Japan Tightens Permanent Residency Requirements, Raising Income and Language Standards

Japan's Immigration Services Agency has drafted revised guidelines that would make permanent residency harder to obtain. Applicants must now demonstrate a household income at or above the national average (about ¥5.75 million in 2024) and projected pension benefits comparable to those earned after 30 years of contributions. The proposal also adds a Japanese‑language proficiency requirement at the level of an independent user.

The changes are part of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's push for an "orderly society" as the foreign resident population, now close to one million, continues to grow. The agency will seek public comments before the rules take effect in April 2027. Currently, about 947,000 foreigners hold permanent residency, many from China and the Philippines. The revision signals a shift from policies aimed at attracting talent toward tighter management of long‑term foreign residents.

Existing permanent residents will still renew their residence cards every seven years without re‑applying under the new criteria, but future applicants will face the higher economic, pension and language thresholds.