Did You Know Permanent Residency In Japan Is Now Cheaper Than A Flight Ticket To The Country?

If you have been dreaming of settling in the Land of the Rising Sun, then we have a major update for you! Japan has simplified its permanent residency process. With a low fee and straightforward process, Japan is making it more accessible than ever for foreigners, including Indians, to call the country their long-term home. Scroll on to know more about this.

Indians Can Now Apply For Japan Permanent Residency

If Tokyo’s vibrant cityscape and Kyoto’s ancient temples make you want to move to Japan, then this dream can soon turn into reality! According to NDTV, Japan is now offering Permanent Residency (PR) to foreign citizens for a fee of just 8,000 yen (₹4,780 approx)–making the process affordable and streamlined.

To give you a little context, even the cheapest flight from India to Japan, from Kolkata to Tokyo with a layover, costs about ₹14,000! But you can apply for Japan’s Permanent Residency for less than ₹5,000 now. Japan’s PR is basically a visa status that allows a foreigner to stay in the country as long as they want. It is to be noted that you are eligible for this only if you have lived in Japan for at least 10 years.

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Who Can Apply?

Here’s the eligibility criteria to apply for Japan’s Permanent Residency –

1. The applicant should have been living in the country for at least 10 years.
2. They should have the financial means to sustain themselves.
3. There should be no criminal record or history of violating immigration laws.
4. If the applicant is married to a Japanese national/permanent resident for more than three years, in addition to having been residing in Japan for at least one year.
5. If the applicant has children of Japanese nationals/permanent residents and has lived in the country for one year or more.
6. For highly skilled professionals, Japan has a points-based system. Applicants with 70 points can apply after three years of continuous residency, while those with 80 points or more can apply after just one year.

Documents Required & How To Apply?

To apply for Japan’s Permanent Residency, you will need a completed PR application form, a valid passport and residence card, along with the following documents –

1. Proof of residence, employment, and income (e.g., bank statements, salary slips).
2. Tax certificates and social security payment records.
3. Guarantor documents, including letters of guarantee and income proof.
4. Family-related documents (marriage or family registration), if applicable.

Submit your application to the local Immigration Bureau before the current visa expires. You will then have to pay the application fee of 8,000 yen (₹4,780 approx) via revenue stamps. The processing of the PR takes 4 to 8 months. Once approved, you can exchange the current residence card for a new one at the local municipal or ward office.

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We hope this information was helpful to you all!

Cover Image Courtesy: Canva Pro/Sean Pavone