Long-term Resident (定住者 Teijusha) is the visa status which the Minister of Justice grants each foreign national a certain period of stay under this visa status by considering special reason for each of foreign nationals.
This visa status is divided into 2 categories depending on whether the situation is prescribed by the Ministerial Ordinance (Ministerial Ordinance to Provide for Criteria Pursuant to Article 7, paragraph 1, item 2 of the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act);
- Long-term Resident (prescribed) 告示定住者
- Long-term Resident (not prescribed) 告示外定住者
Child here includes legitimate and illegitimate child, but doesn’t include step-child and adopted child.
Long-term Resident (prescribed): 告示定住者
The situation prescribed by the Ministerial Ordinance (Ministerial Ordinance to Provide for Criteria Pursuant to Article 7, paragraph 1, item 2 of the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act).
- No.1: Myanmarese refugees
- No.2:（deleted）
- No.3: Child born as a biological child of Japanese (2nd and 3rd Generation Japanese)
- No.4：Grandchild of 1st Generation Japanese (3rd Generation Japanese)
- No.5：
- Spouse of Child of Japanese
- Spouse of Long-term Resident (except the Japanese descendent)
- Spouse of Long-term Resident (2nd and 3rd Japanese)
- No.6：
- Unmarried minor who is a child of naturalized Japanese, Permanent Resident or Special Permanent Resident.
- Unmarried minor who is a child of Long-term Resident (excluding Japanese descendent).
- Unmarried minor who is a child of Long-term Resident (Japanese descendent or spouse of Japanese descendent).
- Unmarried minor who is a child supported by his/her biological mother obtaining Spouse of Japanese visa or Spouse of PR visa and being separated from ex-husband by death or divorce.
- No.7：Child up to 6 years old, adopted by Japanese, PR/Special PR or Long-term Resident.
- No.8：Japanese War Orphans Left in China and the relatives.
Long-term Resident (not prescribed): 告示外定住者
Considering the special reason, the Minister of Justice designate the visa with a certain period of stay.
- Recognized Refugee who is recognized as a refugee by the Minister of Justice.
- Person who is recognized to be appropriate to obtain the visa status considering his/her special circumstance: e.g. a spouse of Japanese or PR who was separated from the husband/wife by death or by divorce, a biological mother who is supporting her child born of a Japanese husband etc.
Under Long-term Resident visa status, you can engage in working without limitation.
Also, the residence requirement for Permanent Resident application is relatively relaxed if you are a “prescribed” Long-term Resident visa holder.
BASIC REQUIREMENTS
Regardless of which visa status you will apply for, you need to satisfy the criteria first.
>> BASIC CRITERIA of visa status
No.3; Child born as a biological child of Japanese (2nd and 3rd Generation Japanese)
You must be applicable to the following situation and be considered as a person of good conduct:
- Grandchild of Japanese (3rd Generation Japanese).
- Child of ex-Japanese (2nd Generation Japanese): in case the ex-Japanese was born of a Japanese national and has renounced Japanese nationality before the child (applicant) was born.(*)
- Grandchild of ex-Japanese (3rd Generation Japanese): in case the ex-Japanese has renounced Japanese Nationality after his/her child (applicant’s parent) was born.
(*) In case the applicant was born before his/her parent has renounced Japanese nationality, he/she is applicable to Spouse/Child of Japanese visa status.
No.4; Grandchild of 1st Generation Japanese (3rd Generation Japanese)
In case the applicant is a grandchild of the "1st Generation Japanese (a child born of a Japanese national)", and his/her grandparent has renounced Japanese nationality before his/her parent was born.
Also, the applicant has to be considered as a person of good conduct.
No.5; Spouse of a child of Japanese / Spouse of a Long-term Resident
You must be applicable to one of the following:
- Spouse of Child of Japanese: in case the applicant is a spouse of Spouse/Child of Japanese visa holder (holding the visa as a child of Japanese).
- Spouse of Long-term Resident (excluding Japanese descendant): in case the applicant is a spouse of Long-term Resident (excluding those who are applicable to No.3 and No.4) with at least 1-year period of stay.
- Spouse of Long-term Resident (2nd or 3rd Generation Japanese): in case the applicant is a spouse of Long-term Resident (applicable to No.3 and No.4) with at least 1-year period of stay and is a person of good conduct.
Moreover, the marriage must be legal as well as substantial.
