noun
permanent resident; foreigner with permanent-residence visa
Refers to a person who has been granted permanent residency status, often used in legal and immigration contexts.
彼は日本で永住者として認められた。
He was recognized as a permanent resident in Japan.
永住者の資格を申請するには、いくつかの条件を満たす必要がある。
To apply for permanent resident status, you need to meet several conditions.
定住者 is a broader term for a settled resident, not necessarily with the legal permanent residency status that 永住者 implies.
Compound of 永住 (permanent residence) + 者 (person).