This page lists all 25 documents you need for “Permanent residence application”. Tap any document to see what it is, where to get it, how to request it and what it costs.
Application for permanent residence permissionThis is the MAIN form of the whole application — Application for permanent residence permission (永住許可申請書), issued by the Immigration Services Agency…See detailsWhat this document is
This is the MAIN form of the whole application — Application for permanent residence permission (永住許可申請書), issued by the Immigration Services Agency. Every other document is an attachment to it; without it you cannot file at all.
What it must show
- Use the LATEST official version — old versions may be rejected
- Fill it in Japanese, clearly, with no corrections
- Attach the photo and sign in the designated boxes
- Some procedures have a section for your COMPANY / sponsor to fill in — ask them to complete it
Where to get it
Download the latest version from the Immigration Services Agency website, or pick it up at an Immigration counter. IIKANZI VISA can also fill it in for you and export a print-ready PDF.
How to get it
- Option 1: download the blank form from the Agency site and fill it in by hand
- Option 2: use IIKANZI VISA — answer step by step, the app fills the right boxes and exports a PDF
- Print it, sign, attach the photo, and submit together with the other documents
Cost & time
The form itself is free. A fee (paid with a 収入印紙 revenue stamp) applies only when your application is APPROVED — check the Agency's current fee notice.
Notes
Each procedure uses a different form — submitting the wrong one gets your application returned. Check the form name above before printing.
ID photo (4×3cm)A portrait photo pasted onto the application form (for COE, on the applicant's page). The Bureau uses it for identification.See detailsWhat this document is
A portrait photo pasted onto the application form (for COE, on the applicant's page). The Bureau uses it for identification.
What it must show
- Size 4×3 cm (height × width)
- Plain WHITE background, no pattern
- Taken within the last 3 months
- Face forward, no hat, no sunglasses, face clearly visible
Where to get it
An ID-photo booth (shoumei-shashinki) at a station / convenience store, or a photo shop (shashin-ya).
How to get it
- Find an ID-photo booth (shoumei-shashin) or go to a photo shop
- Choose the 4×3cm size (the visa / résumé type)
- Print or save the photo; the app will insert it into the form
Cost & time
Automated booth ~800–1000 yen.
Notes
You may use a white-background camera app, but the photo must be clear and exactly a 4×3 ratio.
PassportPassport to verify identity. When submitting in person at the Bureau you must BRING THE ORIGINAL to show.See detailsWhat this document is
Passport to verify identity. When submitting in person at the Bureau you must BRING THE ORIGINAL to show.
What it must show
- Still valid
- Photograph/enter the personal-info page (the page with your photo)
Where to get it
You keep it. If expired: apply for a reissue at the Vietnamese Embassy/Consulate in Japan.
How to get it
- Photograph the info page clearly (photo + passport number)
- Bring the original when submitting at the Bureau
Notes
The app stores photos on your device and doesn't send them online.
Residence CardYour current residence card. Photograph/enter it to capture the card number, residence status, and expiry.See detailsWhat this document is
Your current residence card. Photograph/enter it to capture the card number, residence status, and expiry.
What it must show
- Photograph BOTH SIDES
- The back has the address + renewal notes
Where to get it
You keep it (law requires you to carry it).
How to get it
- Photograph the front (photo + card number + status + expiry)
- Photograph the back (address + notes)
Notes
Bring the original when submitting at the Bureau.
Letter of ConsentA form you sign to CONSENT to the Bureau looking up / verifying your tax, insurance, and pension information when reviewing permanent residence.See detailsWhat this document is
A form you sign to CONSENT to the Bureau looking up / verifying your tax, insurance, and pension information when reviewing permanent residence.
What it must show
- Use the Immigration Bureau's form
- Sign exactly as in your passport
Where to get it
Download the form from the Immigration Bureau website, or we provide it.
How to get it
- Fill in your name + sign
- Submit with the document set
Notes
Without this the Bureau may be unable to look up your info → delay or rejection.
Résumé (CV)A résumé summarizing your education & work history, especially your life and work in Japan — the Bureau uses it to assess long-term ties.See detailsWhat this document is
A résumé summarizing your education & work history, especially your life and work in Japan — the Bureau uses it to assess long-term ties.
