Kaoru Miyatake
Author Kaoru Miyatake Gyoseishoshi / Juris Doctor (J.D.) | MOJ-Certified Application Agent Chairperson, Sakura Training Organization (Public Interest Corporation) / Sakura Central Legal Office

Japan's Immigration Services Agency revised its Permanent Residence guidelines on October 1, 2026. The revision specifies that screening will consider annual income exceeding the average for Japanese households of the same size, pension enrollment and expected future pension benefits, and Japanese ability at B1 level or higher under Japan's Reference Framework for Japanese-Language Education. The new standards generally apply to applications filed from April 1, 2027.

Key Points of the Revision

📌 What the finalized guideline says
  • Independent livelihood: income continuously above the average of Japanese households of the same size
  • Pension: future pension is assessed against the expected benefit from working 30 years at that average income with Kosei Nenkin enrollment; sufficient financial assets may offset a shortfall
  • Japanese ability: B1 or higher (exceptions e.g. for Highly Skilled Professionals or applicants with certain schooling in Japan)
  • Residence period: generally 10+ years of continuous residence, including 5+ years in a work or residence status; time as a technical intern or SSW Category 1 is not counted
  • Spouse special rule: marriage of 5+ years with real marital life and 3+ years of continuous residence in Japan (previously 3 years and 1 year)

Timing and Transitional Rules

The new guideline generally applies to applications from April 1, 2027. However, the provisions on income and "not becoming a public burden" also apply to applications filed on or after April 1, 2026 that were still under review on October 1. Existing permanent residents are not automatically stripped of status because of the October 1 revision.

Fee Increase on the Same Day

From October 1, 2026, the permanent residence application fee rose from ¥10,000 to ¥200,000 (see our fee revision article).

Practical Points

  • Those planning to apply before March 2027 should review income, pension and tax records early
  • Periods as technical intern or SSW Category 1 are excluded, so residence history must be recalculated
  • Start preparing proof of B1-level Japanese (test results, etc.)
  • Income thresholds vary by household size; consult a specialist for individual cases

For permanent residence applications, contact Sakura Central Legal Office (MOJ-certified application agent).