Significant changes are ahead for foreign residents living in Japan long-term and preparing to obtain permanent residency. This is because the Immigration Services Agency of Japan has revised its guidelines for permanent residency permission, significantly tightening the screening requirements.
This revision aims to comprehensively evaluate not only the economic independence of foreigners wishing to settle in Japan, but also their fulfillment of social obligations and language proficiency. Here is a summary of the key changes and implementation timelines that foreign residents planning their long-term future must know.
1. Stricter Income and Pension Requirements
The first point to note is the tightening of the "independent livelihood requirement," which assesses the ability to support oneself.
- Requirement of Income Above the Japanese Average: A key screening factor will be whether the applicant's household annual income "consistently exceeds the average income of Japanese households." Rather than simply exceeding the minimum cost of living, applicants must continuously demonstrate economic power equivalent to the average middle class in Japanese society.
- Restrictions on Combined Family Income: When calculating annual household income, the income of family members living in the same household can be combined. However, part-time job income earned by family members holding status of residence such as "Dependent (家族滞在)" under permission to engage in activity other than that permitted under the status of residence will be excluded from the calculation.
- Asset Evaluation for Retirement (Pension Requirement): The projected pension amount to be received in the future must be equivalent to having been enrolled in the Employees' Pension Insurance (厚生年金, Kosei Nenkin) for 30 years. Even if this standard is not met, applicants can still satisfy the requirement if they possess sufficient financial assets (such as savings) to make up for the shortfall.
2. New Japanese Language Proficiency and Social Obligation Requirements
The "national interest requirement," which assesses whether an applicant can assimilate and live in Japanese society, has also become more stringent.
- Introduction of Japanese Language Standards: A level of Japanese language proficiency that allows for daily life and social activities without hindrance is newly required. The standard is set at CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) Level B1 or higher, which corresponds to an "independent user" of the language.
- Understanding of Social Systems and Children's Education: Whether the applicant correctly understands and complies with Japan's social systems and rules will be evaluated. Additionally, if the applicant has school-aged children, the screening process will verify whether the children are properly enrolled in and attending school.
3. Reduction of Relaxed Requirements for Spouses
The special exception criteria for permanent residency applications applied to spouses of Japanese citizens or permanent residents have also been tightened.
Previously, spouses could apply for permanent residency if they had been married for at least 3 years and residing in Japan for at least 1 year. Following the revision, this requirement has been significantly raised to "married for at least 5 years and residing in Japan for at least 3 years." Consequently, obtaining early permanent residency through marriage is expected to become more difficult than before.
4. Implementation Timeline of the Revised Guidelines
To minimize confusion, the revised guidelines will be implemented sequentially depending on the item.
- Income and Public Burden Requirements: These have been preemptively applied to applications submitted after April 1, 2026, that remain unprocessed and are still under review as of October 1 of the same year.
- Other Revisions (Japanese Language, Pension Requirements, etc.): In principle, these will apply to applications submitted on or after April 1, 2027 (Reiwa 9).
This guideline revision demands systematic and long-term preparation from foreigners aiming for permanent residency in Japan. In addition to thoroughly managing income proof and pension payment status, comprehensive preparation across various areas—such as obtaining certified Japanese language qualifications and complying with local community rules—will be essential.
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Source: 時事通信