07/04/2026
[Latest Update 2026] Review of Permanent Residency Requirements – Possible Increase in Income Threshold
In April 2026, new developments were reported regarding Japan’s foreign resident policy. The government is currently considering a review of the permanent residency (PR) system in response to the increasing number of foreign residents.
■ Stricter Income Requirements
Permanent residency currently requires applicants to demonstrate stable and continuous income. A proposal has emerged to further tighten this requirement.
In practice, the current benchmark is generally understood as:
Annual income of at least JPY 3,000,000
An additional JPY 200,000 per dependent
For example:
In a household of four (a working spouse under an Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services status, a dependent spouse, and two dependent children), the income requirement is typically met if the working spouse earns approximately JPY 3.6 million annually for five consecutive years.
There is a possibility that this income threshold may be increased. Ongoing developments should be closely monitored.
■ Discussion on Numerical Caps
Japan Innovation Party and Conservative Party of Japan have proposed introducing limits on:
The total number of permanent residents
The ratio of permanent residents to the overall population
Currently, there is no cap on the number of permanent residency approvals. If such limits are introduced, applicants may face restrictions on when they can apply.
■ Current Status of Permanent Residents
Permanent residents number approximately 940,000, accounting for about 20% of all foreign residents in Japan.
PR status is the most flexible residence status, as it:
Has no period of stay limitation
Imposes no employment restrictions
Given the broader trend toward stricter immigration controls, further revisions to the PR system are anticipated.
■ Expected Future Changes
From April 2027: Clarification and stricter application of the “5-year stay period” requirement
Consideration of introducing a Japanese language proficiency requirement
Proposal to increase the immigration application fee to up to JPY 300,000
Longer processing times (currently around one year)
■ Practical Considerations
Greater emphasis on timely payment of taxes and social insurance
Applicable requirements may vary depending on the timing of application
Strategic decision-making regarding when to apply is increasingly important
■ Sources
Immigration Services Agency of Japan
Media report (April 3, 2026):
https://www.nikkei.com/article/DGXZQOUA319F70R30C26A3000000/
Permanent residency applications are highly sensitive to regulatory changes.
Those considering applying are advised to proceed based on the latest available information.
Initial consultation is free of charge. Please feel free to contact us.