Obtaining Permanent Residence from “Diplomat,” “Official,” and Similar Statuses of Residence

Permanent Residence Application by Foreign Nationals with “Diplomat,” “Official,” and Similar Statuses

Some individuals who have stayed in Japan for an extended period under the status of residence “Diplomat” or “Official” consider obtaining permanent residence in Japan.
This page explains the process of obtaining permanent residence from statuses of residence such as “Diplomat” or “Official.”

What is the “Diplomat” Status of Residence?

The “Diplomat” status of residence refers to the status of residence in Japan granted for “activities as members of diplomatic missions or consular offices of foreign governments accepted by the Government of Japan, persons enjoying privileges and immunities equivalent to those of diplomatic envoys under treaties or international practice, or members of their household.”

Specifically, this applies to ambassadors and consuls general of foreign governments, as well as their family members. The period of stay corresponds to the duration of diplomatic activities, with no specific period defined.

What is the “Official” Status of Residence?

The “Official” status of residence refers to the status of residence in Japan granted for “activities as persons engaged in official duties of foreign governments or international organizations recognized by the Government of Japan, or members of their household” (excluding those falling under “Diplomat” above).

Specifically, this applies to staff members of foreign embassies and consulates, persons dispatched on official duties from international organizations, and their family members.

The period of stay is 15 days, 30 days, 3 months, 1 year, 3 years, or 5 years.

Permanent Residence Applications from “Diplomat,” “Official,” and Similar Statuses

As mentioned above, “Diplomat” and “Official” are somewhat special statuses of residence compared to other general statuses of residence.

However, “Diplomat” and “Official” are not excluded from Article 22 of the Immigration Control Act or the Guidelines for Permission for Permanent Residence.

Therefore, applications for permanent residence from “Diplomat” or “Official” status are also possible.

However, due to the nature of these duties, “Diplomat” and “Official” status holders are typically expected to return to their home country after completing their assignments.

For this reason, when applying for permanent residence, immigration authorities will, in practice, confirm whether the applicant plans to return to their home country after completing their assignment, and whether the applicant personally wishes to remain in Japan in the future (inquiries to the applicant’s home government may also be made as necessary).

If the applicant meets the requirements set forth in the Guidelines for Permission for Permanent Residence (described below) and there are no special circumstances that would actively warrant denial from the perspective of the Guidelines, the application will be considered for approval.

Requirements Set Forth in the Guidelines for Permission for Permanent Residence

To have a permanent residence application approved, the following requirements must be met.

For details on each requirement, please see this page (About the Conditions for Permanent Residence).

Note that those who have contributed to friendship and cultural exchange with Japan, or those who have held certain positions in international organizations, may be evaluated as “persons recognized as having made contributions to Japan.”

If recognized as a “person who has made contributions to Japan,” the requirement under (4) A above of “continuously residing in Japan for 10 years or more” is relaxed, and the requirement is met if the applicant has resided in Japan for 5 years or more (need not be “continuous”).

For details, please see this page (What is a Person Recognized as Having Made Contributions to Japan).

Case of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in Japan and the Permanent General Mission of Palestine in Japan

Staff members of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in Japan, staff members of the Permanent General Mission of Palestine in Japan, and their family members, who are engaged under the “Designated Activities” status of residence, may appear to be treated similarly to “Diplomat” or “Official” status holders at first glance.

However, since it is understood that these individuals will return to their home country after completing their assignments, their applications for permanent residence will be denied unless there are special circumstances.

Conclusion

This page has explained permanent residence applications from statuses of residence such as “Diplomat” or “Official.”

Since “Diplomat” and “Official” statuses of residence are treated favorably in permanent residence applications, considering obtaining permanent residence is one option to explore.