🏠 Introduction: Staying in Japan for the Long Run
After living in Japan for over five years, I’ve seen many foreigners hit the same wall — they love life here but don’t know how to stay long-term. In 2025, Japan has updated several immigration pathways to make permanent residence (PR) and highly skilled visas more transparent.
Whether you’re a professional, a startup founder, or just someone building a life in Japan, understanding these new systems can help you avoid confusion — and save years of waiting.
🥇 1. The Permanent Resident (PR) Route
What It Is:
Permanent residency lets you live and work in Japan without needing to renew your visa every 1–5 years. You can also change jobs freely and even apply for loans more easily.
New 2025 Highlights:
- Shorter processing time (6–8 months for most applicants).
- Clearer tax documentation rules.
- Stricter proof of integration (Japanese language at JLPT N3 or higher recommended).
- Stable income over ¥4 million/year for at least 3 years.
Personal Tip:
When I applied, gathering proof of tax payments (住民税証明書) was the trickiest part. Make sure all your city tax payments are up-to-date before you apply.
💼 2. The Highly Skilled Professional (HSP) Visa
What Changed in 2025:
The HSP visa now uses a more flexible point-based system — if you score 70+ points (based on income, education, and experience), you can qualify for PR in as little as one year.
Point System Highlights:
- PhD or equivalent: +20 points
- Annual income above ¥10 million: +40 points
- Japanese proficiency (N2/N1): +10 points
- Experience and patents: +15 points
Inside link suggestion:
Link to your article:
👉 Japan Visa Types: Which One Is Right for You?
🚀 3. The Startup Visa Path (and Updated Business Manager Rules)
Since 2024, Japan expanded its Startup Visa Program to all major cities — including Kyoto, Osaka, and Fukuoka. This initial visa gives you 6–12 months to prepare for the main Business Manager (Keiei Kanri) visa.
2025’s Major Update for Entrepreneurs:
The requirements for the long-term Business Manager Visa (the visa you transition to after the initial Startup Visa) have significantly increased:
- Minimum Capital Requirement: The capital requirement for the Business Manager visa rose dramatically to ¥30 million (up from ¥5 million).
- Proof of Sustained Business: Cities now offer more support through local incubators, but applicants must show a clearer path to sustaining the business in the long term.
What You Need (Initial Startup Visa):
- Business plan approved by local government
- Proof of office address in Japan
- Health insurance enrollment
Outside Link Suggestion:
🔗 Official METI Startup Visa Page (2025)
✍️ Final Thoughts
Japan is opening up more than ever — but the rules are complex. If you’re planning to stay long-term, consider your financial stability, visa category, and language level. I’ve met expats who got PR in under 2 years through HSP, and others who struggled for 10 years without realizing they were eligible.
👉 If you’re serious about making Japan home, read next:
Moving to Japan in 2025: What I Wish I Knew Before Relocating
Discover more from Ali in Japan
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