No.6; Unmarried minor child of naturalized Japanese, PR or Special PR, or Long-term Resident etc.
The applicant must an UNMARRIED MINOR who falls under one of the following;
- Child of naturalized Japanese: in case the applicant was born after the parent has naturalized to a Japanese national.
- Child of PR or Special PR in case;
- he/she was born outside Japan.
- he/she was born in Japan but has not been residing in Japan.
- Child of Long-term Resident (excluding Japanese descendant): in case the applicant is a child of Long-term Resident (excluding those who are applicable to No. 3 and No. 4) with at least 1-year period of stay.
- Child of Long-term Resident (Japanese descendent or spouse of Japanese descendent) with at least 1-year period of stay, who is a person of good conduct.
- Child of SPOUSE of JAPANESE, SPOUSE of PERMANENT RESIDENT, SPOUSE of LONG-TERM RESIDENT: In case the applicant’s biological mother is a SPOUSE of PERMANENT RESIDENT visa holder, Special PERMANENT RESIDENT visa holder or LONG-TERM RESIDENT visa holder with 1-year or more of period of stay and the mother is spported by the mother’s current husband.
“Minor” refers as a minor prescribed by the Japanese Civil Law.
Biological child in No.6 here is supposed to be supported by the parent(s). An independent/self-supported child who has ability to make living by himself/herself has to be excluded. Also, the minor has to live together with the parent(s) . If they live separately each other without any reasonable grounds, the immigration office would not acknowledge the parent’s support and would cause for denial.
No.7; Child up to 6 years old, adopted by Japanese, PR/Special PR or Long-term Resident.
The applicant must be a child up to 6 years who is adopted and supported by the following:
- Japanese national
- Permanent Resident or Special Permanent Resident
- Long-term Resident with at least 1-year period of stay.
Adopted child includes “adopted child by Special Adoption (特別養子 Tokubetsu Youshi)” and “adopted child by Regular Adoption (普通養子 Futsuu Youshi)”.
Not Prescribed：those who are allowed to enter or stay in Japan in consideration of special circumstances.
The following cases would be applicable to this category, this visa status would be granted in consideration of special circumstances of each case.
- Those who are acknowledged as Refugee by the Minister of Justice.
- Those who wish to continue to reside in Japan after being separated from his/her spouse who is Japanese, PR / Special PR by divorce or by death.
- Requires to be capable of speaking Japanese language for everyday life to some extent
- Considered as being able to living a stable life in Japan financially.
- Fulfilling public obligation as a resident in Japan.
- Living life together as a married couple (husband and wife) during the marriage and being supported each other mutually during living separately.
- Generally requires at least 3 year of substantial marriage.
- Those who are caring and supporting a child of Japanese.
- Considered as being able to living a stable life in Japan financially.
- Must have parental authority of the child.
- Has been caring and supporting the child for reasonable period until now.
- In case of illegitimate child, acknowledgement of the biological father must be required.
- Generally requires the biological father’s cooperation for the application.
- Those who wish to continue to reside in Japan while the marriage to a Japanese national is failed practically.
- The divorce has not been completed but the marriage has been failed practically already.
- Considered as being able to living a stable life in Japan financially.
- Fulfilling public obligation as a resident in Japan.
- Generally requires at least 3 year of substantial marriage.
- Those who were granted one-year period of stay under Designated Activities in consideration of special circumstances after being denied of Recognition of Refugee status, and applying for Change of Visa Status to Long-term Resident.
PROCEDURES
In case you are applicable to Long-term Resident prescribed as No.1 – No.8 and are currently residing outside Japan yet or you are staying in Japan as a temporary visitor:
>> COE APPLICATION
In case you are applicable to Long-term Resident not prescribed and are currently residing outside Japan yet:
You need to enter under Temporary Visitors visa once and apply for Change of Visa Status.
>> CHANGE of VISA STATUS
In case you have been in Japan under specific status and holding Residence Card already:
>> CHANGE of VISA STATUS
BASIC REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
You are required to prepare documents which certify that the contents of the application are true and correct. Necessary documents are varied depending on the situation of each applicant and the host person, however, it shall be as follows:
In case of 3rd Generation Japanese
（１）Application form
（２）Portrait Photo (H 4cm x W 3cm)
（３）COE application only: envelope with necessary stamps.
（４）Application for change only: the original of passport and Residence Card (在留カード).
