The Long-Term Resident (定住者) is a special visa status granted at the discretion of Japan's Minister of Justice to individuals who have a recognized need for long-term residence in Japan but do not fit neatly into other immigration categories. It is one of the most flexible immigration statuses, granting unrestricted work rights and a stable, renewable residence authorization.
The most common recipients are third-generation Japanese descendants (日系三世) and their families — individuals of Japanese ethnic heritage from countries such as Brazil, Peru, and the Philippines who have come to work and live in Japan. Japan has also extended this status to the spouses and children of Japanese nationals who have lost their Japanese sponsor through divorce or death, as well as to recognized refugees who have established roots in Japan.
The Long-Term Resident status provides full employment freedom — holders may work in any industry and any role without restriction. This, combined with the reduced 5-year pathway to permanent residency, makes it a highly valued status. However, because it is discretionary and assessed case-by-case by the Minister of Justice, applicants should ensure their documentation is complete, accurate, and compelling when presenting their case for recognition.
Who Is This For
- ✓Third-generation descendants of Japanese emigrants (日系三世) and their spouses and children
- ✓Spouses and dependent children of Japanese nationals who have lost their spouse through divorce or death
- ✓Refugees recognized under the 1951 Refugee Convention residing in Japan
- ✓Persons with special circumstances recognized by the Minister of Justice
- ✓Children born in Japan to permanent resident parents
Validity Periods
Single Residence Period: Up to 5 years
Requirements
- •A qualifying special circumstance recognized by the Minister of Justice
- •For Nikkei (Japanese descendants): documented Japanese descent to the specified generation
- •For divorced/widowed spouses of Japanese nationals: evidence of prior legitimate marriage and current single status
- •Stable livelihood and good conduct
- •No serious criminal record or immigration violations
- •Valid passport
Costs & Fees
Full breakdown of Immigration fees, scrivener rates, and all other costs for this visa type.
Required Documents
- Valid passport
- Application for Certificate of Eligibility or Change of Status
- Recent passport-size photograph
- Documents proving the qualifying relationship or circumstance (family register, birth certificate, refugee certificate, etc.)
- Evidence of Japanese descent (for Nikkei applicants: family registers, naturalization records of ancestor)
- Residence certificate (住民票)
- Income proof or financial support documentation
- Criminal record check from country of origin (if requested)
Where to Apply
Application Process
- 1Identify and document the specific qualifying circumstance (Japanese descent, former marriage to Japanese national, recognized refugee status, etc.)
- 2Gather all relevant family registry and personal identification documents
- 3Apply for a Certificate of Eligibility or Change of Status at the regional Immigration Services Agency
- 4Submit a letter of explanation detailing the basis for the Long-Term Resident application
- 5Await the Minister of Justice's discretionary decision (process may take several months)
- 6Upon approval, receive the residence card and register at the local municipality
Apply for the Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
Once you've chosen your visa, your Japan-side sponsor (employer / school / family) files the COE with Immigration — then you exchange it for a visa at the embassy.
Residence Status (COE) Review Time
Average processing days as of Jun 2026, based on official Ministry of Justice statistics.
Figures include waiting time for supplementary documents. Denied and withdrawn applications are excluded.
Renewal and change-of-status 'notice' figures include the wait between review completion and pickup at Immigration Bureau.
Work Restrictions
Family & Dependents
Renewal & Extension
Common Visa Transition Paths
These are the most common paths — many other transitions are possible if you meet the eligibility criteria for another residence status.
Important Notices
- ⚠The Long-Term Resident visa category is special; not everyone can apply
- ⚠Long-term residents after divorce must prove independent livelihood in Japan
- ⚠Extended absence from Japan may affect renewal
Practical Tips
- →The Long-Term Resident visa offers full work freedom; take advantage of this benefit
- →Stable employment and tax records help with renewal and permanent residence application
- →Nikkei (Japanese descendants) have relatively lenient application conditions