Permanent Residency in Japan: New Requirements Effective April 2027

Japan has revised the rules for obtaining permanent residency (PR) for foreigners. The updated requirements will apply to applications submitted on or after April 1, 2027. Travelobiz recently reported on this.

We’ll explain below which criteria will become stricter, how income and pensions will be assessed, and what applicants need to prepare.

Are you planning to move to Japan and want to familiarize yourself with the requirements for permanent residency in advance?

The immigration guide from the Visit World portal will help you plan your move and prepare to submit your documents.

What requirements for permanent residency in Japan will change starting April 1, 2027?

Starting April 1, 2027, Japan will apply stricter requirements to applicants for permanent residency. Four criteria will carry greater weight during the application review process: household income, pension coverage, proficiency in the Japanese language, and knowledge of local laws. The updated guidelines apply to all permanent residency applications submitted on or after that date.

For applications submitted before April 1, 2027, transitional provisions established by the Japan Immigration Agency will apply. The new criteria will affect all foreign nationals planning to apply for permanent residency, particularly citizens of Australia, Singapore, and Canada.

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Income Requirements for Permanent Residence in Japan

Generally, applicants for permanent residence in Japan will need to demonstrate that their household income exceeds the average income of a Japanese household of the same size. The Immigration Bureau will assess the family’s overall financial situation; therefore, the household’s total income will be taken into account, and the applicant’s salary alone will be only part of this assessment.

To submit an application, it is important to have stable and documented income. Pay stubs and other proof of the household’s financial status should be prepared in advance.

About the Digital Nomad Visa in Japan — learn more at the link.

Pension Contributions and Savings: What Will Be Reviewed?

Applicants’ pension records will be scrutinized more closely. The authorities will compare the applicant’s projected pension benefits with the amount the person would receive after 30 years of participation in the employee pension system, assuming an income above the relevant threshold. Applicants whose figures do not meet this level will be able to confirm that they have sufficient savings or other assets.

Therefore, registering in the pension system and making regular contributions are an important part of preparing to apply for permanent residency.

Everything you need to know about medicine and healthcare in Japan—find it here.

Knowledge of the Japanese Language and Laws for Obtaining Permanent Residency in Japan

The updated guidelines place greater emphasis on the applicant’s proficiency in the Japanese language and their understanding of Japanese systems, laws, and social norms. Language proficiency is specified as one of the evaluation criteria. For certain categories of applicants—including some highly skilled professionals and individuals with relevant Japanese education—exceptions or alternative evaluation approaches are provided.

These changes reflect a broader trend in Japan’s immigration policy. When reviewing applications for long-term residence, authorities are increasingly evaluating a foreign national’s financial self-sufficiency alongside their level of integration into Japanese society.

The new 2026 naturalization rules in Japan are summarized in this article.

What Should You Prepare Before Applying for Permanent Residence in Japan?

Foreign nationals planning to apply for permanent residence in Japan starting in April 2027 should verify in advance that they meet the new criteria. Particular attention should be paid to financial indicators, pension history, language proficiency, and fulfillment of obligations in the country. Here are the key points to check:

• household income and supporting documents;
• enrollment in the pension system and payment history;
• projected pension benefit amounts;
• savings and other assets (if applicable);
• level of Japanese language proficiency;
• compliance with laws, tax payments, and fulfillment of civic duties;
• understanding of Japanese systems and social norms.

Important! Moving to and living long-term in Japan requires preparation and knowledge of many formalities. The Visit World portal’s immigration guide to Japan will help you navigate these procedures.

Order the guide to plan your move and prepare in advance for submitting your documents!

Reminder! In our previous article, we talked about 10 unique locations in Japan that are sure to surprise tourists.

Photo: Magnific