Japan tightens permanent residency rules as foreign population surpasses 4.1 million

Japan has introduced tighter requirements for foreigners seeking permanent residency, with applicants now facing clearer standards on household income, Japanese-language ability and compliance with public obligations.

The changes take effect as the government seeks to strengthen the management of its growing foreign population. From Thursday (1 October), the fee for permanent residency rises from ¥10,000 (about US$63) to ¥200,000 (about US$1,265).

The Immigration Services Agency (ISA) said the revised guidelines clarify how existing legal requirements for permanent residency are assessed, including whether an applicant can support themselves independently and whether their continued residence is in Japan's national interest.

Household income must generally exceed Japanese average

One of the most significant changes is the introduction of a clearer income benchmark.

Under the revised guidelines, applicants are generally expected to have a household annual income that continuously exceeds the average income of Japanese households with the same number of people.

The assessment is made on the basis of people who share a residence and household finances. Their incomes can therefore be combined when determining whether the household meets the benchmark. For a single-person household, the applicant's own income is used.

The ISA said income is not considered in isolation. Officials can also take into account an applicant's past residence history, expected future income, assets and skills when determining whether the person can maintain a stable livelihood without becoming a burden on public finances.

The revised guidelines describe this as part of the existing requirement that applicants possess sufficient assets or skills to maintain an independent livelihood.

Japanese-language ability explicitly included

Japanese-language ability is also now specifically listed among the factors considered in permanent residency applications.

The guideline sets the expected level at B1 or above under Japan's Japanese Language Education Reference Framework.

The requirement is subject to exemptions for certain categories of applicants. The revised framework also continues to distinguish between different types of permanent residency applicants under Japanese immigration law, including spouses and children of Japanese nationals, permanent residents or special permanent residents.

The ISA's guidance makes clear that permanent residency is assessed as a comprehensive application rather than being determined by the language criterion alone.

The revised guidelines also consider applicants' understanding of Japanese systems and rules.

Taxes, pensions and conduct are assessed

Applicants must continue to demonstrate good conduct and compliance with Japanese law.

The revised guidelines specifically address the payment of taxes and other public obligations, while pension payments are also included in the assessment of an applicant's economic circumstances.

The ISA says applicants should have lived in Japan without repeatedly committing illegal or socially unacceptable acts. Authorities can also consider whether the applicant has complied with obligations required under Japanese law.

These provisions build on requirements that already formed part of the permanent residency assessment, with the revised guidelines providing greater detail on how they are considered.

Application fee jumps to ¥200,000

The fee increase took effect on 1 October.

The permanent residency fee is now ¥200,000 when permission is granted, compared with ¥10,000 previously. Applications accepted by 30 September remain subject to the old fee even if approval is granted after the new rules take effect.

There are provisions for fee reductions or exemptions in specified circumstances, including certain cases involving economic hardship. For permanent residency, the ISA says reduced fees can apply to categories including certain spouses or children of Japanese nationals, permanent residents or special permanent residents.

The payment process for online applications has also changed. From 1 October, applicants using Japan's online residence application system pay through convenience-store or bank payments instead of revenue stamps.

The ISA has separately warned applicants about fraudulent payment requests and says official online payment instructions should come through its designated payment system.

Changes coincide with record foreign resident numbers

The revisions come as Japan's foreign population continues to increase amid labour shortages and demographic pressures.

According to Japan's ISA, the number of foreign residents reached 4,125,395 at the end of 2025, surpassing four million for the first time.

The government has expanded programmes bringing foreign workers into sectors facing labour shortages, while simultaneously introducing measures intended to ensure that foreign residents comply with Japanese laws and public obligations.

For foreigners living in Japan, the revised permanent residency guidelines mean that applications will now be assessed against more clearly stated expectations covering economic independence, Japanese-language ability, legal compliance, payment of public obligations and understanding of Japanese systems.

The standard route to permanent residency generally continues to require 10 years of continuous residence, although Japanese immigration law provides shorter routes for certain categories of applicants.