It is understandable why a lot of people may want to live and work in Japan. It is one of the safest countries in the world. It offers top-notch healthcare
facilities. It has a rich history and culture. Plus, the cuisine is also quite celebrated. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is also in Tokyo on his two-day visit. If you're someone who is wondering how one can get permanent residency in Japan, then read on. As you may know there are many countries like Greece, Portugal, Switzerland that offer golden visa or direct citizenship by investment programme. However, in Japan, the path to obtaining permanent residency is not so simple. There's a structured visa pathway for investors, entrepreneurs and professionals out there. Business Investor and Manager Visa This is the route via which foreign nationals can establish or manage companies in Japan. To qualify for the same, one needs to invest Japanese Yen 5,000,000 (around Rs 27 lakh) in a new business or at least Japanese Yen 2,500,000 (about Rs 14 lakh) in an existing business. Through this route, one can first gain residency in Japan, then apply for permanent residency and eventually seek Japanese citizenship. Also read: Malaysia Is Offering Permanent Residency; Know Cost And Other Details Inside Skilled Professional Visa Skilled engineers, professionals in healthcare and academia are also in for a treat, as Japan's booming biotech sector in Osaka, automotive industry in Nagoya, and cutting-edge research hubs offer many opportunities for such professionals. The objective of this visa is to attract global talent by offering them residency. This is also touted as a faster route to permanent residency. Over time, individuals can also apply for Japanese citizenship. Both via Business Manager visa and the Highly Skilled Professional visa, qualified foreign nationals can legally live and work in Japan. One needs to meet certain criteria and they are listed below.
- One needs to be live in the country for five to ten years at a stretch (shorter for highly skilled professionals with higher points).
- There should be proof of financial stability through steady income, employment, or business ownership.
- One should have a clear record and not have criminal history or tax irregularities.
- One must also have proof of cultural and language integration, often demonstrated through Japanese language proficiency.
Once these conditions are met, permanent residents can apply for *naturalisation* and procure Japanese citizenship eventually. Japan's passport is one of the world's strongest passport.
Also read: He Is Just 19 And He Has Been To 118 Nations Solo; Know All About His Journey
