Happy New Year! A new year has begun, and before we know it, January is already coming to an end. My name is Megumi Suzuki, and I am the representative of Megumi Immigration Law Office.
I hope everyone was able to enjoy a relaxing New Year holiday. In fact, last year there was some major news that sent shockwaves not only through professionals who support immigration procedures, but also through many foreign residents living in Japan.
Many of you may remember the headlines “Introducing income requirements for permanent residency” and “Permanent residency may be revoked if taxes are unpaid.”
As the new year begins, some of you may be wondering “So what’s actually going to happen?” “I was planning to apply for permanent residency this year—does this mean it’s no longer possible?”
If you’re feeling uneasy or uncertain as you read this, you’re not alone. In this column, I’ll clearly explain what you should be prepared for if you’re aiming to apply for permanent residency in 2026.
Especially during times of change, having accurate information is key. Let’s take things step by step and prepare calmly and carefully.
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What exactly is changing?
The government has indicated its intention to significantly review the rules for permanent residency as part of its “Basic Policy” aimed at building a society where foreign nationals and Japanese people can live together in harmony.
Overall, discussions are moving in a direction that seeks to make the permanent residency system stricter in terms of management and screening, while also making the rules clearer and easier to understand than before.
So, what specific points are being reconsidered?
Let’s take a closer look at the main changes that are currently being discussed.
After seeing related news reports, many people may have worried, “Does this mean it will become harder to live in Japan?” However, this can also be seen as the government working to strengthen the system so that Japan can live together fairly and appropriately with foreign residents who follow the rules. Let’s go through the key points one by one.
1. Income Requirements Are Expected to Be Introduced
Even under the previous screening process, applicants were required to have enough income to support themselves. However, there was no specific amount clearly defined by law.
Under the new policy, an official income standard is expected to be introduced. This means that, going forward, it may no longer be enough to say “I’m managing to get by.” Instead, applicants will likely need to meet or exceed a clearly defined annual income level set by the government.
2. Japanese Language Ability to Be Added as a Requirement
Until now, there has been no clearly defined Japanese language test as a legal requirement for permanent residency. However, according to recent reports, Japanese language ability is likely to be added as a new requirement.
Going forward, the level of Japanese needed to live independently in Japanese society is expected to become a more important factor in the screening process.
2. Could the Required Period of Residence in Japan Be Extended?
At present, a residence period of five years in Japan is generally required. However, in some cases—depending on the type of visa—applications have been approved even after a relatively shorter period of stay.
There are now discussions about tightening the residence requirements and placing greater emphasis on the standard length of stay. This means that, compared to before, a longer and more continuous record of living in Japan may be required in order to qualify for permanent residenc
Especially Important! How This May Affect Those Who Already Have Permanent Residency
These discussions are not only important for those who plan to apply in the future, but also for people who already hold permanent residency.
You may find yourself wondering, “Which status should I be aiming for?” or “Does this affect me as well?”
The idea that “once you obtain permanent residency, you’re set for life” is beginning to change. This is the most important point to be aware of in the current discussions.
Risk of Revocation Due to Unpaid Taxes or Insurance Premiums
The government is working to use the My Number system to more strictly monitor tax payments and social insurance contributions.
Under this approach, if there are unpaid taxes or unpaid social insurance premiums, there is a possibility that permanent residency could be revoked.
Because even “I simply forgot to pay” could have serious consequences, careful and consistent management of these payments will become extremely important in everyday life.
This applies to people who meet either of the following conditions.
New Rules Regarding Property Purchases
In recent years, rules regarding the purchase of real estate and land in Japan have been under review from a national security perspective.
Going forward, when the ownership of a property is transferred (registration of title transfer), the nationality of the buyer will need to be recorded.
In addition, when a company or other legal entity acquires so-called “important land”—such as areas near defense facilities, remote border islands, or large tracts of land including forests—it will be necessary to register not only the nationality of the company’s representative, but also the nationalities of its officers. If more than half of the company’s shares are held by foreign nationals, the nationalities of those shareholders must also be reported.
Furthermore, if a person living overseas purchases real estate in Japan, all cases must be reported to the government, regardless of the purpose of use.
For those considering purchasing a home or investing in real estate in Japan in the future, it will be more important than ever to carefully understand these rules in advance.
Steps You Should Take Now in 2026
While the specific details and implementation of the new rules are still to come, the overall direction is becoming clear. As we begin the new year this January, here are some important steps I recommend you start taking now.
1. Thoroughly Check Your Tax and Pension Records
This should be your top priority. Be sure to check not only your own records, but also those of any dependents, to confirm that there are no unpaid or overdue taxes or pension contributions.
The tax filing season (from mid-February onward) is also approaching. If you have any concerns, it’s a good idea to check with your local government office or tax office now. If you discover any unpaid amounts, make sure to resolve them as soon as possible.
2. Make a Plan for Studying Japanese
If you don’t feel confident in your Japanese, this year is the perfect time to start studying. Setting a goal such as earning a qualification like the JLPT (Japanese-Language Proficiency Test) is also highly recommended.
Having an objective way to demonstrate your Japanese ability will definitely be a positive factor in future screening processes.
3. Consult a Professional Early
“Will my current income meet the new requirements?” “I had a small unpaid balance in the past—will that be a problem?”
For questions like these that depend on individual circumstances, it’s important to consult a professional early and get a clear understanding of your current situation.
During times of transition, information can easily become confusing and misleading. Rather than relying solely on information found online, work together with a knowledgeable professional to create a strategy that protects your life plan.
Summary Don’t Fear the Changes—Be Prepared
Let’s review the key points once again.
Clear Income Standards You are likely to be required to meet a specific income level set by the government.
Japanese Language Ability as a Requirement Japanese proficiency is expected to become part of the screening criteria.
Greater Emphasis on Compliance Unpaid taxes or social insurance premiums may carry a high risk of permanent residency being revoked
Reporting Requirements for Real Estate Transactions Rules regarding land and property purchases may change, requiring additional reporting.
The government’s intention is to welcome foreign residents who follow the rules and fulfill their responsibilities as members of Japanese society. If you are living sincerely in Japan and meeting your tax obligations, there is no need to feel overly afraid.
That said, there is no doubt that the screening process will become more demanding and procedures more complex. If you are thinking, “This is the year I want to obtain permanent residency,” or “I’d like to clear up any concerns now,” I encourage you to consult with Megumi Immigration Law Office.
Our office provides support in English and Chinese as well. I am fully committed to supporting you so that 2026 can be a year of peace of mind and new opportunities for you.
Why not start by reviewing your current situation? We offer free consultations, so please feel free to contact us.
Megumi Suzuki is a certified administrative scrivener (Gyoseishoshi). After graduating from universities in Japan and Shanghai, she worked as an international flight attendant for approximately 12 years.
Through her encounters with passengers from many different countries, she came to understand the dreams and aspirations of people who hope to study, work, and build their lives in Japan. Today, as an administrative scrivener, she focuses on supporting foreign nationals with immigration matters, including visa and residence status applications.
With the motto, “Supporting you even after you step off the plane,” she provides careful, personalized support while valuing each client’s past, present, and future.
If you ever find yourself thinking, “Is this too small to ask about?” please feel free to contact us anytime.
