On Mar 9, 12:57 pm, sensyujin <iamsoluc...@gmail.com> wrote:
> It seems that many people, even after living in Japan for 20 years,
> haven't even attempted to attain permanent residency. Is it really
> that impossible to attain, especially if you're not married?

As Declan pointed out, it is certainly far from impossible.  There are
unmarried
persons with PR.  There are even married persons without PR.  It is
all a matter
of motivation.  My boss has been here about 20 years but is content
with his
spouse visa.  He doesn't see a need for one.  An unmarried friend of
mine has been
here for 14-15 years and has had his PR for about 4-5 or so.

You need to decide why you want it.  I wanted mine so that I would
have to worry
about finding a new job and sponsor immediately after my previous
job.  It is hard
to over stay a PR but really easy to overstay a work visa.

Re-entry permits are supposedly going away "soon" which will be a very
welcome thing.

Some banks require PR for loans (certainly loans over a certain size)
but others banks
may not, especially if you prove to them you don't need the money.

You may as well go ahead and apply.  You might get rejected but you
can always try
again later.