Japan to tighten permanent residency rules from October 1, affecting foreign residents

September 25, 2026 at 10:59 AM2 min

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Japan will tighten permanent residency requirements from October 1, including income thresholds, language proficiency, and pension assets. The changes apply retroactively to applications submitted since April, leaving long-term foreign residents uncertain about their futures. Some residents are considering leaving Japan or applying for citizenship, which would require renouncing their original nationality.

Key Facts

Japan's new permanent residency rules take effect in phases from October 1, 2026.
Applicants must show annual household income above the Japanese average and demonstrate Japanese-language proficiency.
Applicants must have a pension pot equivalent to 30 years of payouts.
The income requirement applies retroactively to applications submitted since April 2026.
Japan does not recognise dual nationality, so foreign residents applying for citizenship must renounce their original citizenship.

New Residency Requirements

Under rules set to come into effect in phases from October 1, applicants for permanent residency will need to show that their annual household income exceeds the Japanese average. Applicants will also be required to demonstrate Japanese-language proficiency and have a pension pot equivalent to 30 years of payouts. The income stipulation will be applied retroactively for applications submitted since April. Japan's Immigration Services Agency stressed the need for foreigners to 'live independently' and have 'a stable life without the risk of becoming a burden'.

Impact on Foreign Residents

Abdul, a tech engineer from Bangladesh who has lived in Japan for nearly eight years, is preparing to apply for both permanent residency and citizenship. He told Al Jazeera he is starting to look for opportunities outside Japan in case his applications are rejected. Sarah Nelkin, an American who has lived in Japan for 14 years, submitted an application for permanent residency shortly before the announcement of the changes. If her application is rejected, she plans to apply for Japanese citizenship, which would mean giving up her US citizenship. Nelkin said she would rather not give up her American passport, but at this point she might have to give up her American nationality.