Essential Documents for Permanent Residency Application in Japan

Applying for permanent residency (PR) in Japan involves submitting numerous documents. These include national and local tax records, pension and insurance records, family-related documents, and proof of Highly Skilled Professional (HSP) points if applicable. While many of these documents are publicly available online, immigration authorities may request additional materials on a case-by-case basis.

Below is a list of essential documents typically required for a PR application in Japan, based on guidelines from the Immigration Services Agency of Japan (ISA).

 

1. Personal and Identification Documents

• Residence Card (在留カード / Zairyū Kādo) – A copy of your valid residence card.
• Passport (パスポート / Pasupōto) – A copy of your valid passport, including visa pages.
• Certificate of Residence (住民票 / Jūminhyō) – Issued by the city or ward office, showing your current address and household members.

 

2. Tax Documents

Applicants must provide proof of tax payments at both the national and local levels.

Document Name	Japanese Name (Kanji)	Description	Where to Obtain
National Tax Payment Certificate	納税証明書その３ (Nōzei Shōmeisho SONO3)	Proof of national tax payments, including income tax.	Tax Office (税務署 / Zeimusho)
Income and local tax payment Certificate	住民税の課税証明書及び納税証明書 (Kazei Shōmeisho and Nozei shomeisho)	Proof of local tax payments (resident tax).	City/Ward Office (市役所 / Shiyakusho or 区役所 / Kuyakusho)

3. Pension and Insurance Documents

• National Pension Payment Records (年金記録 / Nenkin Kiroku) – A record of payments into the Japanese pension system, obtained from the Japan Pension Service. ねんきんネットの写し
• Health Insurance Certificate (健康保険証 / Kenkō Hokenshō) – A copy of your national or company health insurance card.
• Insurance Payment Certificate (保険料納付証明書 / Hokenryō Nōfu Shōmeisho) – Proof of past insurance premium payments.

4. Employment and Income Documents

• Certificate of Employment (在職証明書 / Zaishoku Shōmeisho) – Issued by your employer, confirming your position and tenure.
• Salary Statement (給与明細 / Kyūyo Meisai) – Recent salary slips (typically the last 3–6 months).
• Income Tax Return (確定申告書 / Kakutei Shinkokusho) – A copy of your tax return, required for self-employed applicants.

5. Family-Related Documents

• Family Registry (戸籍謄本 / Koseki Tōhon) – Required if married to a Japanese national.
• Marriage Certificate (婚姻届受理証明書 / Kon’in Todoke Juri Shōmeisho) – If applicable, proof of marriage registration.
• Birth Certificates (出生証明書 / Shussei Shōmeisho) – For dependents.

6. Proof of Highly Skilled Professional (HSP) Points (If Applicable)

• HSP Points Calculation Sheet (高度専門職ポイント計算書 / Kōdo Senmonshoku Pointo Keisansho) – A self-assessed calculation of your HSP points.
• Educational Certificates (学位証明書 / Gakui Shōmeisho) – Diplomas or transcripts proving academic qualifications.
• Professional Certifications (資格証明書 / Shikaku Shōmeisho) – Documents certifying recognized IT, legal, or other professional qualifications.

Additional Considerations

Each case may require specific documents depending on your residency history, marital status, or employment type. Immigration officers may also request additional paperwork during the review process. It is advisable to consult an immigration specialist to ensure that all required documents are properly prepared.

For official guidelines, please refer to the Immigration Services Agency of Japan: https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/

If you require assistance with your PR application, feel free to contact us.

 

Professional

Masakazu Murai

With 18 years of investment banking experience at Mitsubishi UFJ Morgan Stanley, Masakazu Murai has advised over 500 executives and entrepreneurs. As a certified Gyoseishoshi Immigration Lawyer, he specializes in financial consulting and visa-related services for foreign professionals.

• Gyoseishoshi Immigration Lawyer
• CMA (Certified Financial Analyst – Japan)
• CFP (Certified Financial Planner)
• MBA in Entrepreneurship

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