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Japan begins applying tougher permanent residence rules from 1 October 2026: income, pension and Japanese language now tested
Covers the week of 28 September 2026 · published 6 October 2026
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From 1 October 2026 the Immigration Services Agency, the Japanese government office that decides visa and residence cases, started using new guidelines for people applying to stay in Japan permanently. Applicants are now expected to show yearly income above the average Japanese household, expected pension of about 30 years of contributions, and enough Japanese to hold an everyday conversation. The new rules are being brought in by stages, and they affect foreign residents already living in Japan on work or study-based status who hoped to move to permanent residence.
Reported in the news, not yet confirmed on an official government website. Check the linked source before you rely on it.
Reported by euronews.com: https://www.euronews.com/2026/10/01/japans-sanae-takaichi-announces-new-tightened-measures-for-foreigners-seeking-permanent-re
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