Requirements and Precautions for Applying for Permanent Residence from “Specified Skilled Worker (ii)”#

In the landscape of Japan’s immigration system, the “Specified Skilled Worker (ii)” (SSW2) status represents a significant milestone for foreign nationals. Unlike “Specified Skilled Worker (i)” (SSW1), which has a maximum cumulative stay of five years, SSW2 has no restrictions on the renewal of the period of stay and allows for family members to accompany the worker. Consequently, this status is widely regarded as a definitive pathway toward acquiring “Permanent Residence” (PR). This article provides an objective and detailed explanation of the unique requirements and necessary precautions for SSW2 holders aiming to apply for Permanent Residence.

The Structural Transition from SSW to Permanent Residence#

To understand the application process from SSW2, one must first grasp the general requirements for Permanent Residence in Japan. The Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act generally stipulates the following three criteria:

Good Conduct Requirement: The applicant must abide by the laws and lead a life that is not socially criticized as a resident.
Independent Livelihood Requirement: The applicant must have sufficient assets or skills to earn an independent living in the future.
National Interest Requirement: The applicant’s permanent residence must be in the interests of Japan. This typically includes residing in Japan for more than 10 years consecutively, of which 5 years or more must be under a work-qualified status.

A crucial point for SSW holders is how the residency period is calculated. The time spent under SSW1 does count toward the “10 years of total residency” and the “5 years of work residency.” However, moving up to SSW2 demonstrates a higher level of expertise and stability to the Immigration Services Agency, which strengthens the application significantly compared to remaining in a status with a strict time limit.

The “Longest Period of Stay” Requirement#

One of the technical hurdles for PR application is the requirement to hold the “longest period of stay” defined by the Immigration Act for the current status. While the law may define longer periods, in current administrative practice, holding a visa with a term of “3 years” is considered sufficient to meet this requirement.

Under SSW1, applicants are frequently granted shorter periods, such as “1 year” or “6 months,” which often prevents them from being eligible to apply for PR even if they have lived in Japan for a long time. Upon upgrading to SSW2, due to the recognized stability of the employment and skills, the likelihood of receiving a “3-year” or “5-year” visa increases. Therefore, obtaining a 3-year period of stay after transitioning to SSW2 is often the practical starting line for a Permanent Residence application.

Financial Stability and Income Criteria#

The SSW2 status is reserved for those engaged in operations requiring “proficient skills.” Consequently, it is expected that the remuneration is higher than that of SSW1, often comparable to Japanese nationals in supervisory roles. For the “Independent Livelihood Requirement,” the stability and amount of income are scrutinized.

While there is no officially published minimum income threshold, a common practical benchmark is an annual income of approximately 3 million JPY for a single applicant, consistently earned over the past few years. If the applicant supports family members—which is more likely under SSW2 since spouses and children can accompany the worker—the required income level effectively increases. A rough estimate is an additional 700,000 to 800,000 JPY per dependent. It is essential that the income stated on tax certificates matches the actual living conditions and employment contracts.

In recent years, the screening process regarding the fulfillment of public obligations has become extremely strict. For SSW2 holders, this is the most critical area to review before applying.

Residence Tax (Inhabitant Tax): Applicants must prove they have paid their taxes on time for the required period (typically the last 3 to 5 years). If taxes are deducted directly from the salary (Special Collection), issues are rare. However, if an applicant switches jobs or changes visa status and temporarily switches to paying by payment slip (Ordinary Collection), even a single day’s delay in payment can lead to a denial of the PR application.
Public Pension and Health Insurance: Timely payment is mandatory. While SSW2 workers are typically enrolled in Employees’ Pension and Health Insurance through their company (Shakai Hoken), attention must be paid to the status of accompanying family members. If a spouse is on a “Dependent” status but works part-time exceeding the limits, or if there are gaps in their pension payments, it will negatively affect the main applicant’s evaluation. The entire household’s compliance is reviewed.

The Guarantor Requirement#

An application for Permanent Residence requires a guarantor who is either a Japanese national or a Permanent Resident. For an SSW2 holder, it is common to ask a supervisor at the workplace or a Japanese acquaintance with whom a relationship of trust has been built. Unlike the initial SSW support which might be handled by a Registered Support Organization, the guarantor for PR must be an individual, not a corporation. They must provide a letter of guarantee, though their legal liability is limited to moral obligations regarding the applicant’s expenses and conduct.

Conclusion#

Applying for Permanent Residence from the “Specified Skilled Worker (ii)” status is a standard and viable route, treating the applicant similarly to those on “Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services” visas. While the time spent as SSW1 contributes to the residency count, the true key to success lies in the stability afforded by SSW2. To secure approval, an applicant must obtain a period of stay of at least 3 years, demonstrate a stable income appropriate for their household size, and ensure that both they and their family members have a flawless record of paying taxes and social security premiums.