Why you should consider applying for Type 2 Highly-Skilled Professional Status or Permanent Residency
“I want to change jobs in Japan”
“I want to continue residing in Japan without worrying about my period of stay”
If you are worried about these types of matters, we recommend that you consider acquiring the Type 2 Highly-Skilled Professional Status or Permanent Residency Status (Permanent Residency).
People holding Type 2 Highly-Skilled Professional Status or Permanent Residency receive a number of benefits, such as not being required to regularly renew their residence status in Japan.
Differences between each status
（⇐ Please slide sideways ⇒）
| Type 1 Highly-Skilled Professional | Type 2 Highly-Skilled Professional | Permanent Residency | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Period of stay | 5 Years |
Indefinite period of stay
*Necessary to renew residence card |
Indefinite period of stay
*Necessary to renew residence card |
| Changing jobs |
✕
*Notification necessary |
◯ | ◯ |
| Bringing parents and housekeepers |
◯
*Limited to certain circumstances |
◯
*Limited to certain circumstances |
◯ |
| Necessity of staying employed to maintain status |
Necessary | Necessary | Not required to be employed |
If a person is already working in Japan with the Type 1 Highly-Skilled Professional Status, they may already meet the requirements of the Type 2 Highly-Skilled Professional Status and Permanent Residency.
Even if a person is not currently a Highly-Skilled Professional, they can apply for that status if they have the required number of application points.
Benefits of Permanent Residency in Japan
For foreign residents who have lived in Japan for an extended period, obtaining permanent residency (PR) is an attractive option. With permanent residency, life in Japan becomes more stable and flexible, allowing for a more fulfilling lifestyle. In this article, we will detail the main benefits of obtaining permanent residency in Japan.
1. Exemption from the Need to Renew Your Visa
Once you obtain permanent residency, unlike other residency statuses, you are exempt from the need to renew your visa. This offers significant convenience for permanent residents. Without the concern of visa expiration, you can confidently plan your long-term stay, focusing on both professional and family life without the disruptions of periodic visa renewals.
Being free from the frequent burden of visa renewals and the anxiety surrounding the renewal process provides a great sense of stability for those living in Japan. This is especially advantageous for individuals managing businesses or supporting families, as it ensures greater peace of mind.
2. Expanded Freedom in Choosing Careers and Employers
By obtaining permanent residency, the usual restrictions on employment and employers associated with other residency statuses are removed. This grants you a broader range of options, allowing you to freely change jobs, pursue side businesses, or even venture into entrepreneurship.
With permanent residency, you will be treated the same as Japanese nationals in the job market, as there are no employment restrictions, which significantly expands your career prospects. Additionally, if you wish to become independent and start your own business in the future, you can do so without the need to change your residency status, providing a seamless transition into entrepreneurship.
3. Financial Advantage in Obtaining Bank Loans
Permanent residency provides distinct advantages in the financial realm. For instance, when applying for long-term loans such as home loans or car loans, permanent residents often enjoy more favorable conditions compared to non-permanent residents.
Since visa validity often influences the approval of long-term loans, it can be challenging for foreign nationals without permanent residency to secure such loans. However, with permanent residency, your stable residence status enhances your credibility with financial institutions, increasing the likelihood of securing loan approval under more favorable terms.
4. Greater Freedom for Your Family
Permanent residency offers not only personal stability but also enhanced freedom for your family. For example, your spouse and children can change their visa status to 'Spouse or Child of a Permanent Resident,' which allows them to work without restrictions and freely pursue employment opportunities.
Moreover, when your spouse or children apply for permanent residency, the required period of residence in Japan is typically shorter, which helps in ensuring long-term stability for the entire family.
Conclusion
Obtaining permanent residency in Japan offers numerous advantages. Not only does it eliminate the need for visa renewals and provide greater flexibility in career choices, but it also presents financial benefits and ensures stability to your entire family. Permanent residency represents a crucial step toward achieving a stable and free life in Japan, making it an attractive option for those considering long-term residence in the country.
Our experienced administrative scriveners are here to assist with your permanent residency application. Additionally, we offer consultations to assess your eligibility, so please feel free to reach out to us.
Examples of Cases that we have assisted
- Mr. Ivanov –
- Russian nationality –
- 39 years old –
- Working for foreign IT company
Mr. Ivanov was assigned to the Japan branch of a well-known foreign IT company.
While in Japan, Mr. Ivanov obtained the Type 1 Highly-Skilled Professional Status through an application handled by his company.
One year after his assignment, Mr. Ivanov began to look into independently starting his own business in Japan.
Because he would have to change his residency status to business management when starting a business with the Type 1 Highly-Skilled Professional Status, Mr. Ivanov then considered Permanent Residency and consulted our firm.
Our firm explained the differences between the Type 2 Highly-Skilled Professional Status and Permanent Residency to Mr. Ivanov.
Because there was no need for Mr. Ivanov to bring his parents or a housekeeper to Japan, we then recommended Permanent Residency and assisted Mr. Ivanov with his successful application.
- Ms. Novak –
- Czech nationality –
- 34 years old –
- University associate professor
Ms. Novak lived in Japan with her family and worked as an associate professor at a university.
Four years had passed since Ms. Novak's child was born in Japan, and she was more deeply connected with Japanese society.
Ms. Novak wished to have a stable life in Japan, and thus considered Permanent Residency.
Our firm explained the differences between the Type 2 Highly-Skilled Professional Status and Permanent Residency to Ms. Novak.
Because there was no need for Ms. Novak to bring her parents or a housekeeper to Japan, we then recommended Permanent Residency and assisted Ms. Novak with her successful application.
Reasons for hiring us
If you hire us to assist you in obtaining the Type 2 Highly-Skilled Professional Status or Permanent Residency, we will assist you in the following ways.
We will handle everything for you
Application procedures involve visiting a government office on weekdays.
If you are unable to take time off on weekdays, we will handle everything by appearing on your behalf.
We determine the most appropriate status based on your situation and expectations
Depending on the status, there are different conditions and benefits.
We determine the most appropriate status based on your situation and expectations, and we will advise and assist you with your application.
Preparation for application procedures and documentation
It is necessary to submit a number of documents for many applications, including applications for status.
We assist with the preparation and compilation of a wide range of application materials.
