Japan moves to tighten permanent residency rules for foreigners

Japan is advancing plans to introduce more formalised guidelines for foreign nationals seeking permanent residency, as part of a broader government effort to strengthen integration measures and screening standards amid a growing foreign population.

The proposed policy framework, published on July 3, was drafted by a project team within the Immigration Services Agency led by Parliamentary Vice Minister for Justice Manabu Fukuyama. Central to the recommendations is the creation of a “Japanese Language and Lifestyle Learning Program,” which would be required for applicants seeking permanent residency and could also be applied to citizenship applications, Japanese media reports.

Under the proposal, foreign nationals would be expected to complete the programme in addition to meeting existing criteria, including a minimum period of residence, stable income and compliance with tax obligations. The framework also calls for the use of online learning tools to provide instruction before arrival in Japan and to support continued education after entry, with participation records incorporated into future immigration screenings.

The lifestyle component of the programme would cover practical aspects of daily life in Japan, including waste disposal rules, community norms, disaster preparedness and administrative procedures. While similar integration programmes are standard in many Western countries, Japan has so far lacked a comprehensive, centralised system, relying instead on local governments and employers to provide guidance.

Some municipalities already offer voluntary programmes for foreign residents, including support related to childbirth and parenting. The new proposal envisions incorporating such initiatives into a standardised national framework, ensuring more consistent implementation across the country.

Key details, including the required level of Japanese language proficiency and specific implementation methods, remain under discussion. However, earlier policy debates on visa requirements have pointed to Level N2 of the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) as a potential benchmark.

Permanent residency in Japan grants a more stable immigration status, as it does not expire, although holders must periodically renew their residence cards. This contrasts with other visa categories, which are time-limited and require renewal. As a result, language requirements for permanent residency are expected to be at least as stringent as those applied to other visa types.

The initiative forms part of a broader effort by the Japanese government to formalise standards for foreign residents as their numbers continue to rise. The foreign population reached a record 4,125,395 at the end of 2025, surpassing four million for the first time.

Authorities are expected to develop detailed programme guidelines and a system to track participation by fiscal 2027, with a pilot rollout planned from fiscal 2028.

By Tamilla Hasanova