Japan permanent residency (2026): the rules revised on 1 October

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Japan permanent residency normally needs 10 years of continuous residence, at least five of them on a work or residence status, but Highly Skilled Professionals can apply after three years at 70 points or one year at 80 points. On 1 October 2026 the Immigration Services Agency (ISA) published a revised guideline that adds a B1 Japanese test, a pension test and an above-average household income bar; most of it applies to applications filed from 1 April 2027.

Last checked: October 2026

In short:

  • The revised guideline, dated 1 October 2026, applies in full to applications filed on or after 1 April 2027, but its income standard already applies to applications filed from 1 April 2026.
  • The fee on approval rose to ¥200,000 from 1 October 2026, up from ¥10,000, and the ISA quotes four to six months’ processing.
  • The digital nomad status cannot get you there: it lasts six months, cannot be renewed and comes with no residence card.

Who qualifies

The ISA’s guideline sets three tests:

  1. Good conduct. You obey the law and live without social reproach.
  2. Independent livelihood. You can support yourself without becoming a public burden.
  3. National interest. Your permanent residence is “in Japan’s interest”.

Spouses and children of Japanese nationals and permanent residents are exempt from tests 1 and 2; recognised refugees are exempt from test 2.

You must also already hold the longest period of stay available for your current status. Looking back 10 years, a single absence of six months or more, or 2 years 6 months in total, counts against you unless you had a good reason.

Standard vs fast-track routes

Route Residence needed before applying
Standard 10 years continuous, incl. 5+ on a work or residence status
Spouse of a Japanese national or permanent resident From 1 April 2027: 5 years of marriage and 3 in Japan (before: 3 and 1)
Biological child of a Japanese national or PR 3 years continuous
Long-term resident (teijusha) 5 years continuous
Recognised refugee 5 years after recognition
Highly Skilled Professional, 70+ points 3 years continuous
Highly Skilled Professional, 80+ points 1 year continuous
Special Highly Skilled Professional (J-Skip) 1 year continuous

For founders, the Highly Skilled Professional (HSP) points system is the fast track. Points come from education, experience, salary and other factors, and HSP covers business management. Per JETRO, J-Skip business managers need at least five years of relevant experience and annual income of ¥40 million or more.

The Japan digital nomad status (see Japan digital nomad visa (2026): income, countries, 6-month limit, tax) does not count. The ISA issues it for six months, non-renewable, and holders get no residence card, so it never builds the continuous residence the guideline asks for.

What changed on 1 October 2026

The 1 October document revises the guideline, not the law. What changed:

  • Income. Household income should exceed the average income of Japanese households of the same size, with a higher bar for households of five or more. The Star puts that average at about ¥5.75 million (2024 figure). Income from family members on non-working statuses, such as dependant visas, does not count.
  • Pension. Your projected public pension is compared with a benchmark that, per The Star, is equivalent to 30 years in the employees’ pension scheme. Savings can make up a shortfall, and the asset bar is lower for younger applicants.
  • Japanese language. B1 level on Japan’s Reference Framework for Japanese Language Education. HSPs and their families are exempt, as are people with six or more years of primary or secondary schooling and some children of permanent residents.
  • Knowledge of rules. Applicants are checked on Japan’s systems and rules, based on the government’s living and working guidebook.

Timing, as set out on the ISA’s permanent residence page:

You apply Guideline that applies
By 31 March 2026 24 February 2026 version
1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027 24 February 2026 version, except the income test from the October version
From 1 April 2027 1 October 2026 version in full

Compliance checks

The guideline expects proper payment of income tax, resident tax, corporate tax, fixed asset tax and other taxes, plus public health insurance and pension contributions, and it looks at any past enforcement for arrears. The ISA’s document list for work-status applicants asks for three years of resident tax and national tax certificates and two years of pension and health insurance payment records.

How to apply

You apply at your regional immigration bureau while in Japan on your current status. Per the ISA, processing takes four to six months, and the fee is paid only on approval: ¥200,000 for applications filed from 1 October 2026, with a reduced ¥20,000 for some applicants (verify who qualifies).

Revocation risk

The 2024 amendment to the Immigration Control Act adds new grounds to revoke permanent residence: breaching immigration obligations, intentionally not paying taxes or social insurance, and prison sentences for specified crimes. The ISA’s draft guideline says revocation for unpaid dues targets people who clearly don’t intend to pay, such as moving without notice to dodge arrears or repeatedly breaking instalment plans. Per Office Tree, a Japanese immigration practice, Cabinet Order No. 340 of 2025 brings these provisions into force on 1 April 2027 (verify on e-Gov). They are not in force yet.

Tax note

Japan taxes residents by stage. Per the National Tax Agency (NTA), a foreign national who has been domiciled or resident in Japan for five years or less in the preceding 10 years is a non-permanent resident: taxed on Japanese income plus foreign income paid in or remitted to Japan. After that, you are taxed on worldwide income. Permanent residence status itself does not change this; years in Japan do. On the 10-year route you’ll be a worldwide taxpayer for about half of it.

Related guides: Japan digital nomad visa (2026): income, countries, 6-month limit, tax · Cost of living in Japan (2026): Tokyo, Osaka, Fukuoka, Kyoto · Dual citizenship (2026): which countries allow it and which don’t

Quick answers

Q: How long do you need to live in Japan for permanent residency?
Normally 10 continuous years, including at least five on a work or residence status. Highly Skilled Professionals can apply after three years with 70 points or one year with 80 points, J-Skip holders after one year, and, from 1 April 2027, spouses of Japanese nationals after five years of marriage and three in Japan (now three and one).

Q: Do you need Japanese for permanent residency in Japan?
From 1 April 2027, the revised ISA guideline requires B1 level on Japan’s Reference Framework for Japanese Language Education. Highly Skilled Professionals and their families are exempt, as are people with six or more years of schooling in Japan and some children of permanent residents.

Q: Does the Japan digital nomad visa count toward permanent residency?
No. The ISA grants it for six months only, it cannot be renewed, and holders receive no residence card, so it does not build continuous residence. Most founders go through a work or business status and then the Highly Skilled Professional points system.

Sources

This is general information from the Nomad Forums team, not immigration, tax or legal advice. Rules change; check the official source or a qualified adviser before applying.

Over to you: If you got PR through the HSP 80-point route, how long did the bureau take and what did they ask about your pension and tax records? Has anyone filed since April 2026 and been assessed against the new income standard?