Japan tightens permanent residency rules for foreigners, throwing futures into doubt
Japan will require permanent residency applicants to exceed average household income, prove Japanese-language ability and hold a 30-year pension pot under rules taking effect from 1 October, the Immigration Services Agency has announced.
Japan is tightening its permanent residency rules for foreigners, with new requirements taking effect in phases from 1 October that long-term residents fear will force them out, Al Jazeera reports.
Under the changes, announced by the Immigration Services Agency, applicants will need to show annual household income above the Japanese average — applied retroactively to applications submitted since April — demonstrate Japanese-language proficiency, and hold a pension pot equivalent to 30 years of payouts. The agency said foreigners must “live independently” and have “a stable life without the risk of becoming a burden”.
Abdul, a Bangladeshi tech engineer who has lived in Japan for nearly eight years, told Al Jazeera he is now looking for opportunities outside the country. “I have to be prepared if both of my applications are rejected,” he said.
Sarah Nelkin, an American resident of 14 years who applied for permanent residency shortly before the announcement, said she may have to apply for Japanese citizenship — which would mean giving up her US passport, as Japan does not recognise dual nationality.
Risa Hagiwara, an economics professor at Meikai University, said the shift to “selective and conditional” immigration sits uneasily with Japan’s labour shortages and shrinking population. A University of Tokyo survey found 56.3% of Japanese now oppose accepting more foreigners, up from 35.6% in 2024. The far-right Sanseito party’s “Japan First” messaging won it a record 15 lower-house seats.
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