submitted to Immigration, it must be within 3 months of the issue date (出入国在留管理庁; certificate issued in Japan).
Only if self-employed
📍 You prepare it
Only in other cases (including being unemployed)
📍 You prepare it
📍 City/ward office (市区町村)💴 Varies by 市区町村. For example, 新宿区: 300 yen per copy at the counter or by mail, 200 yen per copy at a convenience store; 大阪市: 300 yen per fiscal year at the counter, 200 yen per fiscal year at a convenience store.⏳ When submitted to Immigration, it must be within 3 months of the issue date (出入国在留管理庁).
Most recent 3 years for a spouse, most recent 1 year for a biological child
📍 City/ward office (市区町村)💴 Varies by 市区町村. For example, 新宿区: 300 yen per copy at the counter or by mail; 大阪市: 200 yen per fiscal year per tax item at a convenience store.⏳ When submitted to Immigration, it must be within 3 months of the issue date (出入国在留管理庁).
Most recent 3 years for a spouse, most recent 1 year for a biological child
Not needed if all periods were covered by payroll deduction
📍 Tax office (税務署)💴 Online (e-Tax) request: number of sheets x 370 yen; written request (counter or mail): number of sheets x 400 yen. An electronic file counts as 1 sheet per file.⏳ When submitted to Immigration, it must be within 3 months of the issue date (出入国在留管理庁). An electronic tax payment certificate is "usable multiple times within its validity period", but the official page does not state the specific period.
3 years of marriage + 1 year of residence; exempt from the conduct and livelihood requirements
Main requirements
Applications by March 31, 2027: 実体を伴った婚姻生活 has continued for 3 years or more, with continuous residence in Japan of 1 year or more; for their biological children etc., continuous residence of 1 year or more.
Spouses or children of Japanese nationals, 永住者 and 特別永住者 are not required to meet the two requirements of “good conduct” and “independent livelihood”.
They must still properly fulfill public obligations such as taxes and 公的年金・公的医療保険, must not have been sentenced to a 罰金刑, 拘禁刑, etc., and must reside with the longest period of stay (for applications by March 31, 2027, 「3年」 is also regarded as the longest).
Applications filed on or after April 1, 2026 and still under examination as of October 1 of the same year: if the 世帯 is currently a public burden or there is a realistic possibility of this, and there are no special circumstances, this may be evaluated negatively.
Applications on or after April 1, 2027: 5 or more years of married life and 3 or more years of continuous residence (3 or more years for biological children etc.), with new considerations such as Japanese ability added.
Note：Fee upon permission: 200,000 yen; spouses and children meeting certain conditions may have it reduced to 20,000 yen.
📍 You prepare it⏳ Taken within 6 months before the submission date
📍 Other
Spouse: 「配偶者との婚姻証明書」 or an equivalent document; biological child of a Permanent Resident or Special Permanent Resident: 「出生証明書」 or an equivalent document
📍 City/ward office (市区町村)💴 Varies by 市区町村. For example, 新宿区: 300 yen per copy at the counter, 200 yen per copy at a convenience store.⏳ When submitted to Immigration, it must be within 3 months of the issue date (出入国在留管理庁).
📍 Your employer (organization)💴 The official page does not state a fee.⏳ When submitted to Immigration, it must be within 3 months of the issue date (出入国在留管理庁; certificate issued in Japan).
Only if self-employed
📍 You prepare it
Only in other cases (including being unemployed)
📍 You prepare it
📍 City/ward office (市区町村)💴 Varies by 市区町村. For example, 新宿区: 300 yen per copy at the counter or by mail, 200 yen per copy at a convenience store; 大阪市: 300 yen per fiscal year at the counter, 200 yen per fiscal year at a convenience store.⏳ When submitted to Immigration, it must be within 3 months of the issue date (出入国在留管理庁).
Most recent 3 years for a spouse, most recent 1 year for a biological child
📍 City/ward office (市区町村)💴 Varies by 市区町村. For example, 新宿区: 300 yen per copy at the counter or by mail; 大阪市: 200 yen per fiscal year per tax item at a convenience store.⏳ When submitted to Immigration, it must be within 3 months of the issue date (出入国在留管理庁).
