Permanent Resident Visa
What is the “Maximum Validity Visa” Required for Permanent Residency Applications? Are There Exceptions in Practice?
- 2025.07.31

In this article, we will discuss one of the “key points” that many applicants are concerned about when applying for permanent residency in Japan — “the validity of the present visa.” As a general rule, in order to apply for permanent residency in Japan, you must be holding a visa (residence status) with the maximum allowed period of stay. However, in actual practice, there are exceptions to this rule in certain cases. This column will explain both the general rule and the practical exceptions as clearly as possible.
General Rule: Applicants Must Have the Maximum Validity
In principle, to be eligible for permanent residency, applicants must be holding a visa with the maximum validity granted under their current status.
For example:
- Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services → Maximum: 5 years
- Business Manager → Maximum: 5 years
- Spouse or Child of Japanese National→ Maximum: 5 years
- Long-Term Resident → Maximum: 5 years
In general, if applicants’ visa is not of the maximum validity, in most cases, the application will not be accepted.
Practical Exceptions: Can Permanent Residency be Granted Without the Maximum Validity Visa?
In applications, however, there are exceptions permanent residency is granted even if the applicant does not hold the longest visa period.
Case 1: Approved with a “3-Year Visa”
If the applicant’s residence situation is stable — with consistent tax payments, enrollment in social insurance, and good conduct — there is a possibility that permanent residency would be approved even with a 3-year visa.
Case 2: During Visa Renewal Process
If Applicants are in the process of renewing their visa and the extension to the longest period is likely to be approved, this may be taken into consideration.
Case 3: Long-Term Stay and Stable Work History
If applicants have been living in Japan for over 10 years with a stable work and life situation, immigration authorities may consider your practical stability, even if your visa is not the longest one.
Why Do Exceptions Exist If a Principle is Already Established?
This is because Japan’s immigration system incorporates both legal standards and discretionary judgment.
So while the law requires the maximum visa validity, the actual decision can take into account applicants’ overall circumstances. If immigration authorities determine that “you are a suitable candidate for permanent residency”, permission is expected to be granted on the exception basis.
For Those Seeking Permanent Residency: What should Applicants Prepare?
- Try to apply with the maximum visa validity
→ This makes the application smoother and easier to be approve. - Even without the maximum validity, it is important to throughly meet other requirements.
→ Stable income, tax payment, social insurance, and good behavior can be positive - Consult with a specialist
→ By consulting an administrative scrivener experienced in visa and permanent residency applications, you can gain a clear understanding of the screening standard and potential risks.
Summary
While holding the maximum visa validity is the general requirement for permanent residency, in practice there are many cases where exceptions are granted.
In fact, many of our clients have successfully received permanent residency even while holding a 3-year visa.
That said, it is always better to hold the maximum visa validity. We recommend preparing your documents carefully and seeking expert advice to determine the best timing and approach for your application.
▶ Reference (Immigration Services Agency)
Editor of this article

- Ryota Yanagimoto
- Administrative Scrivener/Judicial Scrivener
At the age of 24, he passed the national examinations for judicial scrivener, administrative scrivener, and wage service manager at the same time.
While working as a full-time lecturer at a major prep school, he independently opened a legal office related to judicial scriveners and administrative scriveners,
and he has experience as a judicial scrivener and an administrative scrivener for more than 15 years so far.
He has been actively contributing to various industries such as publicly listed companies, real estate companies, financial institutions, elderly care services, and professional organizations by conducting seminars, lectures, and talks.
And now he has a record of over 60 presentations so far.
Furthermore, as the president of a Japanese language school announced by the Ministry of Justice and Acts, and an advisor to a real estate company (capable of handling foreign clients),
he has been involved in various aspects of industries related to foreigners.
It is recommended to consult with experts when it comes to visas, naturalization, and residency matters.

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