（５）Koseki/Joseki Tohon (Certificate of Family Register) of your Japanese grandparent: original.
（６）Only in case processed at the city/ward office in Japan, either of the following:
- Certificate of Acceptance of Marriage Report (Konin Todoke Juri Shomeisho): of grandparents and parents
- Certificate of Acceptance of Birth Report (Shusshou Todoke Juri Shomeisho): of the applicant
- Certificate of Acceptance of Death Report (Shibou Todoke Juri Shomeisho): grandparents and parents
- Certificate of Residence Address (Juminhyo) of cohabitants in Japan: the original which all the members in the same household are listed and not omitted except My Numbers or Individual Resident Number.
（７）Documents to certify income and occupation.
- In case you will pay all the expenses living in Japan: Bank Certificate (Certificate of Bank Deposit) under your name, Certificate of prospective employment in Japan and Employment Agreement (issued by prospective/future employer in Japan)
- In case your relative in Japan pays your living expenses in Japan: Income/tax Certificate (Kazei-shotoku Shomeisho) and Tax payment Certificate (Nouzei Shomeisho).
（８）Letter of Guarantee signed by your relative in Japan who are Japanese or Permanent Resident.
（９）Police Clearance or Certificate of Criminal Record issued by the authorities in the applicant’s home/mother country.
（10）Official Certificate to certify the marriage of grandparents and parents: e.g. Marriage Certificate etc.
（11）Birth Certificate of the applicant and his/her parents.
（12）In case of birth by acknowledgement: Official Certificate to certify the acknowledgement issued by the authorities in the applicant’s home/mother country.
（13）Official documents to certify the existence of grandparents and parents: e.g. passport, Certificate of Death, Resident Certificate etc.
（14）Official documents to certify the applicant: Identification with portrait photo, Resident Certificate etc.
（15）Either one of the documents below to certify the applicant’s ability of Japanese language (if any) :
- Documents to prove of learning Japanese language for 6 months or more at the prescribed organization for learning Japanese language.
- Certificate of JLPT (Japanese Language Proficiency Test): N2 or more
- JLRT in BJT (Business Japanese Proficiency Test): 400 points or more
- Documents to certify receiving education at elementary school, junior high school, high school, university or technical college in Japan.
In case of No.5: Spouse of a child of Japanese / Spouse of a Long-term Resident
（１）Application form
（２）Portrait Photo (H 4cm x W 3cm)
（３）COE application only: envelope with necessary stamps.
（４）Application for change only: the original of passport and Residence Card (在留カード).
（５）Documents to certify marital relationship between your spouse:
- In case you reported the marriage to the city/ward office in Japan: Certificate of Acceptance of Marriage Report (Kon-in Todoke Juri Shomeisho)
- Official Certificate to certify the marriage issued by your home/mother country: e.g. Marriage Certificate etc.
（６）Certificate of Residence Address (Juminhyo) of your spouse: the original which all the members in the same household are listed and not omitted except My Numbers or Individual Resident Number.
（７）Your spouse’s Income/tax Certificate (Kazei-shotoku Shomeisho) and Tax Payment Certificate (Nouzei Shomeisho)
（８）Document to certify your spouse’s occupation:
- In case your spouse is an employee: Employment Certificate (Zaishoku Shomeisho)
- In caes your spouse is a freelance or sole-proprietor etc.：copy of Tax Return Forms (Kakutei Shinkokusho), License/Certificate for business etc.
（９）Letter of Guarantee signed by your spouse.
（10）Photos to certify marital relationship.
- Photos taken together with your spouse and relatives/family.
- Photos taken during visiting each other’s country while relationship and at the wedding ceremony etc.
（11）Questionnaire (you can get it from the website of the Immigration Bureau of Japan).
（12）Either one of the documents below to certify the applicant’s ability of Japanese language (if any) :
- Documents to prove of learning Japanese language for 6 months or more at the prescribed organization for learning Japanese language.
- Certificate of JLPT (Japanese Language Proficiency Test): N2 or more
- JLRT in BJT (Business Japanese Proficiency Test): 400 points or more
- Documents to certify receiving education at elementary school, junior high school, high school, university or technical college in Japan.
In case of No. 6: Unmarried minor child of naturalized Japanese, PR or Special PR, or Long-term Resident etc.
（１）Application form
（２）Portrait Photo (H 4cm x W 3cm)
（３）COE application only: envelope with necessary stamps.
