Japan's Immigration Services Agency has proposed stricter income requirements for granting permanent residency to foreign nationals. The proposed guidelines may be applied retroactively to applications submitted as early as April of this year.
Under the proposed changes, applicants would be required to maintain an income above the average for Japanese households and meet certain levels of projected pension benefits.
The Immigration Services Agency of Japan plans to solicit public comments before implementing the new rules, which are scheduled to take effect from April 2027.
The proposed guidelines are part of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's effort to create an “orderly society” where Japanese and foreign nationals coexist while cracking down on illegal activities.
Current residency framework
Permanent residency in Japan allows individuals to remain in the country indefinitely without restrictions on their activities while retaining their original nationality. This status differs from naturalization, through which a person acquires Japanese citizenship.
Applicants for permanent residency generally must have lived in Japan for at least 10 years to qualify. Current guidelines require good conduct, sufficient assets or skills to maintain an independent livelihood, and a determination that granting residency is in Japan's best interests.
