Permanent Resident vs Long-Term Resident: which Japanese visa is right for you?
Two long-term statuses: Permanent Resident (Eijuken) with unrestricted activities and no renewals, and Long-Term Resident, a renewable status for defined circumstances such as certain family ties.
Side-by-side comparison
| Feature | Permanent Resident (Eijuken) (Permanent Resident) | Long-Term Resident (Long-Term Resident) |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Permanent / PR | Long-term residence |
| Who it's for | Long-term residents seeking indefinite settlement in Japan without status renewals or work restrictions. | People granted residence on special grounds such as Nikkei (Japanese descent), divorced/widowed spouses or resettled refugees. |
| Government cost | ~¥10,000 on grant (2025; statutory caps rising under 2026 reforms) | ~¥4,000 on grant; Certificate of Eligibility is free |
| Processing time | ~4-12 months | ~1-3 months for the Certificate of Eligibility |
| Length of stay | Permanent (residence card renewed every 7 years) | 5 years, 3 years, 1 year or 6 months (renewable) |
| Where to apply | Permission for permanent residence filed at a regional immigration bureau in Japan | Certificate of Eligibility filed in Japan; visa issued at a consulate abroad |
| Work rights | Unrestricted work permitted | Unrestricted work permitted |
| Pathway to PR | This is permanent residence; you may later apply for naturalisation. | Renewable freely and counts toward permanent residence (often after ~5 years). |
Which is right for you?
Permanent Resident (Eijuken) (Permanent Resident)
Long-term residents seeking indefinite settlement in Japan without status renewals or work restrictions.
Full Permanent Resident guide →Long-Term Resident (Long-Term Resident)
People granted residence on special grounds such as Nikkei (Japanese descent), divorced/widowed spouses or resettled refugees.
Full Long-Term Resident guide →Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper, Permanent Resident or Long-Term Resident?
On indicative 2025-26 government costs, Long-Term Resident (Long-Term Resident) is the lowest at ~¥4,000 on grant; Certificate of Eligibility is free. Government fees change periodically - confirm before applying.
Which is processed faster, Permanent Resident or Long-Term Resident?
Indicatively Long-Term Resident (Long-Term Resident) is the quickest at ~1-3 months for the Certificate of Eligibility. Actual timeframes depend on caseload and how complete your application is.
Which of these leads to permanent residence?
Permanent Resident is permanent. Permanent Resident: This is permanent residence; you may later apply for naturalisation. Long-Term Resident: Renewable freely and counts toward permanent residence (often after ~5 years).
What's the main difference between Permanent Resident and Long-Term Resident?
Permanent Resident (Eijuken) (Permanent Resident) is for long-term residents seeking indefinite settlement in Japan without status renewals or work restrictions. Long-Term Resident (Long-Term Resident) is for people granted residence on special grounds such as Nikkei (Japanese descent), divorced/widowed spouses or resettled refugees.