Requirements for settling in Japan

There are no restrictions on foreigners buying houses in Japan, but residence depends on the date of holding the visa. In other words, buying a house and obtaining permanent residence in Japan can be regarded as two separate things. If you want to apply for permanent resident status in Japan, no matter which of the methods and channels mentioned below, you can apply to obtain it after meeting the conditions, thereby realizing the purpose of immigrating to Japan. Conditions include living in Japan for a number of years, holding a long-term residence status of 3 or 5 years, having no criminal record, and paying taxes according to regulations, etc.

1. Application conditions for permanent residence in Japan

Live in Japan for more than 10 years and work for more than 5 years. Have a 3-year or 5-year status of residence at the time of application.

Comply with Japanese laws and regulations, such as having no criminal record or traffic violations.

Have sufficient income or assets to sustain life, with an annual income of no less than 3 million yen.

There are tax obligations and no annuity and insurance arrears.

2. Methods and approaches to apply for permanent residence in Japan

Based on Japanese communication or starting with studying (study abroad) in Japan, and then finding a stable job in Japan Work and live steadily in Japan until you meet the conditions to obtain Japanese identity. Or being "related to Japan" is also a way. If you are lucky enough to have a Japanese spouse and live in Japan, you may also have the opportunity to meet the conditions for obtaining Japanese identity.

There are two visa routes available.

The first is the Japanese business management visa.

In order to improve Japan's economy and attract talents to start businesses in Japan, and to welcome overseas people who have settled in Japan, the Japan Immigration Bureau launched the investment and business visa in 2006. In 2015, it was renamed the Business and Management Visa to encourage people who set up a company in Japan and truly operate and manage it to have the opportunity to live in Japan for a long time.

Applicants are required to establish a company (a company or a contract company) in Japan with a registered capital of not less than 5 million yen, and the business scope is not limited and can be of various contents, and then they can apply to the Japanese Immigration Bureau Submit an application for a business management visa. The first visa period is one year, and it can be renewed for one, three or five years depending on the company's operating conditions. Applicants need to pay taxes while holding a business management visa. After paying taxes for three years within five years, you can apply for Japanese naturalization (naturalization) in the fifth year. If you pay taxes for five years within ten years, you can apply for permanent residence in Japan (permanent residence, green card) in the tenth year. The premise is that the applicant cannot leave Japan for more than half a year each year, and each time he leaves Japan does not exceed three months. Otherwise, he will not be regarded as a Japanese tax resident, and the number of years cannot be accumulated.

The second is the Japanese Highly Talented Visa (Business and Management Category).

Japan officially launched the highly talented points system in May 2012. It hopes to select recognized foreign highly talented people through a relatively objective points system and provide preferential treatment policies in terms of visas and entry and exit. Modifications were completed in December 2013 to make the system easier to use. In April 2015, the evaluation method of the highly qualified points system was introduced, and visas for highly professional talents were added. In April 2017, the points bonus items were modified. Scores are based on academic qualifications, income, years of employment, qualification certificates, Japanese language proficiency and other requirements. Applicants with a score of 70 or above can apply to the Japan Immigration Bureau for a highly skilled talent visa. The comprehensive rating does not only look at one of them, but whether the comprehensive assessment can be satisfied. For qualified applicants, the advantage of this points system is that they can obtain a five-year visa for the first time. This also makes it possible for applicants who want to immigrate to Japan to obtain Japanese permanent residence (permanent residence, green card) as soon as one year later. Applicants with a score of 70 or above can apply for permanent residence in Japan in three years, and applicants with a score of 80 or above can apply for permanent residence in Japan as soon as one year later.