The Importance of a Guarantor’s Income and Tax Proof for Japan’s Permanent Residence Application#

When applying for permanent residence in Japan, a guarantor (Mimoto Hoshonin) is required. While there is much information about the role and responsibilities of a guarantor, a key concern for applicants is how their guarantor’s annual income and tax payment status will affect the screening process. This article provides a detailed, objective explanation of the financial aspects of a guarantor in the permanent residence application, focusing on the general income guidelines and why proof of tax payment is critically important.

The Role and Responsibilities of a Guarantor#

First, it is essential to correctly understand the scope of a guarantor’s responsibilities for a permanent residence application. The responsibilities set forth by the Immigration Services Agency of Japan (ISA) are considered “moral responsibilities” rather than legally enforceable obligations. Specifically, the guarantor is asked to assure the following three points:

1. Support for Living Expenses: To provide financial support for living costs should the applicant face economic hardship.
2. Support for Return Travel Costs: To provide financial support for return travel expenses if the applicant is unable to afford them.
3. Guidance on Legal Compliance: To guide and advise the applicant to ensure they comply with Japanese laws and regulations.

A crucial point is that this role is entirely different from a “joint guarantor” (Rentai Hoshonin) in civil law. Even if the applicant encounters financial trouble, the guarantor for a permanent residence application is not legally obligated to repay any debts. These responsibilities are purely moral, serving as a pledge to the immigration authorities.

What is the Required Annual Income for a Guarantor?#

The Immigration Services Agency does not officially publish a specific minimum income requirement, such as “an annual income of X million yen or more,” for a guarantor. However, during the screening process, authorities will verify whether the guarantor possesses the financial stability to fulfill the aforementioned moral responsibilities.

In practice, an annual income of JPY 3 million or more is often considered a general benchmark for stability. This figure is a customary standard used to demonstrate that the guarantor can maintain their own stable livelihood while also having the capacity to morally support another person.

However, this amount is not an absolute rule. The review process takes a comprehensive look at several factors, including:

• Family Composition: The number of dependents the guarantor supports.
• Region of Residence: Living costs vary between urban and rural areas.
• Relationship to the Applicant: Whether they are a relative, friend, colleague, etc.

For instance, if the guarantor has many dependents or will also be financially supporting the applicant, a higher income may be expected. Conversely, if the guarantor is single and owns their home, an income of around JPY 3 million might be deemed sufficient. The most important thing is to prove a “stable and continuous income” with objective documents, rather than focusing solely on the specific figure.

The Critical Importance of Proving Tax Payments#

Even more than annual income, the guarantor’s tax payment history is scrutinized rigorously. A guarantor must submit not only a Certificate of Taxation (Kazei Shomeisho) to prove their income but also a Certificate of Tax Payment (Nozei Shomeisho) to prove they have paid their taxes properly.

Why is proof of tax payment so vital? It is because paying taxes is one of the three fundamental duties of residents in Japan. Fulfilling this duty is seen as the most significant indicator of a guarantor’s social credibility and reliability. Even with a high income, if there is a history of tax delinquency or non-payment, the individual will be viewed as someone who “fails to fulfill public obligations.” It would be concluded that such a person cannot guarantee an applicant’s compliance with the law, making them highly likely to be judged unsuitable as a guarantor.

The primary documents required include:

• Certificate of Residence Tax (or Tax Exemption) and Certificate of Tax Payment for the most recent year (showing total income and tax payment status)
• A copy of the final tax return (for self-employed individuals, etc.)
• Certificate of Income and Withholding Tax (Gensen-Choshu-Hyo) (for salaried employees)

These documents are necessary to demonstrate both a stable income and the fulfillment of tax obligations on that income.

Who Can Be a Guarantor?#

To be a guarantor for a permanent residence application, a person must meet the following conditions:

• Must be a Japanese national or a Permanent Resident: This is based on the premise that they have a stable foundation of life in Japan.
• Must be financially independent: They are expected to have a stable occupation and a continuous source of income.
• Must be fulfilling public duties: As explained above, it is essential that they have met their tax obligations.

Commonly, relatives, supervisors or colleagues at work, or close friends of the applicant serve as guarantors.

Conclusion#

The annual income and tax payment status of a guarantor are crucial factors that can influence the outcome of a permanent residence application. While there is no officially stated minimum income, an annual income of JPY 3 million or more is generally seen as a sign of stability. More importantly, the sincere fulfillment of tax obligations is paramount to proving the guarantor’s reliability. When asking someone to be a guarantor, it is key to explain these points thoroughly and ensure all necessary documents are prepared without delay to facilitate a smooth application process.