There is no official residency or citizenship by investment process in Japan. There are rumors of an entrepreneur specific visa. We will update this page if/when that happens. For now, it takes a long period of residency to become a resident of Japan.

Permanent Residence

Permanent Residence (永住権 ei-juh-ken) is a category of residential status in Japan. The main advantage to this status is that a person who has Permanent Residence status is not required to extend period of stay, and there is no limitation on activities (can partake in any type of work).

■ 1) Good conduct – the applicant has no criminal record, performs his or her duties such as public obligations, and lives daily life as a resident without being an object of contempt of society.
■ 2) Have assets or the ability to make an independent living without any public support. Bank account statement, assessment of real estate property, certificate of employment, tax statement, and a copy of latest tax return.
■ 3) Permitting permanent residence to the applicant is in the best interests of Japan socially and economicly.
■ 4) Necessary Period of Stay in Japan

In general one can apply for permanent residency after a resident status in Japan for 10 continuous years or more, but there are the following exceptions:
1) 3 years or more after the marriage to a Japanese national, permanent resident or special permanent resident and resided in Japan for one year or more.
2) 5 continuous years or more after a student visa was changed to a work-related visa.
3) 5 continuous years or more for recognized refugees
4) 5 continuous years or more after a status of long term residence was granted.
5) 5 continuous years or more after contributing to Japan in the fields of diplomacy, society, economy, or culture
6) If you are approved as a Highly Skilled Foreign Professional (HSPF), you may apply for Permanent Residency after 4 years and 6 months from the date you were approved as a HSPF