Long-term Resident - Required Documents
The Long-term Resident visa status is for persons whom the Minister of Justice permits to reside for a designated period of stay considering special circumstances.
| Applicable Persons | Persons whom the Minister of Justice permits to reside for a designated period of stay considering special circumstances |
|---|---|
| Period of Stay | 5 years, 3 years, 1 year, 6 months, or a period individually designated by the Minister of Justice (within 5 years) |
Types of Eligible Persons
Required documents vary depending on the applicant’s circumstances.
- Third-generation Japanese descendant (Nikkeijin)
- Spouse of second-generation Japanese descendant
- Spouse of third-generation Japanese descendant
- Unmarried minor child supported by a permanent resident, long-term resident, spouse or child of Japanese national, spouse or child of permanent resident, or special permanent resident
- Adopted child under 6 years old supported by a Japanese national, permanent resident, long-term resident, or special permanent resident
Important Notes Before Applying
- For questions about application forms and required documents, please contact the Immigration Information Center. (TEL: 0570-013904)
- Applications with incomplete documents may result in significant delays or denial of permission.
- All certificates issued in Japan must be submitted within 3 months of the date of issue.
- Documents written in foreign languages must be accompanied by a Japanese translation.
Note: Due to the revision of the Civil Code, “minor” stipulated in Long-term Resident Public Notice No. 6 has been changed from under 20 years old to under 18 years old, effective from April 1, 2022.
Application for Certificate of Eligibility (New)
For Third-Generation Japanese Descendant
📋 Download Document Checklist (PDF)
Common Required Documents
| No. | Required Documents | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Application for Certificate of Eligibility - 1 copy | Go to application form |
| 2 | Photograph - 1 | 4cm (H) x 3cm (W) |
| 3 | Return envelope - 1 | Standard envelope with recipient address and registered mail stamps attached |
Please refer to the checklist for other required documents.
Application for Change of Status of Residence
📋 Download Document Checklist (PDF)
| No. | Required Documents | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Application for Change of Status of Residence - 1 copy | Go to application form |
| 2 | Photograph - 1 | Not required for those under 16 years old |
| 3 | Passport and Residence Card | For presentation |
When Changing from Spouse of Japanese National/Permanent Resident to Long-term Resident
If you wish to change to Long-term Resident after divorce or death of spouse, please refer to Approved/Denied Cases.
Application for Extension of Period of Stay
📋 Download Document Checklist (PDF)
| No. | Required Documents | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Application for Extension of Period of Stay - 1 copy | Go to application form |
| 2 | Photograph - 1 | Not required for those under 16 or for extensions of 3 months or less |
| 3 | Passport and Residence Card | For presentation |
Reference Links
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