Japan has updated its permanent residency rules, and the changes are significant.

According to some media reports, the Immigration Services Agency of Japan has raised the required visa period from three years to five years for most applicants. The new rules are already in effect.

If you are living in Japan and planning to apply for permanent residency, here is what you need to know.

Five-Year Visa Stay Is Now the Standard

Until now, many foreign residents could apply for permanent residency if they held a three-year visa under their category. That is no longer enough.

Applicants must now hold the longest available period of stay under their visa type at the time of application. For most work and spouse visas, that period is five years.

The three-year visa will only be accepted in limited cases. It applies only to people who already hold that status and receive a decision by March 31, 2027. Even then, it can be used only once.

For most people, the message is clear. A five-year visa is now essential before applying for permanent residency in Japan.

10 Years of Residence Still Required in Most Cases

It is worth mentioning here that the core residency rule has not changed.

In principle, applicants must have lived in Japan for at least 10 consecutive years. Out of those 10 years, at least five must be continuous under a work-related or personal residence status. This includes categories such as work visas or a spouse visa.

There are still three basic conditions every applicant must meet:

• Good conduct
• Financial independence
• Residence that benefits Japan

These remain central to the decision-making process.

Unpaid Taxes and Late Payments Can Hurt Your Chances

Here is where scrutiny has become more stricter.

Applicants must not have any criminal penalties, including fines or imprisonment. That part is not new. But authorities are paying closer attention to public obligations. This includes:

• Income tax
• Pension contributions
• National health insurance premiums

Even if you clear unpaid amounts before applying, past late payments can still count against you. In other words, paying late is not the same as paying on time in the eyes of immigration officials.

If permanent residency is part of your long-term plan, staying fully compliant with taxes and social contributions is more important than ever.

Highly Skilled Visa Holders Still Have an Advantage

There is one category that stands out. All the PR applicants under Japan’s Highly Skilled Professional system can apply much earlier.

If you score 70 points or more under the government’s points system, you may qualify after three years of residence. If you score 80 points or more, you may apply after just one year.

This visa typically comes with a five-year period of stay, which now aligns better with the new permanent residency requirement.

For skilled professionals thinking long term, this route has become even more relevant.

Refugees and Special Cases

Recognised refugees and individuals fleeing conflict are still allowed to apply after five years of residence following recognition. These exceptions remain unchanged as of now.

Japan May Add Japanese Language Requirement for PR

In addition to the visa stay requirement, Japan is also considering a new rule that would require permanent residency applicants to prove Japanese language ability. The proposal is still under discussion, but it could be introduced as part of the updated rules expected in April 2027.

What This Means for Foreign Residents in Japan

Japan has been adjusting its immigration policies in recent years. These new permanent residency rules show a clear shift toward tighter screening and longer stability before granting long-term status.

If you are aiming for permanent residency in Japan, planning ahead matters more now.

Make sure:

• Your visa duration is five years
• Your tax and insurance payments are always on time
• You maintain clean legal and financial records

Permanent residency is still possible. It just requires more careful preparation.

For foreign workers, spouses, and highly skilled professionals, the path is still open. It is simply narrower and more structured than before.

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