Most recent 3 years for a spouse, most recent 1 year for a biological child
Not needed if all periods were covered by payroll deduction
📍 Tax office (税務署)💴 Online (e-Tax) request: number of sheets x 370 yen; written request (counter or mail): number of sheets x 400 yen. An electronic file counts as 1 sheet per file.⏳ When submitted to Immigration, it must be within 3 months of the issue date (出入国在留管理庁). An electronic tax payment certificate is "usable multiple times within its validity period", but the official page does not state the specific period.
Permanent residence can be applied for after 5 or more years of continuous residence as a 定住者
Main requirements
5 or more years of continuous residence in Japan with the 「定住者」 status of residence (an exception to the ガイドライン's principle of 10 years of residence).
Good conduct, and assets or skills sufficient for an independent livelihood; for applications filed on or after April 1, 2026 and still under examination as of October 1 of the same year, the new ガイドライン applies to the income criteria: the 世帯's annual income must consistently reach a level that corresponds to the number of 世帯 members and exceeds the average income of Japanese 世帯.
Proper fulfillment of public obligations such as paying taxes, paying 公的年金・公的医療保険 premiums, and making the notifications required under the 入管法; payments not made by the original deadline are in principle evaluated negatively, even if they have been paid by the time of application.
Not having been sentenced to a 罰金刑, 拘禁刑, etc.; residing with the longest period of stay (for applications by March 31, 2027, 「3年」 is also regarded as the longest), and meeting the 上陸許可基準 etc., such as the 定住者告示.
Note：Applications on or after April 1, 2027 are subject to the ガイドライン revised on 令和8年10月1日, which adds considerations such as Japanese ability (in principle B1-equivalent or higher), understanding of Japanese systems and rules, and long-term absences from Japan within the past 10 years. Fee upon permission: 200,000 yen (10,000 yen for applications accepted by September 30, 2026).
📍 You prepare it⏳ Taken within 6 months before the submission date
📍 You prepare it
📍 Other
Any one of 戸籍謄本, 出生証明書, 婚姻証明書, or 認知届の記載事項証明書, etc.
📍 City/ward office (市区町村)💴 Varies by 市区町村. For example, 新宿区: 300 yen per copy at the counter, 200 yen per copy at a convenience store.⏳ When submitted to Immigration, it must be within 3 months of the issue date (出入国在留管理庁).
📍 Your employer (organization)💴 The official page does not state a fee.⏳ When submitted to Immigration, it must be within 3 months of the issue date (出入国在留管理庁; certificate issued in Japan).
Only if self-employed
📍 You prepare it
Only in other cases (including being unemployed)
📍 You prepare it
📍 City/ward office (市区町村)💴 Varies by 市区町村. For example, 新宿区: 300 yen per copy at the counter or by mail, 200 yen per copy at a convenience store; 大阪市: 300 yen per fiscal year at the counter, 200 yen per fiscal year at a convenience store.⏳ When submitted to Immigration, it must be within 3 months of the issue date (出入国在留管理庁).
📍 City/ward office (市区町村)💴 Varies by 市区町村. For example, 新宿区: 300 yen per copy at the counter or by mail; 大阪市: 200 yen per fiscal year per tax item at a convenience store.⏳ When submitted to Immigration, it must be within 3 months of the issue date (出入国在留管理庁).
Periods within the most recent 5 years not covered by payroll deduction
📍 Tax office (税務署)💴 Online (e-Tax) request: number of sheets x 370 yen; written request (counter or mail): number of sheets x 400 yen. An electronic file counts as 1 sheet per file.⏳ When submitted to Immigration, it must be within 3 months of the issue date (出入国在留管理庁). An electronic tax payment certificate is "usable multiple times within its validity period", but the official page does not state the specific period.
All 5 tax items, issued by the 税務署 for your place of residence
普通帰化: domicile for 5 years or more, conduct, livelihood, Japanese ability, etc.
Main requirements
Domicile in Japan for 5 or more consecutive years up to the time of application; the domicile must be lawful, and you must hold a proper status of residence.
Age 18 or over, and of the age of majority under the law of your home country.
Good conduct (comprehensively considering criminal record, tax payment status, etc.); able to make a living through your own assets or skills or those of a spouse or other relative sharing the same livelihood.
Stateless, or losing your original nationality upon acquiring Japanese nationality (with exceptions where it cannot be lost by your own will); have not plotted to destroy the Constitution of Japan or the government by violence.
