Permanent residence is examined on an individual basis, but there are a great many cases where a family applies together. This article explains the requirements when applying for permanent residence together with your spouse and children, how household income is viewed, and strategies for simultaneous applications.
Advantages of a Simultaneous Family Application
Applying for permanent residence simultaneously as an entire family has the following advantages.
| Advantage | Content |
|---|---|
| More efficient procedures | You only need to prepare one set of common documents |
| Unified examination | The family’s situation can be evaluated comprehensively |
| Simplified residence management | If everyone becomes a permanent resident, renewal procedures become unnecessary |
| Cost savings | When engaging an Administrative Scrivener, a family package discount is often available |
Application Patterns by Family Structure
Pattern 1: Principal Applicant (Work Visa) + Spouse (Dependent)
This is the most common pattern.
| Applicant | Current Residence Status | Requirements for Permanent Residence |
|---|---|---|
| Principal applicant | Work visa such as the Engineer visa | 10 years of residence (including 5 years of employment), income, tax payment, etc. |
| Spouse | Dependent | Applies simultaneously with the principal applicant. Premised on the principal applicant’s permanent residence being approved |
Point: Where the spouse holds “Dependent” status, once the principal applicant obtains permanent residence, the spouse’s residence status can be changed to “Spouse or Child of Permanent Resident.” After that, the spouse can also apply for permanent residence with 3 years of marriage + 1 year of residence.
Pattern 2: Principal Applicant (Permanent Resident) + Spouse
This is where the principal applicant already holds permanent residence.
| Applicant | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Spouse | A marriage accompanied by substance continuing for 3 years or more + continuous residence in Japan for 1 year or more |
Pattern 3: Parent (Permanent Resident) + Child
| Applicant | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Biological child | Having resided in Japan continuously for 1 year or more |
Note: A child born in Japan must complete the procedure to acquire a residence status within 30 days of birth.
Pattern 4: Simultaneous Application by the Entire Family
This is the case where the spouse and children also apply for permanent residence at the same time as the principal applicant.
| Applicant | Residence Status | Basis of Application |
|---|---|---|
| Principal applicant | Engineer visa (10 years of residence) | General route or highly skilled professional route |
| Spouse | Dependent | Simultaneous application with the principal applicant |
| Child | Dependent | Simultaneous application with the principal applicant |
How to Calculate Household Income
When applying for permanent residence as a family, the independent livelihood requirement is judged on the household’s total annual income.
Guideline Income by Number of Dependents
| Household Structure | Number of Dependents | Guideline Annual Income |
|---|---|---|
| Principal applicant only | 0 | Approx. ¥3 million |
| Principal applicant + spouse | 1 | Approx. ¥3.7 million |
| Principal applicant + spouse + 1 child | 2 | Approx. ¥4.4 million |
| Principal applicant + spouse + 2 children | 3 | Approx. ¥5.1 million |
| Principal applicant + spouse + 3 children | 4 | Approx. ¥5.8 million |
Where the Spouse Is Working
If the spouse earns income from part-time work or the like, it can be calculated on a combined household basis.
| Example | Principal Applicant’s Income | Spouse’s Income | Household Income | Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Couple + 1 child | ¥3.5 million | ¥1 million | ¥4.5 million | Clears the ¥4.4 million guideline |
| Couple + 2 children | ¥4 million | ¥800,000 | ¥4.8 million | Slightly short of the ¥5.1 million guideline |
Note: Where the spouse works under permission to engage in activities other than those permitted (up to 28 hours per week) with the residence status of “Dependent,” that income can also be combined. However, if they worked more than 28 hours per week, this may conflict with the good conduct requirement.
Required Documents
Documents Common to the Family
| Document | Description |
|---|---|
| Certificate of residence (all household members) | One listing all family members |
| Household taxation certificate | Proves the household’s overall income |
| Household tax payment certificate | Proves the household’s overall tax payment status |
Documents for the Principal Applicant (Work Visa)
| Document | Description |
|---|---|
| Application for permission for permanent residence | For the principal applicant |
| Statement of reasons | Reasons for desiring permanent residence (also describing the family’s situation) |
| Certificate of employment | Certification from the current employer |
| Taxation certificates and tax payment certificates (5 years) | Personal income and tax payment record |
| Pension records | Nenkin Teiki-bin, etc. |
| Letter of guarantee | A guarantor is required |
Documents for the Spouse
| Document | Description |
|---|---|
| Application for permission for permanent residence | For the spouse |
| Documents proving the marital relationship | Marriage certificate, certified copy of family register, etc. |
| Passport and residence card | Presented |
Documents for Children
| Document | Description |
|---|---|
| Application for permission for permanent residence | For the child (filled in by the statutory representative) |
| Birth certificate | Proves the parent-child relationship |
| Passport and residence card | Presented |
Simultaneous Application vs. Staged Application
Simultaneous Application
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Advantages | Document preparation is done only once. The possibility of everyone obtaining permanent residence at once |
| Disadvantages | If the principal applicant is denied, the spouse and children are also likely to be denied |
| Suitable cases | Where the principal applicant’s approval is almost certain |
Staged Application (Principal Applicant → Spouse and Children)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Advantages | The spouse can apply after the principal applicant’s permanent residence is confirmed, so it is more certain |
| Disadvantages | The procedure is split into two, so it takes more time and cost |
| Suitable cases | Where there are concerns about the principal applicant’s approval |
Recommendation: Where the principal applicant’s requirements are sufficiently met, we recommend a simultaneous application; where there are elements of concern, we recommend a staged application.
Preparation Checklist for Families Aiming for Permanent Residence
- Confirm that the principal applicant’s period of residence meets the requirements
- Confirm that the household income exceeds the guideline for the number of dependents
- Confirm the tax, pension, and health insurance payment status of all family members
- Confirm the spouse’s marriage period and period of residence
- Confirm that the birth notification and residence status acquisition procedures for children have been completed
- Confirm that the number of days spent outside Japan does not exceed the standard
Reference: Guidelines for Permission for Permanent Residence (revised February 24, 2026) — Immigration Services Agency of Japan
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