The basic requirements for acquiring permission for permanent residence as follows：
- The foreign person's behavior and conduct must be deemed satisfactory in accordance with the law.
- The foreign person must have sufficient assets or ability to make an indipendent living.
- The Minister of Justice deems that foreign person's permanent residence will be in accordance with the interests of Japan.
In order to fulfill ①, the person must not have a criminal record, nor have violated any traffic laws. Paying taxes is also one of the obligations. To fulfil ②, the person must be able to get reasonable income for himself/herself.
Usually, in order to acquire a permanent residence, you need to have lived in Japan for at least 10 years. However, in specific circumstances this time can be shortened.
For example,
Spouse of Japanese citizens, permanent residents, or special permanent resident of Japan The spouse needs to live in Japan for 3 years after getting married. But if the couple got married abroad and have been married for more than 3 years there, the spouse is eligible after residing in Japan for one year.
Children or adopted childen of Japanese citizens, permanent residents, or special permanent residents of Japan
The child is eligible after residing in Japan for 5 years.
Foreign students or people who have studied in Japan.
Those who are eligilbe after residing in Japan for 5 years with a residential status which allows them to work after staying in Japan with a status of "Student". Besides,s, the total period of stay in Japan needs to be over 10 years..