Japan Tightens Permanent Residency Rules for Foreign Residents

Japan will tighten permanent residency requirements for foreign residents in phases beginning October 1, introducing income, language and pension-related criteria that have prompted concern among some long-term residents.

According to Al Jazeera, applicants will need to demonstrate Japanese-language proficiency and show that their annual household income exceeds the national average. The income requirement will apply retroactively to applications submitted since April. Applicants will also be required to have a pension pot equivalent to 30 years of payouts.

Japan’s Immigration Services Agency said the changes are intended to ensure foreign residents can “live independently” and maintain “a stable life without the risk of becoming a burden.” Separate reports also describe higher immigration fees taking effect in October, though details were not specified.

Some residents are reconsidering whether to remain in Japan. A Bangladeshi technology engineer who has lived there for nearly eight years told Al Jazeera he had begun looking for opportunities abroad while preparing applications for permanent residency and citizenship. An American entertainment-industry worker who has lived in Japan for 14 years said she might seek citizenship if her residency application is rejected, although doing so would require relinquishing her US citizenship because Japan does not recognize dual nationality.