What it must show
- Lists education + experience by date
- Consistent with other documents (employment, tax…)
Where to get it
You write it yourself.
How to get it
- Fill in the résumé form
- Check that dates match your documents
Notes
The content must MATCH your reason-for-application letter.
- Statement of ReasonsA SELF-WRITTEN statement explaining why you want to stay in Japan permanently. No fixed form; write it in Japanese (or attach a translation).See details
What this document is
A SELF-WRITTEN statement explaining why you want to stay in Japan permanently. No fixed form; write it in Japanese (or attach a translation).
What it must show
- Japanese, about 1–2 A4 pages
- Honest, specific, CONSISTENT with your documents
How to get it
- Describe your life & work in Japan
- State your stable job and full tax/insurance payments
- State your long-term commitment (family, home, career)
- Sign + date at the end
Notes
The content must MATCH your other documents (tax, insurance, employment) — contradictions are a heavy minus.
Certificate of ResidenceCertificate of residence and household members (juuminhyo). For sponsorship / family cases you need the version that lists the WHOLE HOUSEHOLD and…See detailsWhat this document is
Certificate of residence and household members (juuminhyo). For sponsorship / family cases you need the version that lists the WHOLE HOUSEHOLD and INCLUDES the relationship, to prove your relationship with family.
What it must show
- The WHOLE-HOUSEHOLD version — 世帯全員 (not the single-person one)
- INCLUDES the RELATIONSHIP to the head of household — 続柄 shown (あり)
- INCLUDES NATIONALITY (国籍) and RESIDENCE STATUS (在留資格) for foreign residents
- Does NOT print the My Number (個人番号) — the Bureau will NOT accept a version with My Number
Where to get it
The CITY HALL where you're currently registered — 市役所 (city) or 区役所 (ward, in large cities). Find the nearest: open Google Maps and type “市役所” or “区役所” + your city/ward name → pick the closest. With a My Number card you can also get it at a kiosk in a convenience store.
How to get it
- Bring your residence card (在留カード) or My Number card to the city hall and take a number for the resident-record (住民票) counter
- Say (or hand over a note): 「世帯全員、続柄記載あり、マイナンバー無しの住民票を１通ください」— meaning: “Please give me 1 whole-household resident record, WITH relationship, WITHOUT My Number.”
- Pay ~300 yen, receive it the same day. Large households may span 2 pages → ask for both pages
Cost & time
About 300 yen per copy. Issued the same day.
Notes
A version missing the relationship, or one that PRINTS My Number, will be returned by the Bureau — remember to state both conditions when requesting.
Certificate of EmploymentA company-issued letter confirming you are an employee: position, job duties, start date, and salary.See detailsWhat this document is
A company-issued letter confirming you are an employee: position, job duties, start date, and salary.
What it must show
- Company name + official seal
- States position, job duties, start date, salary
Where to get it
Your company's HR / general affairs department.
How to get it
- Ask the company to issue this letter
- Say clearly it's for a residence renewal / change of status
Notes
The job duties must MATCH your residence status (e.g. Engineer = technical/office work, not manual labor).
Withholding tax slipYear-end tax withholding slip issued by your company (源泉徴収票, gensen) — proves your annual income. The version matching the current tax set is Reiwa 6…See detailsWhat this document is
Year-end tax withholding slip issued by your company (源泉徴収票, gensen) — proves your annual income. The version matching the current tax set is Reiwa 6 · 2024 income.
What it must show
- The gensen Reiwa 6 · 2024 income version
- Or recent months' payslips (kyuuyo-meisai)
Where to get it
Your company's HR / accounting department.
How to get it
- Withholding slip: issued by the company at year-end; if lost, ask for a reissue
- Payslips: get paper copies or print from the company payroll system
Notes
If you changed companies mid-year, get the withholding slip from your FORMER company too. ⏱️ NEWCOMER — DO YOU ALREADY HAVE THIS? The gensen is issued by the company after 年末調整 (year-end tax adjustment), around December / early the next year. ➊ You've worked through at least one year-end adjustment (year 2025 or earlier): you HAVE a gensen (令和7年分, 2025 income). ➋ Just arrived / just started working this year: you have NO gensen yet since you haven't been through a year-end adjustment → the first one comes out in around December 2026 – early 2027; while waiting, submit your last 3 MONTHS' PAYSLIPS instead to prove income.
