Significant changes are on the horizon for foreign residents seeking long-term settlement in Japan. The Immigration Services Agency of Japan has announced a draft revision of its guidelines, significantly tightening the screening criteria for acquiring permanent residency.
The proposed revision raises the overall screening threshold by introducing new Japanese language proficiency standards, extending spouse exemption requirements, and tightening income and pension payment records. Foreign nationals planning to apply for permanent residency in the long term should carefully review these upcoming changes.
Public Comment Period Begins for Revised Permanent Residency Guidelines
On August 4, 2026, the Immigration Services Agency of Japan published the draft revision of the "Guidelines for Permanent Permission" and initiated a public comment process to gather feedback. The comment period runs for one month, from August 4, 2026, to September 4, 2026 (12:00 AM). Following this public consultation, the new standards will be implemented sequentially according to the announced schedule.
Specific Income Standards for Independent Livelihood
While the ability to maintain an independent livelihood has always been an important factor in permanent residency screening, the revised guidelines will make the income criteria much clearer and stricter.
Going forward, a key consideration will be whether the applicant consistently maintains an income level that "exceeds the average income of a Japanese household," adjusted for the number of members in the applicant's household. The required income threshold will vary based on the number of dependents, and applicants must prove they can maintain this level stably. This income-related standard is scheduled to be the first to take effect, starting in October 2026.
New Pension Requirements for Future Security
A "pension requirement" will be newly added to the financial stability assessment. Under the draft revision, the applicant's projected future pension payout must, in principle, reach the level of someone who has contributed to the Employees' Pension Insurance (Kosei Nenkin) for 30 years at the aforementioned income level.
If there is a shortfall below this standard amount, an exception allows applicants to make up the difference using their financial assets, such as savings, deposits, or stocks. This requirement will apply starting in April 2027.
Introduction of Japanese Language Proficiency Standards (CEFR B1 or Higher)
To assess smooth integration into Japanese society and compatibility with national interests, a "Japanese language proficiency" standard will be explicitly introduced.
Applicants must possess Japanese language skills equivalent to or higher than level "B1" of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). The CEFR B1 level represents an "independent user" who can handle everyday conversations and clearly express opinions on familiar topics. This effectively introduces an official language barrier to permanent residency screening, which previously lacked explicit language requirements. This regulation will also take effect in April 2027.
Extension of Residency Requirements for Spouse Exemptions
The relaxed requirements (exemptions) applied to spouses of Japanese nationals or permanent residents will also be significantly tightened. Currently, spouses can apply for permanent residency if they meet the criteria of "at least 3 years of marriage and at least 1 year of residency in Japan." However, under the revised guidelines, this will be extended to "at least 5 years of marriage and at least 3 years of residency in Japan." This will effectively narrow the path to early permanent residency through a spouse visa. This requirement is also scheduled to take effect in April 2027.
Summary of Key Revisions and Implementation Dates
The core details of the revised guidelines and their scheduled implementation dates are as follows:
- Stricter Income Standards: Consistently maintaining an income level exceeding the average Japanese household income based on household size (Scheduled for October 2026)
- New Pension Requirements: Securing a projected future pension payout equivalent to 30 years of Employees' Pension Insurance contributions, with shortfalls coverable by financial assets (Scheduled for April 2027)
- Japanese Language Requirement: Achieving CEFR B1 (independent user) level or higher (Scheduled for April 2027)
- Stricter Spouse Exemptions: Extended from the current "3 years of marriage / 1 year of residency" to "5 years of marriage / 3 years of residency" (Scheduled for April 2027)
These measures by the Japanese government indicate a demand for a higher level of social and economic independence, as well as a stronger commitment to settlement, from foreign nationals seeking permanent residency. Foreign residents planning to apply for permanent residency in Japan in the future should not only review their income management and pension payment status but also establish long-term preparation plans, such as obtaining certified Japanese language qualifications.
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Source: e-Govパブリック・コメント