Guarantor for Japan Permanent Residency: Everything You Need to Know

Table of Contents

Why Do You Need a Guarantor for Permanent Residency?
Who Can Be a Guarantor?
What Are the Responsibilities of a Guarantor?
Documents Required from a Guarantor
Common Concerns About Being a Guarantor
Downloadable Guarantor Explanation Guide (For Japanese Guarantors)
Need Help with Your Permanent Residency Application?

Why Do You Need a Guarantor for Permanent Residency?

When applying for a Japan Permanent Residency (永住権, Eijuken), one of the key requirements is having a guarantor (身元保証人, Mimoto Hosyonin). Unlike a financial or loan guarantor, a guarantor for permanent residency does not bear any legal financial obligations. Their role is mainly moral and supportive, ensuring that the applicant follows Japanese laws and fulfills public obligations such as paying taxes and social insurance fees.

This article explains who can become a guarantor, their responsibilities, and what documents are required.

Who Can Be a Guarantor?

A guarantor for a Japan Permanent Residency application must meet three main criteria:

1. Must be a Japanese citizen or a permanent resident (永住者, Eijusha)

Non-permanent foreign residents cannot be guarantors.
If you are married to a Japanese citizen, your spouse is usually the best option.

2. Must have a stable income

While there is no strict minimum income, a stable financial situation is preferred.
Ideally, the guarantor should have an income of at least 3 million yen per year.

3. Must be willing to take on a moral responsibility

The guarantor agrees to support the applicant in maintaining a stable life in Japan.
There is no financial or legal liability; however, failure to fulfill the role may affect their credibility for future applications.

What Are the Responsibilities of a Guarantor?

A guarantor (身元保証人, Mimoto Hosyonin) is expected to ensure that the applicant:
✅ Respects and follows Japanese laws
✅ Pays taxes and social security fees on time
✅ Maintains a stable financial situation

The guarantor does not need to provide financial support but acts as a reference to confirm that the applicant is a responsible and law-abiding resident.

Documents Required from a Guarantor

As of June 1, 2022, the requirements for guarantor documents have been simplified. The following documents are required:

📄 Guarantor Letter (身元保証書, Mimoto Hosyousho) – This is a signed document confirming their role as a guarantor.
　Below are the official templates provided by the Immigration Services Agency of Japan:
　📌 English Version (英語): Download here (PDF)
　📌 Japanese Version (日本語): Download here (PDF)

📄 Copy of an Official ID – This can be a driver’s license, residence card (for permanent residents), passport, or health insurance card.

Common Concerns About Being a Guarantor

❓ Will I be financially responsible for the applicant?

No. The guarantor does not need to pay any debts, fines, or living expenses for the applicant.

❓ Can a friend or company colleague be my guarantor?

Yes, as long as they are a Japanese citizen or a permanent resident.

❓ What happens if my guarantor refuses or is unavailable?

If you do not have a suitable guarantor, your application may be at risk. However, you can discuss your options with an immigration lawyer or administrative scrivener (行政書士, Gyoseishoshi).

Downloadable Guarantor Explanation Guide (For Japanese Guarantors)

If your potential guarantor is hesitant or needs more details, you can share our Japanese-language explanation document:

🖼️ Download PNG Version
📄 Download PDF Version

This guide explains the role and responsibilities in simple terms to reassure potential guarantors.

Need Help with Your Permanent Residency Application?

Finding a guarantor is just one step in the complex permanent residency process. At Tanabe Immigration Office, we specialize in guiding applicants through every stage of the PR application to maximize approval chances.

📩 Get Expert Assistance Today!