Japan to Tighten Permanent Residency Requirements for Foreigners

Japan plans to tighten the requirements for permanent residency for foreign nationals by setting income and pension-related criteria. Under the revised guidelines, applicants will need to have an annual income above the average Japanese household and meet a minimum projected pension benefit. The government will also consider an applicant’s Japanese language proficiency and understanding of the country’s rules when assessing whether granting permanent residency is in Japan’s best interest. The new rules are scheduled to take effect from April 2027. As of the end of 2025, approximately 947,000 people held permanent resident status in Japan.