Permanent Residency in Japan for Nepali Workers and Students: A Practical Guide
How Nepali workers and students can qualify for permanent residency in Japan. Years required, points-based fast track, documents and common pitfalls.
By Nepalese Events Australia Editorial Team
Published: 2026-10-19T23:12:02.000000Z
Category: Guides
Permanent residency in Japan (永住許可, eiju kyoka) is an immigration permission for long-term residence. Nepali workers and former students must meet the requirements for their applicable route; years spent in Japan alone do not guarantee approval. Permanent residence does not remove residence-card renewal or other applicable obligations.
Correction — 20 October 2026: An earlier version incorrectly described how student residence counts towards the standard ten-year requirement and referred to a five-year points-d fast . The distinction between total residence and qualifying work/residence status, and the 70-point and 80-point routes, is corrected below. This is general information, not individual immigration advice.
Standard permanent residency requirements
Most applicants must meet the following:
- Have lived in Japan for at least 10 years continuously
- Within that period, have at least five continuous years under qualifying work or residence statuses; Technical Intern Training and Specified Skilled Worker (i) are excluded from the qualifying work-status period
- Demonstrate stable income sufficient to support themselves and dependents
- Pay taxes and pension/health insurance contributions on time
- Have no serious criminal record or immigration violations
- Have a guarantor who is a Japanese national or permanent resident
Points-d fast
Highly skilled foreign professionals can apply for permanent residency sooner through the points-d system. Points are awarded for:
- Academic qualifications (bachelor’s, master’s, PhD)
- Professional experience
- Annual income
- Age
- Japanese language ability
- Special licences or achievements
The official guidelines provide a 70-point route requiring three years and an 80-point route requiring one year, subject to the specified points-history and continuous-residence conditions. Applicants must document the required score for the relevant period, not simply reach it on the application date. These are not automatic approvals, and there is no general five-year points-d route in the cited guidance.
Student to permanent residency path
Student residence can count towards the standard ten-year continuous-residence period. It does not itself satisfy the separate requirement for five continuous years under qualifying work or residence statuses. Former students should distinguish these two requirements when planning a move to employment.
Other exceptions to the standard ten-year rule exist, including specified spouse and long-term-resident cases. A five-year exception under another category should not be confused with the highly skilled points-d routes.
Other conditions to check
ISA also considers good conduct, a stable livelihood and proper fulfilment of public obligations, including taxes, pension, health insurance and immigration notifications. Paying overdue amounts just before applying does not erase the significance of late payments. Check the current guideline’s residence-period requirement and transitional provisions for the period granted on your present residence card.
Required documents
- Application form
- Passport and residence card
- Certificate of residence
- Income and tax certificates for multiple years
- Employment certificate
- Guarantor’s letter and documents
- Reason letter explaining why permanent residency is requested
Common reasons for refusal
- Late or unpaid taxes, pension or health insurance
- Unstable income or employment gaps
- Traffic offences or minor legal violations
- Inconsistent residence history
- Insufficient explanation of need for permanent residency
Tips for Nepali applicants
- Keep all tax and insurance payments current from your first year in Japan.
- Build a stable employment record.
- Learn Japanese; language ability improves your application and daily life.
- Consider the points-d route if you have strong qualifications.
For more Japan guides, visit our Japan Nepali news section.
Official s: ISA permanent residence guidelines and ISA highly skilled professional points-system questions and answers. Use the current application checklist for your category and consult ISA or a qualified immigration professional about your circumstances; this summary is not a complete checklist.
Read more Nepali community news and stories. Browse upcoming Nepali events across Australia.
Explore Nepali Events
Nepali concerts | Teej events | Dashain events | Tihar events | Holi events | Festival calendar
Nepali events in Sydney | Melbourne | Brisbane | Perth | Adelaide | Canberra