Introduction

On July 25, 2026, it was reported that the Japanese government will impose stricter requirements for permanent residency for foreign nationals, adding new criteria related to annual income and expected pension benefits. The new guidelines will, in principle, require that applicants’ annual income exceed the average household income of Japanese citizens and that their expected pension benefits reach the level equivalent to 30 years of enrollment in the Employee’s Pension Insurance (Kosei Nenkin).

The guidelines are scheduled to be revised on October 1, 2026, and will apply in principle to applications submitted from April 2027 onward.

Following this announcement, voices of concern have been raised throughout foreign communities, companies employing foreign workers, and among administrative scriveners (gyoseishoshi) like myself who specialize in immigration matters.

As an administrative scrivener specializing in visa and permanent residency applications for foreign nationals, I have mixed feelings about this policy change.

In this article, I will explore the background of the stricter permanent residency requirements, the confusion occurring in the field, and what is truly needed from a practitioner’s perspective.

What Is the Permanent Residency Permit System?

First, let us briefly clarify Japan’s permanent residency permit system.

Japan does not have a “permanent residency right” system. The correct term is “permanent residency permit.”

This is a very important distinction.

Since it is a “permit” rather than a “right,” it should, in principle, be granted based on clear criteria and evaluated fairly and justly.

Under the current guidelines, the requirements for permanent residency are as follows:

  1. Good conduct
  2. Sufficient assets or skills to lead an independent life
  3. Recognition that the person’s permanent residency serves Japan’s national interest

According to the Immigration Services Agency of Japan, as of the end of 2025, there are approximately 947,000 permanent residents.

Details of the New Stricter Requirements

The newly reported guidelines state that, in principle, applicants’ annual income must exceed the average household income of Japanese citizens, and the expected pension benefits from that income must reach the level equivalent to 30 years of enrollment in the Employee’s Pension Insurance.

If the income or pension benefits are insufficient, the requirement of “sufficient assets or skills to lead an independent life” can still be met if the applicant has supplementary savings or other assets.

Additionally, for the requirement that “the person’s permanent residency serves Japan’s national interest,” new criteria will be introduced, including Japanese language proficiency at the level of an “independent language user” and understanding of Japan’s systems and rules.

Why I Support Stricter Requirements in Principle

First, I want to make it clear that I support, in principle, the direction of making permanent residency requirements stricter to some degree.

Here are my reasons:

1. The Need to Consider the Sustainability of Japanese Society

Japan is experiencing rapid population aging and a declining birthrate, and the working-age population will continue to decrease in the future.

Under these circumstances, how to maintain Japanese society and ensure the sustainability of social infrastructure, pensions, and social insurance systems for future generations is an important issue that we must all consider.

2. The Need to Maintain Fairness with Japanese Citizens

From the perspective of fairness with Japanese citizens who have worked in Japan for many years, paid taxes and social insurance premiums, and supported Japanese society, it is understandable to establish certain criteria for permanent residency.

3. Clear Criteria Can Protect Foreign Workers Who Work Honestly

By establishing clear criteria, we can properly evaluate and protect foreign nationals who genuinely wish to live in Japan for the long term and contribute to Japanese society.

The Problem Is Not “Stricter Requirements” but “Ambiguity”

However, what I find most problematic about this policy change is not the “stricter requirements” themselves.

The problem is that the criteria remain vague while the system is being changed.

Ambiguity in the Current Guidelines

The current permanent residency guidelines contain many abstract expressions, such as “sufficient assets or skills to lead an independent life,” and do not specify concrete figures such as the required level of annual income or years of pension enrollment.

The Problem of Not Providing Specific Figures

If income requirements are to be established, they should clearly state something like “annual income of ¥X million or more.”

Similarly, specific figures should be published for pension enrollment periods and expected benefits, and evaluations should be conducted fairly and justly based on those criteria. This would resolve much of the anxiety.

Making a system stricter and making it opaque are entirely different matters.

Confusion and Anxiety in the Field

Following this announcement, significant confusion and anxiety have spread in the field.

