Japan moves to tighten income and pension criteria for permanent residency
Japan's immigration authority has drafted stricter rules for permanent-residence applicants, mandating household incomes above the national average and projected pension levels.
Tokyo's Immigration Services Agency has proposed a set of tougher conditions for foreigners seeking permanent residency in Japan. Under the draft, candidates must maintain an annual household income higher than the 2024 average of 5.75 million yen and demonstrate projected pension benefits equivalent to a 30-year enrollment in the employees' pension scheme, with any shortfall coverable by personal assets. A new language requirement would also be introduced, demanding proficiency at the "independent user" level.
The agency plans to collect public feedback before finalising the rules, slated for implementation in April 2027. The proposal aligns with Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s push for an "orderly society" that balances coexistence of Japanese and foreign residents with stricter enforcement against illegal conduct. Additional adjustments include raising marriage-based residency thresholds and extending stay periods for Specified Skilled Worker No. 2 visa holders.
Why it matters
Stricter residency rules could limit the ability of foreign workers to settle permanently in Japan, affecting labor supply and demographic trends.
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