（４）Application for change only: the original of passport and Residence Card (在留カード).
（５）Certificate of Residence Address (Juminhyo) of the supporter: the original which all the members in the same household are listed and not omitted except My Numbers or Individual Resident Number.
（６）Supporter’s Income/tax Certificate (Kazei-shotoku Shomeisho) and Tax Payment Certificate (Nouzei Shomeisho)
（７）Document to certify the supporter’s occupation:
- In case the supporter is an employee: Employment Certificate (Zaishoku Shomeisho)
- In caes the supporter is a freelance or sole-proprietor etc.：copy of Tax Return Forms (Kakutei Shinkokusho), License/Certificate for business etc.
（８）Letter of Guarantee signed by the supporter.
（９）Letter of Reason: document explaining the reason why the applicant needs to be supported.
（10）Applicant’s Birth Certificate issued by the authorities of the home/mother country.
（11）Applicant’s Certificate of Acceptance of Birth Report (Shusshou Todoke Shomeisho): only in case submitted the birth report in Japan.
（12）Applicant’s Certificate of Acknowledgement issued by the authorities of the home/mother country: if applicable.
（13）In case the applicant is a Japanese descendant:
- Passport copy of the applicant
- Police Clearance or Certificate of Criminal Record issued by the authorities in the applicant’s home/mother country.
- Official documents to certify the existence of grandparents and parents: e.g. passport, Certificate of Death, Resident Certificate etc.
（14）Koseki Tohon (Certificate of Family Register) of Japanese: only if the applicant is supported by Japanese.
In case of No. 7: Child up to 6 years old, adopted by Japanese, PR/Special PR or Long-term Resident.
（１）Application form
（２）Portrait Photo (H 4cm x W 3cm)
（３）COE application only: envelope with necessary stamps.
（４）Application for change only: the original of passport and Residence Card (在留カード).
（５）Certificate of Residence Address (Juminhyo) of the supporter: the original which all the members in the same household are listed and not omitted except My Numbers or Individual Resident Number.
（６）Supporter’s Income/tax Certificate (Kazei-shotoku Shomeisho) and Tax Payment Certificate (Nouzei Shomeisho)
（７）Document to certify the supporter’s occupation:
- In case the supporter is an employee: Employment Certificate (Zaishoku Shomeisho)
- In caes the supporter is a freelance or sole-proprietor etc.：copy of Tax Return Forms (Kakutei Shinkokusho), License/Certificate for business etc.
（８）Letter of Guarantee signed by the supporter.
（９）Letter of Reason: document explaining the reason why the applicant needs to be supported (only if the supporter is not a Japanese national).
（10）Applicant’s Birth Certificate issued by the authorities of the home/mother country.
（11）Applicant’s Certificate of Acceptance of Birth Report (Shusshou Todoke Shomeisho): only in case submitted the birth report in Japan.
（12）Koseki Tohon (Certificate of Family Register) of Japanese: only if the applicant is supported by Japanese.
（13）Documents to certify the adoption issued by the authorities of the applicant’s home/mother country.
（14）Certificate of Acceptance of Adoption Report (Youshi-engumi Todokede Juri Shomeisho): In case the adoption report was submitted to the city/ward office in Japan or in case that there are no entry related to adoption in the Koseki Tohon of the Japanese parent.
NOTE
- Any supporting documents to prove the eligibility for the visa status etc. should be provided based on the situation.
- All the documents written in foreign languages need to attach translation into the Japanese language.
- Additional documents may be required during the screening at the Immigration Office after submitting the application.
- Any certificate of Japanese authorities (Tax/Income Certificate, Certificate of Residence, Certificate of Company Register etc.) has to be the one issued within 3 months before the date of application.
PERIOD OF STAY
Each visa status has the expiration date – you can stay in Japan under the visa status during the specific period stated on Residence Card issued by Immigration Office. Period of stay shall be decided by Immigration Office depends on the applicant’s circumstance, and it shall be either of 5 years, 3 years, 1 year, 6 months or designated period granted by the Minister of Justice (up to 5 years). The period of stay is granted by the Immigration Office based on each case and situation.
In case you wish to extend the period of stay granted, you may apply for Extension of Period of Stay before the expiry date.
>> EXTENSION OF PERIOD OF STAY (VISA RENEWAL)
In case you would like to travel outside Japan temporarily under the visa status.
>> RE-ENTRY PERMIT
