Search Icon
Menu Icon
Menu Close icon

What is a Letter of Reason required to apply for a Permanent Resident or Permanent Resident Visa? Tips and cautions on how to write it.

update date
This site introduces products through an affiliate program.
Inside a train in Japan

Many foreigners residing in Japan wish to obtain a permanent residence visa (Permanent Resident Visa), but many documents are required to be submitted when applying. The most important of these is the "Statement of Reason. You may wonder why you are required to submit a letter of reasons, but the "reasons why you want to obtain a permanent residence visa" is an important factor in obtaining a permanent residence permit in Japan.

In this article, we will explain in detail how to write a letter of reasons and what to keep in mind when applying for permanent residence. We hope that foreign residents who are considering applying for permanent residence will find this information useful.

To learn more about permanent residency in Japan, please also check the following articles.
▶︎ What is permanent residence? Complete coverage of permanent residency in Japan!

▼Goandup Picks Click here for recommended articles!

What is a Letter of Reason required for a permanent residence (Permanent Resident Visa) application?

In order to obtain a permanent residence permit, a foreign national must apply for permanent residence and pass the examination. In recent years, the Immigration Services (hereafter referred to as "Immigration Bureau") has become more stringent in its screening process, and the approval rate for permanent residence visas is around 50%. The letter of reasons is important to determine whether the applicant is truly deserving of a permanent residence visa.

The Statement of Reasons is also known as the Statement of Reasons for Application for Permanent Residence or the Statement of Reasons for Application for Permanent Residence Permit. The Immigration Bureau specifies the format of the Statement of Reasons and the Japanese text as follows, and requires it as a document to be submitted. Please keep in mind that even if it is called a Statement of Reasons for Applying for Permanent Residence or a Statement of Reasons for Applying for Permanent Residence Permit, it is the same Statement of Reasons.

Letter of Reason (1 copy)
Please write in free form about why you need a permanent residence permit.
If the information is to be written in a language other than Japanese, a translation is required.
Source:Application for Permanent Residence Permit 2 "Immigration and Residence Management Agency

While many documents are required to apply for permanent residence, the Statement of Reasons plays an important role in supplementing the application and informing the examiner of the applicant's circumstances. The examiner will carefully examine the reasons why the alien is seeking permanent residence and the background that led to the application. Therefore, depending on the content of the Statement of Reasons, it may have a significant impact on the granting or denial of permanent residence permission.

Purpose of the Statement of Reasons

The main purposes of the Statement of Reasons in an application for permanent residence (Permanent Resident Visa) are as follows

  • To clarify why a permanent residence permit is required
  • To avoid misunderstandings during the screening process by providing additional information such as "background leading up to the application" that makes it difficult to determine whether the applicant meets the requirements for permanent residence based on the submitted documents alone.

Thus, the Statement of Reasons plays an important role in facilitating the review process for permanent residence permits.

Who needs a Letter of Reason for a Permanent Residence (Permanent Resident Visa) application?

The Letter of Reason required for permanent residence applications is not required of all applicants. Those who do not require a Letter of Reason and those who do can be divided into the following categories

People who do not need a statement of reasons

Foreign nationals who fall under any of the following categories are not required to submit a statement of reasons as a general rule. However, if there are special circumstances or other details that you wish to supplement to the examiner, you may submit a statement of reasons.

  • Japanese spouse
  • Spouse of a permanent resident
  • Spouse of a special permanent resident
  • Japanese biological child
  • Biological children of permanent residents
  • Birth children of special permanent residents

Thus, those who are in a family relationship with Japanese nationals or permanent residents are usually exempted from submitting a statement of reasons because they have a clear reason for wanting to live with their families in a stable manner.

Who Needs a Letter of Reason

On the other hand, foreign nationals with one of the following statuses of residence are required to submit a statement of reasons in principle.

  • permanent resident visa
  • work visa
  • Family Resident Visa
  • highly skilled person

Thus, non-Japanese nationals residing in Japan for employment purposes or family members of permanent residents or Japanese nationals are required to have a logical reason as to why they wish to reside in Japan permanently.

