Reiwa 7 (2025) Resident Tax Certificates: Your Complete Guide for Japanese Immigration

By Masakazu Murai, Certified Immigration Lawyer (Gyoseishoshi)

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When Can You Obtain Reiwa 7 Resident Tax Certificates?

Each year, Japanese municipal offices begin issuing the new Resident Tax Certificate (Jūminzei Kazei Shōmei-sho) and Tax Payment Certificate (Nouzei Shōmei-sho) for the upcoming tax year. For Reiwa 7 (Fiscal Year 2025), most city and ward offices will make these documents available between mid-May and mid-June 2025.

• Company Employees: If your inhabitant tax is withheld from your salary, certificates are generally ready as soon as your company files resident-tax data—often earlier in the release window.
• Freelancers & Self-Employed: You may need to wait until your own resident-tax assessment is complete, which can push availability toward mid-June.
• Check Locally: Exact release dates differ by municipality. Confirm on your city hall’s website or call the tax desk (Zeimu-ka).

 

Why These Certificates Matter for Immigration

In Japanese immigration practice, the Immigration Services Agency relies primarily on resident-tax certificates to verify both income and tax compliance. For a permanent residency (PR) application, you must usually submit certificates covering the most recent five tax years.

Because Reiwa 7 certificates reflect your 2024 income, many PR candidates wait for their issuance to complete their five-year documentation, then file immediately—causing a seasonal spike in PR applications every May–June.

 

Alternative Proof of Income

While resident-tax certificates are the gold standard, other documents can occasionally supplement or bridge gaps, including:

• Year-end Withholding Slips (Gensen-Chōshu-hyō)
• Monthly pay slips for the current year
• Bank statements showing salary deposits

Our firm reviews each client’s situation to determine the most persuasive documentation set for immigration officers.

 

How to Request Your Certificate

1. In person: Visit the tax counter at your municipal office. Bring your My Number Card or passport for ID.
2. Online (if supported): Some cities allow e-applications via Myna Portal.
3. By mail: Submit a request form, copy of ID, and self-addressed, stamped envelope.

 

Need Professional Help?

Continental Immigration & Consulting assists foreign residents nationwide with PR filings, spouse-visa renewals, and all document logistics. If you’re unsure which certificates you need—or face tight deadlines—contact us for tailored advice.

 

About the Author

Masakazu Murai — Gyoseishoshi (Licensed Immigration Lawyer), CFP®, and Chartered Member of the Securities Analysts Association of Japan. Former investment banker at Mitsubishi UFJ Morgan Stanley Securities, now specializing in Japanese immigration law and cross-border finance for international clients.