Immigration Lawyer/service recommendation?

[douglasxwilliams]

Hi All...

I am interested in checking into changing my status from work visa to a permanent resident. I have been reading a bit here on this forum, and the internet in general. It seems that you can do handle this on your own, but i would feel more comfortable working with an agency/organization that has done this before, and also is able to speak English (my Japanese is still in the early stage).

If anyone has used someone (or heard) and has a recommendation, that would be great.

thank you!

[RetireJapan]

I did it myself, as the spouse of a Japanese national. Pretty straightforward process, took about six months. Getting the paperwork and documents together was pretty painless.

Be aware of how your tax responsibilities would change as a permanent resident, particularly with inheritance/gift tax on overseas estates/gifts, exit tax, etc.

Good luck! PR is pretty sweet

[Tkydon]

You should have more than 1 year left on you Visa (Permission to Remain) to submit your application.

If not, renew then submit the application.

[adamu]

I know people that have used a lawyer. That costs six figures in yen I think. Or 8000 if you do it yourself.

Recommend a read of the wiki page: https://retirewiki.jp/wiki/Permanent_residency

Sorry I know it doesn't answer your question, but part of the motivation for making the wiki was to have an impartial source of information like this. As you mentioned, it's completely possible to do this yourself. All the requirements are documented publicly, and you can also ask the immigration office as many questions as you like directly before submitting. Of course a lawyer will tell you that you need a lawyer.

[TokyoWart]

I know people that have used a lawyer. That costs six figures in yen I think. Or 8000 if you do it yourself.

Recommend a read of the wiki page: https://retirewiki.jp/wiki/Permanent_residency

Sorry I know it doesn't answer your question, but part of the motivation for making the wiki was to have an impartial source of information like this. As you mentioned, it's completely possible to do this yourself. All the requirements are documented publicly, and you can also ask the immigration office as many questions as you like directly before submitting. Of course a lawyer will tell you that you need a lawyer.

When I first considered getting PR my company offered to have a law firm help. When I met with them they wanted me to do all the work to get the paperwork together so it didn't seem like it would save any effort on my part and in the end I completed the applications myself.

[William]

I know a person (foreigner) who used to work in such a place, and who still is in contact with in his ex-employer and send sometimes people to them.
I cannot at all endorse them since I've never used their services personally, but if you're interested, you can send me an MP and I can give you some contact information.

[douglasxwilliams]

First of all...

Thank you to everyone that responded! I appreciate the help and support.
- RetireJapn: Good to know that it might be painless. As for changes in tax stuff, since I work at a company, i will check with the HR/Payroll people about anything i should be aware of.
-Tkydon: Thanks for the info regarding time left on my current visa. Right now, it is set to expire (but can be renewed) at the end of 2025.
-adamu: Thanks for the recommendation to read that wiki page. I will check it out too. Good to know that i could ask the immigration office a lot of questions before applying. And yeah...just like going to a surgeon, they will always recommend surgery...you're right about lawyers.
-TokyoWart: I can see your point about doing it yourself if you end up having to gather all the paperwork. I just worry about missing something in the process, since my Japanese ability is very low right now.
- william: Thanks! i will send a message your way.
- JohnKun: I appreciate the recommendation and link. I will also check them out. Thanks!

again...a big thank you to everyone for help!

[Deep Blue]

Be aware of how your tax responsibilities would change as a permanent resident, particularly with inheritance/gift tax on overseas estates/gifts, exit tax, etc.

How would it change? My colleague has warned me against taking PR for this exact reason, but I think I am already a permanent resident for tax purposes after being resident in Japan for over five years straight now.

I am not keen to change since PR has fewer perks than my current visa and no upside as far as I can see. But I am curious about how IHT would become worse?

[adamu]

PR has fewer perks than my current visa and no upside as far as I can see

The upside is that there are no conditions. You have to leave if your situation changes and you no longer satisfy the conditions of your current visa.

See https://retirewiki.jp/wiki/Permanent_residency (again) for more info.

Be aware of how your tax responsibilities would change as a permanent resident, particularly with inheritance/gift tax on overseas estates/gifts, exit tax, etc.

How would it change?

https://retirewiki.jp/wiki/Exit_tax

[RetireJapan]

But I am curious about how IHT would become worse?

Basically working visa holders do not need to pay tax on foreign inheritances and gifts, but spouse visa, permanent resident, and Japanese citizens do.