The Japanese government is set to introduce stricter requirements for foreigners seeking permanent residency, including higher income thresholds and minimum projected pension benefits.
According to a source familiar with the plans, the revised guidelines will take effect on October 1, with the new conditions expected to apply to applications submitted from April next year.
At present, applicants are required to meet three key conditions to qualify for permanent residency: “good conduct,” possession of sufficient assets or skills to support an independent livelihood, and a determination that granting permanent residency is in the “best interests” of Japan.
Under the revised guidelines, applicants will also be required to earn an annual income above the average household income in Japan.
They must also demonstrate projected pension benefits equivalent to those accumulated through 30 years of enrolment in the country’s employees’ pension programme based on their income.
Where projected pension benefits do not meet the required level, applicants will be allowed to compensate for the shortfall using personal savings or other financial assets.
The government also plans to expand the criteria used to determine whether granting permanent residency is in the “best interests” of Japan.
Under the new framework, authorities will consider an applicant’s Japanese language proficiency and understanding of the country’s laws and social rules before making a decision.
The changes form part of Japan’s efforts to strengthen its immigration screening process while ensuring that successful applicants are financially self-sufficient and better integrated into Japanese society.
Official figures show that about 947,000 people held permanent residency status in Japan as of the end of last year.
