Japan has decided to further tighten the requirements for foreign nationals seeking permanent residency, requiring applicants to meet additional conditions related to annual household income, Japanese-language proficiency
Japan has decided to further tighten the requirements for foreign nationals seeking permanent residency, requiring applicants to meet additional conditions related to annual household income, Japanese-language proficiency, and pension payments. According to Al Jazeera, the new requirements will be introduced in phases starting October 1, while the income requirement will also apply to applications submitted since April. Applicants for permanent residency will also have to provide proof that they have funds equivalent to 30 years of pension contributions. According to Japan’s Immigration Services Agency, the changes are aimed at enabling foreign residents to lead self-sufficient and stable lives.
The number of foreign residents in Japan had reached a record 4.12 million by the end of 2025, accounting for approximately 3 percent of the country’s total population. At the same time, Japan is facing a declining birth rate and a shortage of workers. Experts say that making long-term residency more difficult for foreign workers raises further questions about how Japan can balance its workforce needs with its immigration policies. According to Al Jazeera, immigration has already become an important issue in Japan’s political debate, and public opposition to further increases in the number of foreign residents has also grown in recent times.
