Long-Term Resident (定住者)

At a Glance

Item	Details
Visa Name	Long-Term Resident Visa (定住者)
Stay Length	6 months, 1, 3, or 5 years
Visa Cost	Free COE; 15,000 JPY single-entry sticker fee
Eligibility Timing	Discretionary grant based on qualifying circumstances
Work Rights	Unrestricted; any legal employment permitted
Study Rights	Not stated in the source
Medicare / Healthcare	Not stated in the source
Travel Facility	Not stated in the source
Citizenship Pathway	Not stated in the source
Permanent Residency	Eligible after 5+ years of residence
Family Sponsorship	Family may accompany depending on circumstances
Visa Record	Residence Card (Zairyu Shikaku)
Processing Time	1–3 months (averages vary by application)

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Purpose & Overview

The Long-Term Resident status is granted at the discretion of the Minister of Justice to individuals who have recognized humanitarian, ancestral, or personal ties to Japan but do not fit other standard immigration categories.

Eligibility

Applicants must have a qualifying special circumstance recognized by the Minister of Justice, demonstrate a stable livelihood and good conduct, hold a valid passport, and have no serious criminal record or immigration violations. Qualifying categories include:

• Nikkei (Japanese Descendants): Third-generation descendants (日系三世) of Japanese emigrants, as well as their spouses and children.
• Divorced or Widowed Spouses: Spouses and dependent children of Japanese nationals who lost their spouse through death or divorce. Must prove prior legitimate marriage, current single status, and independent livelihood in Japan.
• Refugees: Individuals recognized under the 1951 Refugee Convention residing in Japan.
• Children of Permanent Residents: Children born in Japan to permanent resident parents.
• Other Special Circumstances: Discretionary recognition by the Minister of Justice.

Length of Stay & Renewal

• Authorized Periods: Granted for 6 months, 1 year, 3 years, or 5 years.
• Renewals: Renewable indefinitely (typically every 1 to 5 years) as long as qualifying conditions, financial stability, and dependency requirements continue to be met.

Rights & Conditions

• Work Entitlements: Full employment freedom. Holders may work in any legal occupation or industry without restriction.
• Transition to Permanent Residency: Holders are eligible to apply for Permanent Resident status after 5 continuous years of residence in Japan (reduced from the standard 10 years), provided they meet financial and conduct requirements.
• Family & Dependents: Family members may accompany the visa holder, subject to individual circumstances.

Costs & Fees

• Certificate of Eligibility (COE) Application: Free
• Visa Sticker Issuance Fee: 15,000 JPY (single entry, effective from July 1, 2026)

Processing Times

General processing takes 1 to 3 months. Average review times (as of June 2026):

• Certificate of Eligibility (overseas application): 85.9 days (30-month average: 78.5 days)
• Change of Status (within Japan): 60.2 days (30-month average: 46.5 days)
• Renewal / Extension (within Japan): 41.7 days (30-month average: 37.5 days)

Required Documents

• Valid passport
• Application form for Certificate of Eligibility or Change of Status
• Recent passport-size photograph
• Documents verifying qualifying circumstances (e.g., family register, birth certificate, refugee certificate)
• Ancestral records for Nikkei applicants (family registers, ancestor naturalization records)
• Residence certificate (juminhyo / 住民票)
• Proof of income or financial support
• Letter of explanation detailing the basis for the application
• Criminal record check from home country (if requested)

Application Steps

1. Establish Grounds: Identify and document the qualifying circumstance.
2. Collect Evidence: Gather personal identification, family registry, and financial records.
3. Submit Application: Apply for a COE (if abroad) or Change of Status (if in Japan) at the competent regional Immigration Services Agency.
4. Provide Explanation: Submit a detailed letter explaining the reasons for requesting Long-Term Resident status.
5. Awaited Determination: Await the discretionary decision from the Minister of Justice.
6. Complete Registration: Upon approval, receive the Residence Card and complete resident registration at the local municipality.

Important Warnings

• Discretionary Nature: Long-Term Resident status is granted on a case-by-case basis by the Minister of Justice; eligibility is restricted to specific qualifying grounds.
• Post-Divorce Self-Sufficiency: Divorced applicants must demonstrate the ability to maintain an independent livelihood in Japan.
• Absences from Japan: Extended periods outside Japan may negatively affect visa renewal.

Official Resources

• Ministry of Justice / Immigration Services Agency Long-Term Resident Information