Income certificateIncome + municipal-tax certificate issued by the city hall (shiyakusho). Permanent residence requires MULTIPLE YEARS (usually 5 years for the main…See detailsWhat this document is
Income + municipal-tax certificate issued by the city hall (shiyakusho). Permanent residence requires MULTIPLE YEARS (usually 5 years for the main applicant, 3 years for spouse/children) to prove stable income.
What it must show
- One sheet per year — get ALL required years
- Low income may be a tax-exempt version (hikazei)
Where to get it
The city hall where you resided on JANUARY 1 of EACH year. If you moved cities → apply at the former city for that year.
How to get it
- Go to the city hall and request this for each year
- Get all required years (5 or 3 years)
Cost & time
About 300 yen per sheet per year.
Notes
This is LOCAL tax. NATIONAL tax is requested separately at the tax office (zeimusho) — see the next item.
- Tax payment certificateCertificate that municipal (local) tax has been FULLY PAID, issued by the city hall for multiple years — get it together with the income certificate.See details
What this document is
Certificate that municipal (local) tax has been FULLY PAID, issued by the city hall for multiple years — get it together with the income certificate.
What it must show
- One sheet per year — all required years
- Confirms NO local-tax arrears
Where to get it
The same city hall as the income certificate.
How to get it
- Request it at the same time as the income certificate
- Clearly ask for the “fully paid” version
Cost & time
About 300 yen per sheet per year.
Notes
Tax arrears are a common reason for permanent-residence rejection — pay everything before applying.
- National Tax Payment CertificateCertificate of NATIONAL tax payment issued by the TAX OFFICE (zeimusho) — the “form 3” (sono-3) version, confirming all 5 national taxes (income tax…See details
What this document is
Certificate of NATIONAL tax payment issued by the TAX OFFICE (zeimusho) — the “form 3” (sono-3) version, confirming all 5 national taxes (income tax, etc.) are paid. This is DIFFERENT from the local-tax certificate at city hall.
What it must show
- The “form 3” (sono-3) version — confirms no arrears
- Covers the 5 national taxes (income tax, etc.)
Where to get it
The TAX OFFICE (zeimusho) with jurisdiction over where you live — NOT the city hall.
How to get it
- Go to the tax office and request the “tax-payment certificate, form 3” (sono-3 version, covering the 5 taxes)
- Bring your residence card + ID
Cost & time
A few hundred yen; can be requested online (e-Tax) or by mail.
Notes
Permanent residence scrutinizes tax payment VERY carefully → you need BOTH local (shiyakusho) AND national (zeimusho) tax certificates.
Pension recordsProves you paid pension IN FULL and ON TIME for the last 2 years. This is an item the Bureau has scrutinized VERY strictly recently.See detailsWhat this document is
Proves you paid pension IN FULL and ON TIME for the last 2 years. This is an item the Bureau has scrutinized VERY strictly recently.
What it must show
- Pension records (nenkin): the periodic notice / printout from nenkin-net / receipts
- A full 24 months, with NO late months
Where to get it
The pension office (nenkin-jimusho) or nenkin-net. If through the company (social insurance), request it from HR.
How to get it
- Through the company: get confirmation from HR
- Self-paid: request it at the pension office / city hall
- Print out the full last 2 years
Notes
Even a single late payment can be judged negatively — prepare this item most carefully.
Copy of Health Insurance CardA copy (photocopy) of the health-insurance card of ALL household members — proving the whole family is fully enrolled in insurance.See detailsWhat this document is
A copy (photocopy) of the health-insurance card of ALL household members — proving the whole family is fully enrolled in insurance.
What it must show
- Photocopy of every household member's insurance card
- Clear name + card number
Where to get it
The card you hold (from your company for social insurance, or the city hall for National Health Insurance).
