Legal Assistance for Japan's Permanent Residency Application (Compiled by: Syed Hashim)

Introduction

For expatriates in Japan, handling legal documents and residency procedures often involves navigating complex systems. Ensuring that documents are correctly translated and deciding whether to engage a lawyer for Permanent Residency (PR) applications are critical considerations. This article delves into these areas, providing insights and practical advice based on personal experiences shared by those who have faced these challenges.

Legal Assistance for Permanent Residency Application

Is a Lawyer Necessary? The decision to hire a lawyer for PR applications can vary:

• Self-Application: Many expatriates report successfully navigating the PR application process on their own, describing it as straightforward for those who meet the prerequisites. Detailed information and support for self-applicants can often be enough.
• When to Consider Legal Help: For those with more complicated situations or less time to manage the process, legal representation can be beneficial. Legal fees vary, with some services starting around 60,000 JPY, but can increase significantly depending on the complexity of the case.

For cost-effective legal representation, across Tokyo is recommended. It offers competitive pricing and provides one-time free assistance if a PR application is denied. 

Other VISA related legal services are provided at:

• Immigration Lawyer, Beyond Watabe office [Facebook page](https://www.facebook.com/share/r8tFa5hWnhXEt9Nv/?mibextid=LQQJ4d).
• Oishi Solicitor & Immigration Lawyer Office [Facebook page](https://www.facebook.com/share/TLdvEi7cCa956t3T/?mibextid=LQQJ4d).

If you decide to Apply Yourself 

Essential Documents for PR Application: Here's a list of the primary documents needed for a PR application, along with their Japanese counterparts:

• Certificate of Employment (雇用証明書)
• Birth Certificate Copy
• Proof of Resident Tax Payments: Over the last 5 years (copy of passbook, receipts, etc.)
• National Health Insurance Card Copy: All family members
• National Health Insurance Premium Receipts: Past 2 years
• Sign on the Letter of Application: [Link to Document](https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/content/001356126.pdf)
• Tax Office: 
• Certificates of income and special income reconstruction tax (源泉所得税及び復興特別所得税)
•  源泉所得税及び復興特別所得税、申告所得税及び復興特別所得税、消費税及び地方消費税、相続税、贈与税に係る納税証明書（その３）
• City Office: 
• Tax Certificates for the last 5 years (住民税課税証明書と納税証明書)  - 　令和５、４、３、２、１年度の住民税課税証明書と納税証明書 
• Certificate of residence 住民票
• Pension Office:
• Social security and pension payment records (被保険者記録照会回答票)
• 被保険者記録照会回答票
• 被保険者記録照会（納付1,2）

Conclusion

Legal requirements for residency in Japan requires careful consideration. Whether handling the process independently or with professional help, understanding the requirements and preparing accordingly is key to success.