Japan govt to impose tougher requirements for permanent residency

By the Editorial Team · Monday, July 27, 2026

The Japanese government will implement stricter permanent residency requirements starting in April 2027, including higher income and pension benchmarks, enhanced language and legal knowledge tests, and longer residency periods for spouses of Japanese nationals. These changes aim to tighten immigration controls under Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s administration to better address security concerns and ensure foreign residents contribute positively to society.

The Japanese government is set to tighten the criteria for granting permanent residency to foreign nationals, introducing higher income thresholds and pension requirements, according to a source familiar with the matter. The revised guidelines, scheduled to take effect from April 2027 for new applications, represent an effort by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s administration to address concerns related to illegal activities and other issues involving foreign residents.

Currently, applicants seeking permanent residency in Japan must demonstrate good conduct, possess the skills to support themselves financially, and show that their permanent residency serves Japan’s interests. Additionally, applicants generally need to have lived in Japan continuously for at least 10 years. As of the end of 2025, nearly 947,000 individuals held permanent residency status, with significant numbers originating from China and the Philippines.

Under the forthcoming regulations, applicants will be required to earn an annual income above the average for Japanese households. They must also have projected pension benefits comparable to those accrued after 30 years of participation in an employees’ pension program at the relevant income level. Should pension projections fall short, applicants may offset the deficit with personal savings or other assets.

The government will also incorporate assessments of applicants’ Japanese language proficiency and their understanding of the country’s laws when determining whether permanent residency aligns with Japan’s national interests.

Regarding spouses of Japanese nationals or permanent residents, the period of marriage required to qualify for permanent residency will increase from three years to five years. Similarly, the minimum period of residence in Japan for the spouses will rise from one year to three years.

These adjustments come in the context of broader immigration policy reforms introduced by the Takaichi administration. Since April 1, naturalization applicants have been subject to a more stringent evaluation process, requiring at least 10 years of residence in Japan.

The government has not publicly disclosed all details of the new permanent residency application standards but has emphasized the need for more rigorous screening to ensure that foreign residents contribute positively to Japanese society while safeguarding national security and social stability.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.