Japan to Impose Stricter Income & Pension Requirements for Permanent Residency from October 2026
Updated: Jul 26
TOKYO — July 25, 2026 — The Japanese government plans to raise the bar for granting permanent residency to foreigners by requiring incomes higher than the average for Japanese households and a certain level of projected pension benefits, according to a source familiar with the matter.
The government will revise relevant guidelines on October 1, 2026, and start introducing them from applications submitted next April in principle. As of the end of last year, a total of 947,000 people held permanent residency status in Japan.
Quick Facts: Japan's New Permanent Residency Requirements
Feature | Current Rule | New Rule (from October 2026) |
Income Requirement | Sufficient for independent livelihood | Annual income above average Japanese household |
Pension Requirement | Not specified | Projected pension benefits equivalent to 30 years of employees' pension enrollment |
Language Requirement | Not specified | Japanese language abilities will be considered |
Understanding of Rules | Not specified | Understanding of Japan's rules will be assessed |
Implementation Date | — | October 1, 2026 (applications from next April) |
What the New Requirements Entail
1. Higher Income Threshold
Under the current guidelines, applicants must demonstrate possession of assets or skills sufficient to maintain an independent livelihood. Under the revised guidelines, applicants will additionally be required to have an annual income in excess of the average for a Japanese household.
2. Projected Pension Benefits Requirement
The new rules will require applicants to have projected pension benefits based on their income equivalent to enrollment in an employees' pension program for 30 years.
If the projected pension benefits fall short, applicants will be able to meet the threshold by making up the difference with savings and other assets.
3. Language and Cultural Understanding
In deciding whether an applicant's permanent residency is in the "best interests" of Japan, the new rules will also call for taking into account:
The person's Japanese language abilities
Their understanding of Japan's rules and social norms
4. Revision of Guidelines
The government will revise the relevant guidelines on October 1, 2026, and start introducing them from applications submitted next April in principle.
Current Permanent Residency Requirements
Under the current guidelines, the three requirements for obtaining permanent residency are:
Requirement | Details |
Good Conduct | No criminal record or other issues |
Independent Livelihood | Possession of assets or skills sufficient to maintain an independent livelihood |
Best Interests of Japan | Determination that the person's permanent residency is in the "best interests" of Japan |
Impact on Foreign Residents
For Current Permanent Residents
The new rules will apply to new applications submitted after the implementation date
Current permanent residents are not affected by the changes
For Future Applicants
Impact | Details |
Higher Income Threshold | Must earn more than average Japanese household |
Pension Requirements | Must show sufficient pension contributions or savings |
Language Skills | Japanese language abilities will be assessed |
Cultural Understanding | Understanding of Japanese rules and norms will be considered |
For Employers
Impact | Details |
Higher Salaries Needed | To support permanent residency applications, salaries may need to exceed average Japanese household income |
Pension Compliance | Employers must ensure proper pension contributions |
Integration Support | Employers may need to support Japanese language learning |
Government Rationale
Why Japan Is Tightening Requirements
The decision reflects the government's desire to:
Ensure economic self-sufficiency of permanent residents
Promote integration into Japanese society
Address concerns about the growing number of permanent residents
Strengthen the link between permanent residency and contribution to Japan
Context: Growing Permanent Resident Population
As of the end of 2025, a total of 947,000 people held permanent residency status in Japan. The government is seeking to ensure that future permanent residents are well-integrated and financially self-sufficient.
Recent Related Changes
Mandatory Japanese Language and Lifestyle Program
Japan is also introducing a mandatory Japanese language and lifestyle program for long-term residents and citizenship applicants. The program will be mandatory for foreigners applying for permanent resident status or visas extending beyond 10 years.
Residence Permit Fee Hikes
Japan has also increased fees for residence permit procedures, with the cost of obtaining permanent residency rising from ÂĄ10,000 to ÂĄ200,000 from October 2026.
Practical Advice for Applicants
Action | Why It Matters |
Monitor official announcements | Check the Immigration Services Agency website for detailed guidelines |
Assess income levels | Ensure your income exceeds the average Japanese household |
Review pension contributions | Check your pension records and consider additional savings |
Improve Japanese language skills | Take language courses to meet the new requirements |
Understand Japanese rules | Familiarise yourself with local laws and social norms |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: When do the new rules take effect?
A: The government will revise guidelines on October 1, 2026, and start introducing them from applications submitted next April in principle.
Q2: Do the new rules apply to existing permanent residents?
A: No. The new rules apply to new applications submitted after the implementation date.
Q3: What is the income requirement?
A: Applicants must have an annual income in excess of the average for a Japanese household.
Q4: What are the pension requirements?
A: Applicants must have projected pension benefits equivalent to enrollment in an employees' pension program for 30 years. Shortfalls can be made up with savings and other assets.
Q5: Will Japanese language skills be required?
A: Yes. Japanese language abilities will be taken into account when assessing whether permanent residency is in the "best interests" of Japan.
Q6: How many people hold permanent residency in Japan?
A: As of the end of 2025, a total of 947,000 people held permanent residency status.
Q7: What happens if I don't meet the new requirements?
A: Applications that do not meet the new requirements may be refused.
Related Articles
Japan to Mandate Japanese Language and Lifestyle Program for Long-Term Residents and Citizenship Applicants — Japan introduces mandatory Japanese language and lifestyle program for permanent residency and long-term visa holders.
Japan to Raise Residence Permit Fees for Foreign Nationals – Permanent Residency to Cost 200,000 Yen from October 2026 — Japan raises residence permit fees with permanent residency increasing from ¥10,000 to ¥200,000 from October 2026.
Japan Tightens Business Manager Visa Rules: Capital Requirement Raised to ¥30 Million — Japan raises minimum capital requirement for Business Manager visa from ¥5 million to ¥30 million.
For the latest Japan immigration updates, permanent residency news, and 2026 policy changes, visit: visasupdate.com/blog/categories/japan
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