On August 4, 2026, the Immigration Services Agency of Japan (ISA) announced a draft of new guidelines for permanent residency, introducing significant changes that will affect foreign nationals planning to apply for permanent residence in Japan. This article provides a detailed analysis of these revisions from the perspective of visa and immigration specialists, aimed at foreign residents in Japan, their families, and HR managers of companies employing foreign nationals.
1. Background of the Guideline Revisions
The proposed revisions stem from research findings indicating that the welfare benefit receipt rate among permanent residents is comparable to that of Japanese nationals. The Minister of Justice stated, “Considering that permanent residency is the most stable status of residence, we have conducted necessary reviews.”
Permanent residency in Japan offers the most stable immigration status, with no restrictions on the period of stay or type of employment. Therefore, the government has decided to apply more stringent standards to the requirements for granting this status.
2. Major Changes in the Proposed Guidelines
2-1. Significant Changes to Spousal Exemptions – The Most Impactful Revision
The most notable change in the proposed guidelines concerns the “special provisions for residence period” that apply to spouses of Japanese nationals or permanent residents.
Current Requirements:
- Marriage duration: 3 years or more
- Continuous residence in Japan: 1 year or more
Proposed Requirements:
- Marriage duration: 5 years or more
- Continuous residence in Japan: 3 years or more
This change particularly affects those seeking permanent residence through spousal visa categories (“Spouse or Child of Japanese National” or “Spouse or Child of Permanent Resident”), rather than through work-based visa categories such as “Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services” or “Skilled Labor.”
For example, if someone had planned to apply for permanent residence in their third year of marriage after residing in Japan for over one year, they will now need to wait until their fifth year of marriage and after three years of residence in Japan.
This revision significantly extends the timeline for obtaining permanent residency and may require many applicants to reconsider their life plans.
2-2. Clarification and Tightening of Economic Requirements
While previous guidelines used the abstract phrase “able to maintain independent livelihood,” the new draft establishes specific standards.
New Economic Requirements:
- Annual Income Exceeding Japanese Household Average
- Applicants must continuously maintain income levels above the average Japanese household income according to household size
- Not only must current conditions be met, but this standard must be maintained “continuously”
- Expected Pension Benefits Standard
- Future pension benefits must reach the level equivalent to “30 years of enrollment in the Employees’ Pension Insurance”
- This requirement demonstrates the need to prove stable livelihood not only at present but also in the future
This tightening of economic requirements indicates that not only income at the time of application but also the stability of future livelihood will be subject to examination.
2-3. Establishment of Japanese Language Proficiency Standards
The new draft guidelines also establish clear standards for Japanese language proficiency.
Required Japanese Language Proficiency:
- CEFR B1 level or higher
- “Independent user” level
CEFR B1 refers to the ability to understand main points when clear, standard language is used on familiar matters regularly encountered. This is generally equivalent to N2 level of the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT).
Since Japanese language proficiency has not been explicitly required until now, this standard-setting represents a significant change. For non-native Japanese speakers or those whose work is primarily conducted in English, new preparation may be necessary.
2-4. Children’s School Attendance Also Subject to Review
The new draft guidelines explicitly state that proper school attendance of children subject to compulsory education will also be examined.
Key Review Points:
- Failure to ensure proper school attendance for children subject to compulsory education (elementary and junior high school)
- May result in negative evaluation
This means that children’s educational status is considered an indicator of the degree of integration into Japanese society.
3. Implementation Timeline and Future Schedule
The implementation schedule for the new draft guidelines also requires attention.
Implementation Schedule (Planned):
- October 2026: “Income requirements” are expected to be implemented first
- Other requirements: To be implemented sequentially after public comment period
Given that income requirements are expected to be implemented first, those planning to apply for permanent residence need to urgently assess their situation and adjust their application timing as necessary.
4. Practical Considerations and Countermeasures
4-1. For Those Planning to Apply for Permanent Residence
Matters to Verify Immediately:
- Current Status of Residence and Period of Stay
- When can you apply under current rules?
- Is it possible to complete the application before the revisions?
