What examiners look at
Permanent residence requires living in Japan continuously (in principle 10 years, including 5 years with a work or residence status). Long trips abroad can break that continuity, so applicants list every trip. Two figures are widely used as reference points: a single trip of about 3 months or more, and about 100 days or more abroad in one year.
How days are counted
The day you leave and the day you come back are spent partly in Japan, so they are not counted as days abroad.
Free tools for foreigners in Japan
Pension refundEstimate how much of your Japanese pension you get back when you leave Japan. Employees' Pension and National Pension, after the 20.42% tax, using the official 2026 tables.Open →Leaving checklistEnter your departure date and get every task with its date: moving-out notice, resident tax, pension refund, residence card, bank and phone.Open →Resident taxEstimate your 2026 resident tax (juminzei) from your 2025 salary, with the new ¥650,000 minimum employment income deduction. Monthly amount included.Open →
Guides
- How to claim your nenkin refund (Lump-sum Withdrawal Payment)
- Nenkin tax refund: how to get back the 20.42% tax on the Lump-sum Withdrawal Payment
- Common mistakes that cost you the Lump-sum Withdrawal Payment
- Resident tax (juminzei) when you leave Japan
- Visa renewal in Japan: extending your period of stay (documents, fee, timing)
- Changing jobs in Japan as a foreigner: visa notification, pension, insurance and taxes
- Do I need to file a tax return (kakutei shinkoku) in Japan? A guide for foreign employees