Whether or not a letter of reasons is required depends on the applicant's status of residence. If you are not sure whether it applies to you, it would be wise to contact the Immigration Bureau or consult a specialist. If you are required to submit a letter of reasons, please refer to the points on how to write it explained in the next section and prepare it well.

How to write and what is the content of a letter of reasons for a permanent residence (permanent resident visa) application?

Although you are allowed to write a statement of reasons freely, it is difficult to know what to write when it comes to the actual writing. The key point is to keep it brief and to keep it to one or two pages of A4 size paper. It is preferable to begin with a greeting to the examiner. Then, carefully explain the following items.

1. From the time of arrival in Japan to the present

As a general rule, an applicant for permanent residence must have resided in Japan for at least 10 years. In the Letter of Reason, you should write a brief history of your 10 years of stay in Japan from the time of your arrival to the present. It is effective to appeal your deep connection with Japan, not merely clerical details, but also episodes that left a lasting impression on you during your life in Japan.

For example, you may wish to include specific episodes in which you were impressed by Japanese culture and customs, or volunteered at a local festival.

2. Current Situation

Describe in detail your current living and work situation. Of particular importance is whether you are earning a steady income from your job. An important aspect of the permanent residence permit examination is whether the applicant is able to earn a living independently. Show that you can lead a financially independent life, mentioning how rewarding your current job is and your plans for the future.

If you have a family, what kind of life you lead with your family is also important. It is a good idea to provide a concrete image of a fulfilling family life, including the children's educational environment and family interaction.

Furthermore, to show that the applicant can continue to live without problems, a statement of annual income and savings will improve the examiner's impression of the applicant. This is because the figures can objectively demonstrate the applicant's financial stability.

3. Reasons for wanting to live permanently in Japan

The most important part of the statement of reasons is "Why do you want to obtain permanent residence in Japan? It is essential to provide a concrete and convincing explanation of the background behind your choice to continue living in Japan instead of returning to your home country. Simply saying "because I have established a foundation for my life in Japan" is not convincing enough.

For example, carefully explain "a clear reason why you must be in Japan" such as "because I deeply sympathize with Japanese culture and values and want to contribute to Japanese society" or "because I want to work for a Japanese company for a long time, utilizing the knowledge and skills I learned in Japan.

4. Closing sentence.

Close your statement of reasons with an oath that you will continue to obey the laws of Japan and live diligently as a member of society. It is important to show your determination to integrate into Japanese society and live as a good citizen once you obtain a permanent residence permit.

The above information will be included in the letter of reasons. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when writing a letter of reasons. In the next section, we will explain the points to keep in mind when writing a letter of reasons.

Points to keep in mind when writing a letter of reasons for applying for permanent residence (Permanent Resident Visa)

You are free to write a statement of reasons, but please note the following

1. write carefully

The letter of reasons does not have to be neatly written, but it is important to write carefully so that it is easy for the examiner to read. If handwritten, try to write in an easy-to-read handwriting. If you are writing on a computer, make sure that the font size is at least 10.5 point and that the lines are not overly spaced.

2. Be sure to provide a Japanese translation.

Some applicants who are not comfortable with their Japanese language skills write the Statement of Reasons in their native language. However, if the Statement of Reasons is submitted in the applicant's native language, a Japanese translation must always be attached. If it is difficult for you to prepare the Japanese translation yourself, we recommend that you ask a professional such as a translation company or administrative scrivener.

3. Don't use the template of the statement of reasons all over again.

There are many templates available on the Internet for the Letter of Reasons for Applying for Permanent Residence. Many applicants use these templates out of a desire to make things quick and easy. However, the immigration inspectors have seen many similar letters of reasons, and a letter of reasons based on a template will reduce the possibility of obtaining permanent residence permission. The letter of reasons should be original to the applicant.

4. Stating the facts

Naturally, only the facts should be accurately stated in the Statement of Reasons. The Immigration Bureau will also check past applications in conjunction with the application for permanent residence. If the information in the Statement of Reasons is inconsistent with the contents of past applications, you may be suspected of falsification. It is especially important to check the consistency of objective facts, such as period of stay and employment history, against the documents.