The 法務省 explains: you must also be integrated into Japanese society, such as by having the Japanese ability needed for daily life (conversation, reading and writing) and 10 or more years of residence, and must take an oath to obey Japanese laws.
Note：Apply in writing, in person, at the 法務局・地方法務局 with jurisdiction over your domicile; there is no fee. The 法務省 explains that meeting the conditions does not necessarily mean permission will be granted, and that the required materials vary from person to person, so consult them first.
Main documents
Documents: Application for naturalization permission: general required materials
📍 Legal Affairs Bureau (法務局)
The application form is provided by the 法務局; a photo must be attached
📍 You prepare it
📍 You prepare it
📍 You prepare it
📍 You prepare it
Only for those running a business (the official source does not state the condition explicitly)
📍 You prepare it
📍 City/ward office (市区町村)
📍 Home government / embassy in Japan
In principle must be issued by an official authority of the home country
📍 Home government / embassy in Japan
In principle must be issued by an official authority of the home country
簡易帰化: 3 years of domicile as a spouse, or 3 years of marriage + 1 year of domicile
Main requirements
A spouse of a Japanese national who has had a domicile or residence in Japan for 3 or more consecutive years and currently has a domicile in Japan; or 3 years have passed since the marriage and has had a domicile in Japan for 1 or more consecutive years (Article 7 of the 国籍法).
Those who meet the above conditions do not need to meet the two conditions of “5 years of domicile” and “age 18 or over”.
Must still have good conduct, be able to make a living, be stateless or lose their original nationality upon acquiring Japanese nationality, and not have plotted to destroy the Constitution or the government by violence.
The 法務省 explains: you must also be integrated into Japanese society, such as by having the Japanese ability needed for daily life (conversation, reading and writing), and must take an oath to obey Japanese laws.
Note：Apply in writing, in person, at the 法務局・地方法務局 with jurisdiction over your domicile; there is no fee. The 法務省 explains that meeting the conditions does not necessarily mean permission will be granted, and that the required materials vary from person to person, so consult them first.
Main documents
Documents: Application for naturalization permission: general required materials
📍 Legal Affairs Bureau (法務局)
The application form is provided by the 法務局; a photo must be attached
📍 You prepare it
📍 You prepare it
📍 You prepare it
📍 You prepare it
Only for those running a business (the official source does not state the condition explicitly)
📍 You prepare it
📍 City/ward office (市区町村)
📍 Home government / embassy in Japan
In principle must be issued by an official authority of the home country
📍 Home government / embassy in Japan
In principle must be issued by an official authority of the home country
帰化 is not limited by status of residence; the conditions for 普通帰化 must be met
Main requirements
Domicile in Japan for 5 or more consecutive years up to the time of application; the domicile must be lawful, and you must hold a proper status of residence.
Age 18 or over, and of the age of majority under the law of your home country.
Good conduct (comprehensively considering criminal record, tax payment status, etc.); able to make a living through your own assets or skills or those of a spouse or other relative sharing the same livelihood.
Stateless, or losing your original nationality upon acquiring Japanese nationality (with exceptions where it cannot be lost by your own will); have not plotted to destroy the Constitution of Japan or the government by violence.
The 法務省 explains: you must also be integrated into Japanese society, such as by having the Japanese ability needed for daily life (conversation, reading and writing) and 10 or more years of residence, and must take an oath to obey Japanese laws.
Note：帰化 is examined by the 法務局 and is not tied to any particular status of residence; the 法務省 only states that the domicile must be lawful and that a proper status of residence is required. Apply in writing, in person, at the 法務局・地方法務局 with jurisdiction over your domicile; there is no fee. The 法務省 explains that meeting the conditions does not necessarily mean permission will be granted, and that the required materials vary from person to person, so consult them first.
Main documents
Documents: Application for naturalization permission: general required materials
📍 Legal Affairs Bureau (法務局)
The application form is provided by the 法務局; a photo must be attached
📍 You prepare it
📍 You prepare it
📍 You prepare it
📍 You prepare it
Only for those running a business (the official source does not state the condition explicitly)
📍 You prepare it
📍 City/ward office (市区町村)
📍 Home government / embassy in Japan
In principle must be issued by an official authority of the home country
📍 Home government / embassy in Japan
In principle must be issued by an official authority of the home country