How to get it
- Photocopy each household member's insurance card
Notes
⚠️ Paper health-insurance cards (健康保険証) were discontinued in Dec 2024 (usable until 01 Dec 2025) → now use 資格確認書 or マイナ保険証. Attach the pension (nenkin) document too for full proof.
Supporting documents (bonus)Documents that are NOT required but STRENGTHEN a permanent-residence case: Japanese-language certificates (JLPT), company/organization commendations…See detailsWhat this document is
Documents that are NOT required but STRENGTHEN a permanent-residence case: Japanese-language certificates (JLPT), company/organization commendations, an excellent driving record…
What it must show
- Japanese-language certificate (JLPT N1/N2…)
- GOLD driving license (優良運転者 — safe driver)
- Commendation / certificate of merit (表彰状) from a company, city or consulate
- A UNIVERSITY degree from Japan, or a technical college (高専)
- Your employer is a LISTED company (company documents)
- Any other document showing your contribution / ties to Japan
Where to get it
You hold them / the issuing body.
How to get it
- Photocopy the documents you have
- Upload one photo per document — tap “＋ Add a photo” for another slot
- Foreign-language documents → attach a translation
Notes
Not required, but showing contribution & compliance → improves your chance of approval.
Bankbook / assetsProves stable financial capacity to live long-term in Japan (not strictly required but recommended).See detailsWhat this document is
Proves stable financial capacity to live long-term in Japan (not strictly required but recommended).
What it must show
- Photocopy of the last few pages of your bankbook (tsuuchou), or a statement
- Shows regular salary deposits
Where to get it
Your bank (update the bankbook at an ATM) or your banking app.
How to get it
- Update the bankbook (kichou) at an ATM
- Photocopy the cover page + the last few transaction pages
Notes
Strengthens your case, especially when income isn't high yet.
Letter of GuarantorA pledge by the guarantor (a Japanese, a permanent resident, or the spouse of a Japanese) guaranteeing your living costs and legal compliance.See detailsWhat this document is
A pledge by the guarantor (a Japanese, a permanent resident, or the spouse of a Japanese) guaranteeing your living costs and legal compliance.
What it must show
- Use the Immigration Bureau's form
- The guarantor signs (+ seal if available)
- Prepare 4 COPIES
Where to get it
Download the form from the Immigration Bureau website.
How to get it
- Have the guarantor fill in the form
- Attach that person's documents (see the next station)
Notes
This is a moral commitment (not legally enforceable), but it needs someone with stable income & status.
Guarantor's Certificate of ResidenceCertificate of residence and household members (juuminhyo). For sponsorship / family cases you need the version that lists the WHOLE HOUSEHOLD and…See detailsWhat this document is
Certificate of residence and household members (juuminhyo). For sponsorship / family cases you need the version that lists the WHOLE HOUSEHOLD and INCLUDES the relationship, to prove your relationship with family.
What it must show
- The WHOLE-HOUSEHOLD version — 世帯全員 (not the single-person one)
- INCLUDES the RELATIONSHIP to the head of household — 続柄 shown (あり)
- INCLUDES NATIONALITY (国籍) and RESIDENCE STATUS (在留資格) for foreign residents
- Does NOT print the My Number (個人番号) — the Bureau will NOT accept a version with My Number
Where to get it
The CITY HALL where you're currently registered — 市役所 (city) or 区役所 (ward, in large cities). Find the nearest: open Google Maps and type “市役所” or “区役所” + your city/ward name → pick the closest. With a My Number card you can also get it at a kiosk in a convenience store.
How to get it
- Bring your residence card (在留カード) or My Number card to the city hall and take a number for the resident-record (住民票) counter
- Say (or hand over a note): 「世帯全員、続柄記載あり、マイナンバー無しの住民票を１通ください」— meaning: “Please give me 1 whole-household resident record, WITH relationship, WITHOUT My Number.”
- Pay ~300 yen, receive it the same day. Large households may span 2 pages → ask for both pages
Cost & time
About 300 yen per copy. Issued the same day.
Notes
A version missing the relationship, or one that PRINTS My Number, will be returned by the Bureau — remember to state both conditions when requesting.
