RetireJapan

Thanks, I can just get a spouse visa or PR if my work situation changes. So no upside really I feel. Can always just grab one of those if needed. But I’d lose out on the perks like sponsoring parents and helper.

The extra IHT liability Ben mentions above also seems like a strong disincentive to take PR. The rules seem to have changed a few times in the past few years, I wonder if they are in a final settled state or not yet.

Yeah, for HSP there are many perks that make keeping it a good choice, especially as you can upgrade to type ii which has no limit on period of stay, like PR.

However, if something happens that results in you losing your job, the type of event that is going to cause that to happen means you might not be in the best position to be applying for a spouse / PR visa. Add to that the anxiety of not being guaranteed approval, and only having six months to get back to fulfilling the HSP conditions, I'd prefer to take the PR. The conditions for PR tend to only get stricter over time, so getting it ASAP is also beneficial.

It's obviously an individual decision with pros/cons in either direction, though.

I think the conditions for PR are getting easier? When I first came to Japan in the noughties one needed a decade of staying here to apply... but when I came back a few years ago it only requires me to stay one year before I could apply for PR. But as it is a straight downgrade in terms of fewer perks and more taxation I am content to bear the risk of not being granted it in the future. I also sponsor a helper and I don't want to give that up unless there is a compelling reason to.

The only downside I have seen to not having PR is fewer/more expensive financing options for loans/mortgages but since I went debt-free a few years ago I'm not really keen to shackle myself to years of repayments again. But if I could find a decent way to reduce my tax bill through property investment that might be a factor.... so far though, nothing really looks worthwhile.

Deep Blue wrote: ↑Mon May 15, 2023 12:09 pm I think the conditions for PR are getting easier?

There is some relaxation of the number of consecutive years you need to be eligible to apply (for HSP and spouse, for example). But the number of documents you need to provide that can be used as grounds to deny permission are increasing. They recently added proof of pension payments to the list. Currently you need to provide proof of payment of national and residence taxes, health insurance, and pension, and proof of assets. For people moving from spouse visa, I believe the spouse (or supporter) must be in good standing too.

Fair enough - seems like a good change to me - if anyone is to be given rights to stay here indefinitely it’s very reasonable to have to have been following the rules.

I used this firm.

https://www.shigyo.co.jp/

English support, professional and all.

But like all other places, you have to prepare the documents yourself. They do write the essay for your and go to the immigration bureau on your behalf. They also have a contingency basis price, which is more expensive.
I had my reasons to go through such firm. But if you are more confident about your application, I would recommend you to do on your own.