RetireJapan

smalldog wrote: ↑Sat Aug 24, 2024 9:42 am What are people’s thoughts on NOT getting PR due to the downsides? As far as I can figure out there are two: exposure to exit tax and ability to sponsor overseas staff when on certain visas (eg domestic helpers).

I think there is something involving inheritance tax too, it I'm not sure to be honest.

smalldog wrote: ↑Sat Aug 24, 2024 9:42 am I still feel my visa renewal process every 5 years is no where near as painful as a possible exit tax if we leave.

They can always turn around and say "sorry, no". Or you can lose your qualifying job, get divorced, etc. PR removes that worry. But then again they prevented PR holders from entering the country for a long time at the start of the pandemic, so maybe it's not the holy grail it once seemed.

smalldog wrote: ↑Sat Aug 24, 2024 9:42 am What are people’s thoughts on NOT getting PR due to the downsides? As far as I can figure out there are two: exposure to exit tax and ability to sponsor overseas staff when on certain visas (eg domestic helpers).

I have a mortgage and finance here with current status, and whilst I’d like the “guarantee” of being able to live in the same country as my kids should the worst happen, I still feel my visa renewal process every 5 years is no where near as painful as a possible exit tax if we leave.

These, along with the lack of ability to sponsor parents to come and stay are what stops me from downgrading to PR. HSP has more upside and no downsides for me.

I applied last Wednesday, so August 28, 2024. We'll see how long it takes.

Although to be fair, I didn't apply personally. As I said back in February, I decided to go through a lawyer. I literally didn't do anything. The lawyer prepared everything. I received some documents at home that I had to send back to my lawyer, with my passport and my current resident card. A few days later, once the application was made, I had my passport and resident card back. Time spent on the whole process: basically zero.

I'm pretty sure it's not that complicated, but let's say I just appreciate the fact of not doing a thing. I could have saved some money, for sure, but I'm getting tired of everything too administrative.

William wrote: ↑Tue May 14, 2024 3:20 am I'll go through a lawyer. Let's say that constant trips to the immigration office and the stress of wondering if I have all the necessary documents made going with a lawyer an easier decision. I can afford it now, and let's say it's a gift to myself. They've already been super efficient in getting me a Specialized visa valid for 5 years.

William wrote: ↑Mon Sep 02, 2024 12:28 pmI literally didn't do anything.

Except for spouse, I think most visas require you to write an essay (理由書) to apply for PR, so would be interested what they wrote for you

adamu wrote: ↑Mon Sep 02, 2024 1:16 pm
Except for spouse, I think most visas require you to write an essay (理由書) to apply for PR, so would be interested what they wrote for you

"He replies to our e-mails in a timely fashion."

I didn't see such a document, so if they indeed filled one out on my behalf, it could be fun to have a look at it.

One document I did need to get is some kind of certificate from a Japanese person or someone already with a PR to state that I'm basically a good guy. (I pay my NHK fees; that's how good I am.)