Keep the above points in mind as you prepare your statement of reasons. If the content is factual and persuasive, your chances of obtaining a permanent residence permit will be greatly enhanced.

The option of hiring a professional "visa consultant" to apply for permanent residence

There is no doubt that preparing a Statement of Reasons for applying for permanent residence is a daunting task for the applicant him/herself. From preparing the documents to preparing a Japanese translation, there are numerous hurdles to overcome in order to apply.

Especially for those who are not comfortable with reading and writing Japanese, the preparation of the letter of reasons itself can be a big burden. Since the content of the letter of reasons may affect whether or not you are granted permanent residence, you may feel pressure.

In such cases, one wise choice is to take the plunge and ask a specialist to apply. Visa specialists such as Gyoseishoshi Lawyers have experience in many permanent residence applications. They should be able to assist you in preparing not only the appropriate application documents, but also a persuasive statement of reasons.

The following article describes in detail the process and fees for hiring a visa consultant.
・Explanation of the process and fees when a visa consultant is hired to apply for a visa.

It is a good option to have a reliable specialist on your side instead of worrying alone. Why don't you feel free to consult with us first?

Serious employment support to help you realize your dream of working in Japan!

Do you want to work in Japan?
Let us "Goandup" make that dream a reality!

【 Program Features 】
✅ JLPT N3 level Japanese language acquisition
✅ Thorough preparation for the specific skills test
✅ Full support for job hunting in Japan

Business-focused one-on-one lessons will help you find a job in Japan in the shortest possible time.

【 Program Menu 】

  • Individual Japanese language lessons
    • Intensive curriculum to obtain N3, especially specialized lessons for business Japanese that can be used at work.

  • Preparation for the Specific Skills Test
    • Customized materials for specific skill tests will be used to focus on frequently asked questions and learning to pass the test.

  • Resume and CV support
    • To create resumes and CVs tailored to Japanese corporate culture, and to brush up on self-promotion and motivation for application.

  • Interview Preparation
    • Guidance on areas for improvement through mock interviews and feedback based on corporate interview scenarios. Learn interview etiquette and behavior unique to Japan.

  • career consulting
    • Provide introductions to companies that match the participant's career goals, select companies to apply to, and provide advice on the level of knowledge required by the companies to which the participant is applying.

  • Chat Support
    • In addition to one-on-one individual lessons, we also accept casual questions via DM (visa application, living support, assistance in finding a room, etc.).

If you are serious about your career in Japan, join us now!

▶︎ for more informationclick here.

We will do our best to support your success in Japan!

summary

For foreign nationals who wish to permanently reside in Japan, the Statement of Reasons for applying for permanent residence is a very important document that will influence the screening process. In the statement of reasons, the applicant is required to logically explain how he/she has been living in Japan for more than 10 years and why he/she wishes to live in Japan permanently.

In the statement of reasons, it is important to write concisely and concretely about your background, current situation, and the reasons for your desire for permanent residence. It is also essential to pay attention to the content and format of the statement.

Obtaining permanent residence in Japan is a major event in a foreigner's life. Depending on your status of residence, the content of your statement of reasons may make the difference between whether or not you are granted permanent residence.

If you are a foreigner, please refer to this article to prepare a persuasive statement of reasons. We wish you a long and fulfilling life in Japan.

The following article also provides more specific information on obtaining permanent residency. Please refer to this as well.
・What is a Residence Card? Residence card questions answered with a thorough explanation
・Japanese Permanent Residency and Naturalization Process! From difficulty and countermeasures to success points

  • Your support will help us!

  • Thank you for visiting Goandup Picks. Our mission is to provide you with more useful information to show the world what Japan has to offer.

    Your support will help us to further enhance our activities, so please support us!

  • ▶︎ Support is available atclick here!

    • Related Articles

    Goandup Picks for Expats > Lifestyle Support > Visa and Residency Guide > What is a Letter of Reason required to apply for a Permanent Resident or Permanent Resident Visa? Tips and cautions on how to write it.