Japan Plans Stricter Rules for Permanent Residency

The Japanese government plans to make it more difficult for foreigners to obtain permanent residency. Under the proposed changes, applicants will be required to earn an annual income higher than the average income of a Japanese household and demonstrate that they have sufficient savings for retirement.

On Saturday, a source familiar with the matter said the government plans to revise the relevant regulations on October 1. The new requirements are expected to apply to permanent residency applications submitted from April 2027, according to ANTARA.

Under the current rules, applicants for permanent residency must demonstrate good conduct, have sufficient financial resources or skills to support themselves independently, and show that granting them permanent residency is in Japan’s best interests.

Under the proposed revisions, applicants must have an annual income exceeding the average household income in Japan. They must also be expected to receive retirement benefits equivalent to those of someone who has participated in the national pension system for 30 years.

If an applicant’s expected retirement benefits fall below the required level, they may use personal savings or other financial assets to make up the difference.

In addition, the government will consider applicants’ Japanese language proficiency and their understanding of the country’s laws and regulations when assessing whether granting permanent residency serves Japan’s national interests.

By the end of 2025, approximately 947,000 people held permanent resident status in Japan.

Source : https://en.tempo.co/read/2115430/japan-tightens-permanent-residency-rules-what-changes