Yes, a guarantor (身元保証人 – Mimoto Hoshounin) is mandatory for the PR application.
Who Can Be a Guarantor?
- A Japanese citizen or permanent resident with a stable income and clean legal record.
- Common guarantors include employers, colleagues, friends, or family members.
What Does the Guarantor Do?
- The guarantor vouches for your character and financial stability.
- They do not bear financial responsibility for you but act as a reference for the Immigration Bureau.