Japan Tightens Permanent Residency Rules: Income Must Exceed Average Household Level

Japan’s Immigration Services Agency unveiled draft guidelines on August 4 that make permanent residency substantially harder to obtain. Applicants must now continuously earn annual household income above the Japanese average of 5.75 million yen ($36,500), plus meet new pension and Japanese language requirements. The rules take effect in April 2027 after a public comment period. The agency cited rising welfare claims among permanent residents and administrative strain on local governments.

What the new income requirement means

Applicants must maintain annual household income above 5.75 million yen, the 2024 average for Japanese households. This income must be continuous, not one-time. The agency also requires projected pension benefits equivalent to 30 years of standard employee pension contributions at that income level. If projected benefits fall short, applicants can use savings and financial assets to cover the gap, with the required savings scaled to the applicant’s age.

Spouse and dependent rules get stricter

The agency is extending the residency period required for spouses of Japanese citizens and permanent residents. Currently, a spouse needs only 3 years of marriage and 1 year in Japan. The new rules require 5 years of marriage and 3 years in Japan. Income earned by family members on dependent visas does not count toward household totals, even though they count toward household size, raising the income bar applicants must clear.

New language and national interest tests

Applicants must now demonstrate Japanese language proficiency at roughly B1 level on the national Reference Framework for Japanese Language Education. The agency also clarified the “national interest” requirement, stating permanent residency must “actively and concretely” benefit Japan. The agency will give “negative evaluations” to applicants with unpaid taxes, social insurance arrears, law violations, or poor understanding of Japanese systems. This national interest test takes effect April 2027.

Permanent residency can now be revoked

The agency is establishing new guidelines for revoking permanent residency status starting April 2027. Grounds for revocation include intentional non-payment of taxes and social insurance. The agency will provide specific examples and reasoning for revocation decisions. As of the end of 2025, about 947,000 people held permanent residency, many from China and the Philippines.

Why lawyers worry about the changes

The tighter rules are part of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s push to create an “orderly society” where Japanese and foreign nationals coexist while cracking down on illegal activity. However, immigration lawyers have expressed concern that stricter requirements may discourage qualified foreigners from seeking permanent residency, reducing Japan’s appeal as a destination for skilled workers and international talent.

Final Thoughts

The April 2027 rules represent Japan’s sharpest tightening of permanent residency in decades. Foreign nationals planning to apply should ensure tax and pension payments are current and household income documentation is solid before the rules take effect.

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