Can You Get Permanent Residency from a Specified Skilled Worker Visa? 2026 Latest Conditions and Roadmap to Success
As the number of foreign nationals working as "Specified Skilled Workers" in Japan increases, one of the most frequent questions is, "Can I live in Japan forever? (Can I get Permanent Residency?)" The conclusion is that it is entirely possible to aim for Permanent Residency from a Specified Skilled Worker visa, but there is a crucial rule: you cannot remain as "No. 1."
As of 2026, the Specified Skilled Worker system has expanded, with more industries now eligible for "No. 2," making the path to Permanent Residency wider than before. However, the screening criteria themselves are becoming stricter every year, and early preparation is the key to success. This article covers the specific conditions and steps you should start today.
2. The "Impassable Wall" Between Specified Skilled Worker Visas and Permanent Residency, and Its Solutions
There are "No. 1" and "No. 2" Specified Skilled Worker visas, and the difference between them is like night and day when it comes to aiming for Permanent Residency.
2-1. Does Specified Skilled Worker No. 1 Not Count Toward "Permanent Residency"?
To apply for Permanent Residency, you generally need to have lived in Japan for at least 10 years, with at least 5 of those years spent under a "work visa" (status of residence permitted for work). The most important point to note here is the rule that the period worked as Specified Skilled Worker No. 1 does not count toward this "5-year work period." In other words, even if you work for 5 years as No. 1, you will not gain the eligibility to apply for Permanent Residency.
2-2. The Key: Transitioning to "Specified Skilled Worker No. 2"
The most realistic route to Permanent Residency is transitioning to Specified Skilled Worker No. 2.
H3: Benefit of No. 2: Once you become Specified Skilled Worker No. 2, that period will be counted as a "work period."
H3: Bringing Family: Under No. 2, you can bring your family (spouse and children) to Japan, making it possible to aim for Permanent Residency together.
H3: No Renewal Limit: While No. 1 is limited to a total of 5 years, there is no limit on the number of renewals for No. 2, allowing you to naturally satisfy the 10-year residency requirement.
2-3. The Route of Changing to "Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services" (Gijinkoku)
If you have graduated from a university or have extensive work experience, changing from Specified Skilled Worker to a "Gijinkoku" visa is also a powerful option. Since all periods under Gijinkoku count toward the work requirement for Permanent Residency, you may be able to reach your goal faster than aiming for Specified Skilled Worker No. 2.
3. The "3 Basic Conditions" for Permanent Residency and Hurdles Unique to Specified Skilled Workers
The Immigration Bureau checks many items during the Permanent Residency screening, but Specified Skilled Workers should be particularly aware of the following three points.
3-1. Residency Requirement: The 10-year and 5-year Rule
As mentioned, you need "10 years in Japan + 5 years under a work visa."
H3: Continuation from Technical Intern Training: Technical Intern Training (3 years) + Specified Skilled Worker No. 1 (5 years) = 8 years total, but these 8 years are NOT included in the "work period." After that, you must work for 5 years after becoming No. 2 or changing to a Gijinkoku visa.
H3: Restrictions on Days Outside Japan: If you leave Japan for a total of 100 days or more in a year, or for 90 consecutive days, your residency history may be reset.
3-2. Fulfillment of Public Obligations: Taxes, Pension, and Health Insurance
Currently, the strictest part of the screening involves "money" and obligations.
H3: No Delays in Payment: Resident tax, income tax, national pension, and health insurance. You will be questioned on whether you paid these "within the deadline." Even if you pay in full later, a history of missing deadlines carries a high risk of denial.
H3: Importance of Special Collection (Deduction from Salary): It is safest if your company deducts taxes from your salary (Special Collection). If you pay yourself (Ordinary Collection), you must perfectly manage all payment records from convenience stores or apps.
3-3. Maintenance of Livelihood Requirement: Stable Annual Income
You must prove that you can live independently without relying on public assistance after obtaining Permanent Residency.
H3: The 3 Million Yen Wall: Generally, for a single person, a continuous annual income of 3 million yen or more for the last 5 years is a guideline.
H3: Impact of Dependents: If you are supporting family members, an additional annual income of about 700,000 to 800,000 yen per person may be required.
4. Roadmap to Winning Permanent Residency from Specified Skilled Worker Status
A long-term strategy of when and what to do is necessary.
4-1. Step 1: Early Passing of the No. 2 Exam (Skills Test)
To progress to Specified Skilled Worker No. 2, you must pass a high-level exam.
Measure: Start preparing for the exam before you exhaust your 5-year period as No. 1. While the number of eligible industries for No. 2 is expanding, the frequency of exams in some fields is low, so schedule management is vital.
4-2. Step 2: Organizing Pension and Health Insurance Records
For the Permanent Residency application, you will be required to provide proof of payment for the last 2 to 5 years.
Measure: Confirm if your company is enrolled in social insurance. If you are on the National Pension, set up automatic bank transfers or credit card payments to physically prevent forgetting to pay.
4-3. Step 3: Securing a Identity Guarantor
The application requires an "Identity Guarantor" who is a Japanese national or a Permanent Resident.
Measure: Build a good relationship with your company president, supervisor, or a trusted Japanese friend. While a guarantor does not take financial responsibility, it involves a moral responsibility, so trust is essential.
5. Advice from Experts: Writing a Statement of Reasons to Enhance Expertise
In the application documents, there is a "Statement of Reasons." How you convey your contribution to Japan and your will to settle here is crucial.
5-1. Contribution to Japanese Society
As a Specified Skilled Worker, your track record of supporting Japan's serious labor shortage is a major selling point.
H3: Proficiency in Skills: Specifically describe your efforts in stepping up from No. 1 to No. 2 and any leadership experience on-site.
H3: Connection with Local Community: Participation in neighborhood association activities, volunteering, and obtaining Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT N1/N2) certificates are also additive factors.
5-2. Good Conduct
Frequent traffic violations (parking or speeding) will lead to a judgment of "bad conduct."
Measure: Even minor violations can be a problem if there are multiple within the last 5 years. Strive for safe driving and strictly follow all rules.
6. Summary: Imagine Your Life 10 Years from Now and Act Today
Obtaining Permanent Residency from a Specified Skilled Worker visa is a long marathon. Rather than treating the "5 years of No. 1" as just a period of labor, view it as a "study period for No. 2" and a "period for creating a perfect track record of tax and pension payments."
Job get JAPAN provides tools to support your dream of Permanent Residency.
Use the [Salary Simulator] to calculate if you can maintain the required annual income even if your dependents increase.
Use the [Visa Status Tracker] to check which step you are currently in and how many years are left until the 10-year residency requirement.
We will continue to support you with the latest information and the best job opportunities so that you can live in Japan with peace of mind for a long time.
Supervision/Reference Information
[Samurai Administrative Scrivener Corporation: Conditions for obtaining Permanent Residency from a Specified Skilled Worker visa]
[Permanent Residency Application Special Site: Differences in Permanent Residency requirements for Specified Skilled Worker No. 1 and No. 2]
[Global Talent: Roadmap from Specified Skilled Worker to Permanent Residency application]