CannedHam wrote: ↑May 19th, 2019, 7:11 am
Japan - I know a guy that got PR since he works in Japan and is married to a Japanese citizen. I believe it only took him a few years but I may be mis-remembering the details.
Your information is correct. I am holding Japanese permanent residence since more than 35 years.
If you are not a tourist and are holding already a working permit/visa for one year and have a regular job/income, can speak some Japanese and are married with a Japanese citizen, the minimum waiting time is only 3 years for permanent residence. If not case by case, minimum 5 years.
Application is free of charge, if granted there is only a small stamp fee to pay.
Permanent residency is a good thing if you are in Japan - almost same as citizenship without voting right (I don't care about that)
You are within the Japanese National Health Insurance for life.
You do not need a working permit anymore, you can do any job without reporting.
You can buy your own house/land or condominium unit and open your own shop...
You have to report to Immigration only one time in 7 years to renew your ID card and residence status.
You can leave Japan, but you must be back within one year, otherwise the residence status will be lost. No re-entry permit required.
You can use the automatic gate, same as the Japanese citizens do at any Japanese international airport, very fast for departure and arrival...
You permanent residence status remains valid, even in case of divorce or if the spouse dies (with a marriage visa you might face problems ...)
As I said, I am happy with my EU(Austria) citizenship and Japanese Permanent Residence Status.
There is no reason for me to apply for Japanese citizenship, I never did any job which requires Japanese citizenship.
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About Taiwan, I have no experience myself, but I know some people from USA and Japan who are holding PR in Taiwan.
So far what they told me, it seems the requirements are somehow similar to those of Japan.
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About Thailand, it is not friendly to foreigners regarding permanent residency and citizenship. Tourists are welcome, long stay not so really.
I have a 1 year retirement visa for Thailand, my second home is in Pattaya.
If you are 50+ and have some money in a Thai bank or retirement allowance from outside of Thailand and fulfill some other requirements you can apply for 1 year retirement visa, however a Thai visa does not offer any other services like health insurance or working permit...