residence

As part of the application to become a permanent resident of Japan, the foreign national must show that he or she is “of good conduct.”  This rather vague term covers a lot and there is a degree of subjectivity in how examiners may interpret it.  The most basic part of this requirement is following all laws and regulations in Japan but applicants should be especially careful while their application is pending in order to ensure that they have the greatest chance for meeting this requirement.

Next to acquiring Japanese citizenship, permanent residency is the most secure status that a foreign national can obtain to stay in Japan.  However, although the name suggests otherwise, permanent residency does not grant the holder an unlimited right to stay in Japan.  Unlike citizenship, permanent residency can be taken away under certain conditions.