Most of the new requirements will apply to applications submitted from April 2027, while the income-related provision will also affect certain applications filed from April 2026. Applicants will additionally be expected to demonstrate basic Japanese-language ability under the revised framework.
Japan has also sharply increased the permanent residency application fee, from ¥10,000 to ¥200,000, effective today October 1, 2026. The changes form part of broader reforms to Japan’s immigration and residency system as the country manages a growing foreign population alongside labour shortages.
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Japan has tightened permanent residency requirements for foreigners, introducing stricter income, pension and Japanese-language criteria, while raising the application fee from ¥10,000 to ¥200,000. Japan has tightened its requirements for foreigners seeking permanent residency, with new rules introducing stricter financial and Japanese-language conditions. The revised guidelines require applicants to demonstrate that their income is above the average for...
Key takeaways
- Japan has tightened permanent residency requirements for foreigners, introducing stricter income, pension and Japanese-language criteria, while raising the application fee from ¥10,000 to ¥200,000.
- Japan has tightened its requirements for foreigners seeking permanent residency, with new rules introducing stricter financial and Japanese-language conditions.
- The revised guidelines require applicants to demonstrate that their income is above the average for comparable Japanese households, while their future pension benefits will also be considered.Most of the new requirements will apply to applications submitted from April 2027, while the income-related provision will also affect certain applications filed from April 2026.
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Japan has tightened permanent residency requirements for foreigners, introducing stricter income, pension and Japanese-language criteria, while raising the application fee from ¥10,000 to ¥200,000. Japan has tightened its requirements for foreigners seeking permanent residency, with new rules introducing stricter financial and Japanese-language conditions. The revised guidelines require applicants to demonstrate that their income is above the average for...
Who published this story?
Glow 99.1 FM published this story with GlowRy Atuah listed as author.
When was it published?
October 1, 2026
