Long-Term Resident
People granted residence on special grounds such as Nikkei (Japanese descent), divorced/widowed spouses or resettled refugees.
The Long-Term Resident is a Japanese settlement & citizenship visa. This guide covers who it's for, the key eligibility criteria, the indicative 2025 cost (~¥4,000 on grant; Certificate of Eligibility is free) and processing time (~1-3 months for the Certificate of Eligibility), the route to permanent residence, common pitfalls and FAQs.
Who the Long-Term Resident is for
People granted residence on special grounds such as Nikkei (Japanese descent), divorced/widowed spouses or resettled refugees.
Renewable freely and counts toward permanent residence (often after ~5 years).
Long-Term Resident - eligibility criteria
- Fall within a designated ground (e.g. Nikkei to the 3rd generation)
- Or a settled refugee / person on humanitarian grounds
- Or a divorced/widowed former spouse of a Japanese/PR with ties to Japan
- Able to support yourself in Japan
Long-Term Resident cost & processing time (2025)
The indicative government fee for the Long-Term Resident (Japan) is ~¥4,000 on grant; Certificate of Eligibility is free, with an indicative processing time of ~1-3 months for the Certificate of Eligibility. Figures are for 2025 and may change - confirm at Immigration Services Agency of Japan.
| Type | Long-term residence |
|---|---|
| Where you apply | Certificate of Eligibility filed in Japan; visa issued at a consulate abroad |
| Length of stay | 5 years, 3 years, 1 year or 6 months (renewable) |
| Work rights | Unrestricted work permitted |
| Study rights | Study allowed |
| Government fee | ~¥4,000 on grant; Certificate of Eligibility is free |
| Processing time | ~1-3 months for the Certificate of Eligibility |
| Route to PR | Renewable freely and counts toward permanent residence (often after ~5 years). |
Pathway & next steps
Renewable freely and counts toward permanent residence (often after ~5 years).
Many applicants also compare Spouse of Japanese · Spouse or Child of Japanese National, Permanent Resident · Permanent Resident (Eijuken), Refugee · Refugee Recognition / Complementary Protection. Run a free VisaChief check to see which Japanese route best fits your profile, then prepare an application reviewed by a registered migration agency in our partner network.
Common Long-Term Resident pitfalls we fix
Long-Term Resident - frequently asked questions
How much does the Long-Term Resident cost?
The Long-Term Resident government fee is ~¥4,000 on grant; Certificate of Eligibility is free. Figures are indicative for 2025; always confirm current fees at Immigration Services Agency of Japan before applying.
How long does the Long-Term Resident take to process?
Indicative processing time is ~1-3 months for the Certificate of Eligibility. Actual timeframes vary with caseload, completeness and your circumstances.
Does the Long-Term Resident lead to permanent residence?
Renewable freely and counts toward permanent residence (often after ~5 years).
Can I work on the Long-Term Resident?
Work rights: Unrestricted work permitted.
Who can apply for the Long-Term Resident?
People granted residence on special grounds such as Nikkei (Japanese descent), divorced/widowed spouses or resettled refugees.
Sources & official references
This guide is compiled from official Japan government sources and is updated periodically. Eligibility, fees and processing times change - always confirm the current rules with the issuing authority before you apply:
- Immigration Services Agency of Japan - official Japan immigration authority