An R-T-B based permanent magnet, in which R is a rare earth element, T is Fe or a combination of Fe and Co, and B is boron, includes main phase grains made of an R2T14B crystal phase and grain boundaries formed between the main phase grains. The grain boundaries include an R—O—C—N concentrated part having higher concentrations of R, O, C, and N than that of the main phase grains. The R—O—C—N concentrated part includes a heavy rare earth element. The R—O—C—N concentrated part has a core part and a shell part covering at least part of the core part. A concentration of the heavy rare earth element in the shell part is higher than a concentration of the heavy element in the core part. A covering ratio of the shell part with respect to the core part of the R—O—C—N concentrated part is 45% or more in average.