Permanent residency in Japan: what actually changed in 2026
Last reviewed 27 July 2026 · Always confirm with the relevant office
A lot of what is circulating about Japanese permanent residency is reporting on proposals, not law. The distinction matters, because one set of changes is already in force and the other is not settled.
Already in force
You need the longest period of stay your visa allows
Since 24 February 2026, you must hold the maximum period of stay for your status when you apply. For most work visas that means a 5-year period, not 3.
A 3-year period is still accepted during a transition ending 31 March 2027. If you are on 3 years and intend to apply, moving onto a 5-year period at your next renewal is now part of the work — and renewals take time.
Payment records are checked strictly
Tax, pension and health insurance histories are examined closely, and late payments count against you. This was always a requirement; what changed is how carefully it is verified.
Proposed, not yet law
Reporting in July 2026 described two additional tests: an income requirement above the average for a Japanese household, and a pension requirement — projected benefits equivalent to 30 years of employees' pension enrolment at that income. Guidelines are expected to be revised on 1 October 2026, applying from around April 2027.
Three things are not settled, and it is worth being clear about them:
- Which statistic defines "average household income" has not been specified by the government.
- How assets offset a pension shortfall has not been described.
- Which applications are affected was reported differently by different major newspapers.
Unofficial calculators have appeared, and the good ones are honest that their figures rest on assumptions their authors chose. Treat any specific number you see as an estimate built on a guess, because that is what it is.
What is worth doing either way
None of the uncertainty changes the fundamentals. All of these help under both the old rules and the proposed ones:
- Never be late on tax, pension or health insurance — and keep the records
- Check your pension contribution history; the Myna Portal app shows it
- Notify Immigration of address and employer changes within the required period
- Move onto a 5-year period of stay at your next renewal if you can
- Keep payslips, tax certificates and residence certificates somewhere you can find them
The applicants who struggle are rarely the ones sitting just below a threshold. They are the ones with gaps in their record they cannot explain.
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