Inquiries Received at My Office

In fact, since the announcement of stricter requirements in the spring of this year, my office has received over 20 inquiries and consultations.

This is a type of inquiry that was rarely seen last year.

My office is a small office in a rural area of Hokkaido, yet we have received this many inquiries, suggesting that a considerable number of foreign nationals nationwide are experiencing anxiety.

Those Experiencing Anxiety

The following groups are experiencing anxiety:

  • Those planning to apply for permanent residency
  • Those whose applications are currently under review
  • Those who have already obtained permanent residency and are living in Japan

The Problem of Causing Anxiety Among Legal Residents

It is not desirable to cause unnecessary anxiety and confusion among foreign nationals who are living in Japan with legal status of residence, working honestly, paying taxes, and contributing to Japanese society.

Impact on Companies Employing Foreign Workers

This policy change affects not only foreign nationals themselves but also companies that employ them.

Impact on Recruitment Planning

The possibility of obtaining permanent residency is an important factor when employing foreign workers.

If the criteria remain ambiguous, companies will find it difficult to plan recruitment and human resource development.

Impact on Employee Retention

Especially in industries heavily reliant on foreign workers, such as tourism, hospitality, and food services, obtaining permanent residency is key to employee retention.

In areas like Niseko and Kutchan, where many foreign nationals work, the impact of this policy change on the local economy cannot be ignored.

What Is Truly Needed Is “Clarification”

What I strongly wish to emphasize is that what is truly needed is not a policy centered on “stricter requirements,” but rather clear criteria that allow everyone to foresee their future.

The Importance of Transparent Policy Design

Policy design should not be created solely for the benefit of Japanese citizens.

Foreign nationals who work as members of Japanese society, pay taxes, and support local communities are also important members of this country.

The services and industries we use daily are also supported by many foreign workers.

We must not forget that there are people working hard behind the scenes to support Japanese society.

A System That Is Fair to Both Japanese and Foreign Nationals

Therefore, when making policy changes, transparency and fairness that are acceptable to both Japanese and foreign nationals are necessary.

Actions Foreign Nationals and Companies Should Take

So, in response to this policy change, what actions should foreign nationals and companies employing foreign workers take?

Actions Foreign Nationals Should Take

  1. Stay Updated on the Latest Information
    Obtain the latest information from the Immigration Services Agency’s official website and other reliable sources.
  2. Consult with Experts
    If you have concerns or questions, it is advisable to consult with experts such as administrative scriveners early on.
  3. Organize Your Income and Pension Enrollment Status
    Organize your annual income and pension enrollment status to understand where you stand in relation to the new criteria.
  4. Improve Your Japanese Language Proficiency
    The new guidelines will consider Japanese language proficiency and understanding of Japan’s systems and rules. Improving your Japanese language skills will benefit not only your permanent residency application but also your overall life in Japan.

Actions Companies Should Take

  1. Provide Information to Foreign Staff
    Explain the policy changes to foreign staff in an easy-to-understand manner and encourage them to consult with experts if necessary.
  2. Review Salary Structures
    If income requirements become clear, consider reviewing salary structures to help foreign staff obtain permanent residency.
  3. Ensure Employee’s Pension Insurance Enrollment
    Ensure enrollment in the Employee’s Pension Insurance so that foreign staff can work with peace of mind for the long term.
  4. Collaborate with Experts
    Work with administrative scriveners and social insurance labor consultants who specialize in foreign employment to establish a system that can appropriately respond to policy changes.

Conclusion

To achieve sustainable development of Japanese society, economic stability, and a society in which we can all age with peace of mind, it is essential to create an environment where Japanese and foreign nationals can trust each other and coexist.

Systems are not meant to create anxiety among people.

The true purpose of a system should be to maintain social order while enabling everyone living in society to envision their future with confidence.

As an administrative scrivener, I will continue to provide sincere support so that foreign nationals can live, work, and realize their dreams in Japan with peace of mind.

If you have any questions or concerns about permanent residency, please feel free to contact us.

Article URL:
https://www.sankei.com/article/20260725-G6QXBOZ22NOMPCBZO32LGA7R7E/

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