Guarantor's Certificate of EmploymentA company-issued letter confirming you are an employee: position, job duties, start date, and salary.See detailsWhat this document is
A company-issued letter confirming you are an employee: position, job duties, start date, and salary.
What it must show
- Company name + official seal
- States position, job duties, start date, salary
Where to get it
Your company's HR / general affairs department.
How to get it
- Ask the company to issue this letter
- Say clearly it's for a residence renewal / change of status
Notes
The job duties must MATCH your residence status (e.g. Engineer = technical/office work, not manual labor).
Guarantor's Tax (Income) CertificateCertificate of annual INCOME + municipal (resident) tax (課税証明書, kazei-shōmeisho). The version to use now is Reiwa 7 nendo · 2024 income.See detailsWhat this document is
Certificate of annual INCOME + municipal (resident) tax (課税証明書, kazei-shōmeisho). The version to use now is Reiwa 7 nendo · 2024 income.
What it must show
- Shows total annual income + municipal tax amount
- Request exactly the Reiwa 7 nendo · 2024 income version
Where to get it
Apply at the CITY HALL (shiyakusho) where you were REGISTERED AS A RESIDENT on 1/1/2025. If you lived in a different city on that date, you must apply at that former city.
How to get it
- Bring your residence card (or My Number card) to the city hall
- Request the Reiwa 7 nendo · 2024 income version
- With a My Number card you can also get it at a kiosk in a convenience store
Cost & time
About 300 yen per copy. Issued the same day.
Notes
Why NOT a newer year (income 2025): that year's municipal tax is paid in several installments and is only FULLY paid around early 2027 — until then the tax-payment certificate is not “clean”. So for now, get all 3 documents consistently for the 2024 income year.
Guarantor's Tax Payment CertificateCertificate that municipal tax has been FULLY PAID with no arrears (納税証明書, nōzei-shōmeisho). Get it together with the Reiwa 7 nendo · 2024 income…See detailsWhat this document is
Certificate that municipal tax has been FULLY PAID with no arrears (納税証明書, nōzei-shōmeisho). Get it together with the Reiwa 7 nendo · 2024 income income certificate.
What it must show
- Confirms municipal tax is fully paid with no arrears
- Same year as the income certificate (Reiwa 7 nendo · 2024 income)
Where to get it
Same place as the income certificate: the city hall where you resided on 1/1/2025.
How to get it
- Request it at the same time as the income certificate
- Clearly ask for the “fully paid, no arrears” version
Cost & time
About 300 yen per copy. Issued the same day.
Notes
If you have arrears or haven't finished paying, you can't get a “clean” certificate — that's why you use an income year for which tax is already fully paid.
Guarantor's Residence CardYour current residence card. Photograph/enter it to capture the card number, residence status, and expiry.See detailsWhat this document is
Your current residence card. Photograph/enter it to capture the card number, residence status, and expiry.
What it must show
- Photograph BOTH SIDES
- The back has the address + renewal notes
Where to get it
You keep it (law requires you to carry it).
How to get it
- Photograph the front (photo + card number + status + expiry)
- Photograph the back (address + notes)
Notes
Bring the original when submitting at the Bureau.
Guarantor's passportPassport to verify identity. When submitting in person at the Bureau you must BRING THE ORIGINAL to show.See detailsWhat this document is
Passport to verify identity. When submitting in person at the Bureau you must BRING THE ORIGINAL to show.
What it must show
- Still valid
- Photograph/enter the personal-info page (the page with your photo)
Where to get it
You keep it. If expired: apply for a reissue at the Vietnamese Embassy/Consulate in Japan.
How to get it
- Photograph the info page clearly (photo + passport number)
- Bring the original when submitting at the Bureau
Notes
The app stores photos on your device and doesn't send them online.
Guarantor informationThe personal guarantor pledges to support your living and legal compliance. Must be a Japanese national or a permanent resident (often a spouse, a…See detailsWhat this document is
The personal guarantor pledges to support your living and legal compliance. Must be a Japanese national or a permanent resident (often a spouse, a parent who already has permanent residence, or your employer).