CTV ( News) Japan’s immigration agency has tightened guidelines for permanent residency applicants as part of government efforts to take a tougher stance on foreign nationals and tourists.
The revision made Tuesday includes raising the visa category from three years to five and making the screening process tougher on those with a record of past unpaid taxes and health care premiums, even if they have now been paid off.
Under the revised guidelines, applicants must continue to meet three core statutory requirements: good conduct, financial self-sufficiency and that their residence be deemed to be in Japan’s interests.
In principle, candidates must have lived in Japan for at least 10 consecutive years, including five continuous years under a work-related status of residence or a status based on personal ties, such as a spouse visa.
However, one key point of the revision affects the requirement that applicants hold the longest available period of stay under their visa category at the time of application — typically five years for categories such as engineer or spouse of a Japanese national.
Until now, a three-year period of stay was treated as satisfying that condition for permanent residency screening.
But the latest revision allows the three-year period of stay only for those already holding status through March 31, 2027. A disposition issued within that period will be treated as satisfying the requirement on a one-time basis.
Exceptions to the 10-year rule remain in place. Recognized refugees and those fleeing from countries in conflict needing protection can apply after five years of residence following recognition.
Those under the Highly Skilled Professional (HSP) visa, which includes those involved in academic research, business management and engineering, who score 70 points or more under the agency’s point-based system may apply after three years, while those with 80 points or more may apply after just one year.
The revision to the longest period of stay requirement could make the HSP visa category more strategically important for those planning on applying for permanent residency, as it typically grants a five-year period of stay, as opposed to work or spousal visas which can be as short as one year.
However, immigration specialists online have noted that the HSP status is tied to a specific employer, meaning job changes require a status modification and could complicate permanent residency screening.
The guideline also reiterates that applicants must have no criminal penalties such as fines or imprisonment and must have properly fulfilled public obligations, including tax payments, and premiums for pension and national health care.
The latest revision adds that even if arrears are settled before applying, any late payments may be evaluated negatively in the application process.
There were 932,090 people living under permanent residency in Japan as of June 2025, according to the Immigration Services Agency.
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