Introduction

When applying for Long-Term Resident status of residence, one of the most common concerns is the “income requirement”. While information online often states that “an annual income of 3 million yen or more is necessary,” is it possible to obtain approval with an income in the 2 million yen range? This article provides a detailed explanation of the actual income standards for Long-Term Resident status, based on official information from the Ministry of Justice.

What is Long-Term Resident Status of Residence?

Long-Term Resident status of residence is a status where the Minister of Justice grants permission to reside in Japan for a specified period, considering special circumstances. This applies to third-generation Japanese descendants and their spouses, biological children (stepchildren) of spouses of Japanese nationals or permanent residents, Chinese orphans left behind in China, and others. Unlike employment-based statuses of residence, there are no restrictions on occupation types, allowing individuals to engage in a wide range of professions.

No Explicit Income Standard Exists in the Law

The Immigration Control Act does not specify a clear amount such as “annual income of ○ million yen or more is required”. In practice, what is emphasized in the screening process is “not falling below the public assistance standard” and “being able to maintain a stable life without becoming a public burden”. In other words, the focus of the assessment is on “stability of livelihood” rather than the amount itself.

Conditions Under Which Approval is Possible with Income in the 2 Million Yen Range

Even with an annual income in the 2 million yen range, approval for Long-Term Resident status is possible if the following conditions are met.

1. Balance Between Family Structure and Living Expenses: For single individuals, an annual income of 2 million yen or more is considered one guideline. If there are dependents, it is desirable to add approximately 600,000 to 800,000 yen per person.
2. Household Income as a Whole: Even if the applicant’s personal income is low, if a spouse or cohabiting family members have stable income, demonstrating that the household can maintain its livelihood increases the likelihood of approval.
3. Existence of Savings and Assets: Even if regular income does not meet the standard, sufficient savings balance can reinforce the stability of livelihood. This can be proven through copies of bank statements and balance certificates.
4. Low Housing Cost Burden: If rent is low or if the applicant owns a home, disposable income after deducting fixed costs from take-home pay becomes higher, making it easier to be assessed as having a stable life even with lower annual income.
5. Temporary Reasons for Reduced Income: In cases of temporary income reduction due to maternity/paternity leave or medical treatment, submitting a letter of explanation along with a certificate of expected return to work or a doctor’s diagnosis can demonstrate future income prospects.

Points Actually Examined in the Screening Process

The Immigration Services Agency of Japan comprehensively reviews the following documents:

• Income Certificates: Documents showing current income status, such as pay slips, tax withholding certificates, and tax returns
• Tax Payment Certificates: Status of resident tax payment (no arrears)
• Employment Certificates: Whether employment type, work period, and job duties are practically appropriate
• Resident Register for All Household Members: Confirmation of cohabiting family structure
• Copies of Savings Account Statements: Reinforcement of livelihood stability

Of particular importance are the “continuity” and “stability” of income. Even temporarily high income may receive low evaluation if employment is unstable.

Income Guidelines by Family Structure

In practice, the following annual incomes are considered guidelines:

• Single: Annual income of 2 million yen or more
• Household of two (with spouse): Annual income of 2.6 to 2.8 million yen or more
• Household of three (spouse and one child): Annual income of 3 million yen or more
• Household with two or more children: Annual income of 3.5 to 4 million yen or more

However, these are merely guidelines, and comprehensive judgment is made based on individual circumstances. The living cost standards of the area of residence and the age and health status of dependents are also taken into account.

Cases Likely to Result in Non-Approval

Even with a certain level of income, the following situations increase the likelihood of non-approval:

• Arrears in resident tax or social insurance premiums
• Past legal violations or criminal records
• False statements or contradictions in application documents
• Currently receiving or recently received public assistance
• Unclear employment reality, with questionable income continuity

Good conduct is an equally important screening point as the income requirement.

Measures and Advice for Application

Even if income does not meet the standard, the following measures can increase the likelihood of approval.

First, prepare a detailed letter of explanation, logically explaining why residence in Japan is necessary and how livelihood will be maintained. Next, present elements that compensate for insufficient income (savings, spouse’s income, support from relatives, etc.) along with objective evidence. Additionally, if future income increase is expected (scheduled salary increase, planned qualification acquisition, etc.), attach supporting documents.

The existence of a guarantor is also important. Having a Japanese national or permanent resident relative, or an employer, serve as a guarantor enhances the credibility of the application.

Summary

For Long-Term Resident status of residence, an annual income in the 2 million yen range does not necessarily result in non-approval. What is emphasized in the screening is not the amount itself, but a comprehensive judgment of “whether one can maintain a stable life without becoming a public burden”. The key to approval is to demonstrate livelihood stability from multiple perspectives, considering family structure, household income, savings, and housing costs.

If you are uncertain whether your situation meets the approval requirements, we recommend consulting with a specialist administrative scrivener (gyoseishoshi). By receiving appropriate advice tailored to your individual circumstances and assistance in preparing application documents, you can maximize the likelihood of approval.