- Spousal Visa Holders Require Special Attention
- Accurately confirm marriage duration and residence period in Japan
- Critical to determine whether application is possible before revisions
- Economic Status Verification
- Does household income exceed the Japanese household average?
- Is this standard maintained continuously?
- Pension enrollment status and expected future benefits
- Japanese Language Proficiency Verification
- Can you prove CEFR B1 (equivalent to JLPT N2) proficiency?
- If not, consider taking the exam or developing a study plan
- Children’s School Attendance Status
- Are children subject to compulsory education attending school properly?
4-2. For HR Managers of Companies Employing Foreign Nationals
Obtaining permanent residence for foreign employees is a crucial factor directly linked to retaining talented personnel. These revisions may impact corporate HR strategies.
Points for Corporate Consideration:
- Review of Compensation Design
- Setting salary levels that meet or exceed the Japanese household average income requirement
- Relationship between career paths and compensation for foreign employees
- Enhancement of Benefits
- Support for enrollment in and continuous payment of Employees’ Pension Insurance
- Systems supporting household income such as family and housing allowances
- Japanese Language Education Support
- Provision of in-house Japanese language training
- Subsidies for Japanese Language Proficiency Test examination fees
- Information Provision and Support
- Early sharing of information regarding system changes
- Providing opportunities for consultation with specialists
- Long-term Talent Strategy
- Recruitment and development plans considering the extended timeline for obtaining permanent residence
4-3. Special Advice for Spousal Visa Holders Seeking Permanent Residence
Spousal visa holders are the group most significantly affected by these revisions.
Actions to Take:
- Accurate Assessment of Current Situation
- Date of marriage registration (legal commencement of marriage)
- Period of continuous residence in Japan (verify entry/exit records)
- Consideration of Pre-Revision Application Possibility
- Consult with specialists to determine if requirements can be met before revisions
- Make decisions considering the time needed to prepare required documents
- Preparation for Post-Revision Requirements
- If pre-revision application is difficult, begin preparation according to new requirements
- Create checklist of items to clear, including economic requirements and Japanese language proficiency
5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. If I have already applied for permanent residence, will the new rules apply?
A1. As a general rule, the rules at the time of application apply. However, in cases where examination is prolonged, attention should be paid to announcements from the Immigration Services Agency.
Q2. What specifically is the average annual income for Japanese households?
A2. It varies depending on household size. Statistical data such as the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare’s “Comprehensive Survey of Living Conditions” can serve as reference. We recommend consulting with specialists to confirm the standards applicable to your household.
Q3. If I have not been enrolled in Employees’ Pension Insurance for 30 years, will permanent residence not be granted?
A3. The draft guidelines state “in principle,” suggesting that individual circumstances may be considered. However, meeting this standard is fundamentally required.
Q4. What should I do if I have never taken the Japanese Language Proficiency Test?
A4. We recommend beginning study to achieve JLPT N2 or higher. Since the test is conducted twice yearly, systematic preparation is necessary.
Q5. Should I hurry to apply before the revisions?
A5. If you meet the requirements, pre-revision application is one option. However, applying in an inadequately prepared state carries risks. Please make careful decisions after consulting with specialists.
6. Summary
The draft revisions to the permanent residency guidelines announced this time clearly indicate a tightening of requirements based on the nature of permanent resident status.
In particular, changes to spousal exemptions, clarification of economic requirements, and establishment of Japanese language proficiency standards may affect many applicants.
Advice for Those Planning to Apply for Permanent Residence:
- Accurately assess your current situation
- Urgently verify whether you can apply before the revisions
- Consider consulting with specialists
- Systematically proceed with preparation according to new requirements
Permanent residence is an extremely important immigration status for establishing a life foundation in Japan. Understanding the impact of system changes and taking appropriate action will lead to smooth acquisition of permanent residence.
If you have questions or need consultation, we recommend promptly consulting with specialists such as immigration lawyers (gyoseishoshi) who specialize in visa and immigration status applications.
References:
Immigration Services Agency of Japan: “Draft Revisions to Permanent Residency Guidelines”
Yahoo! News: https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/5e460b3de3a46d16806dbe8462f77061ed0fff4b
