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Japan Enforces Stricter Permanent Residency Rules: 5-Year Visa Stay Now Mandatory

February 28, 2026 6:43 am

Japan Enforces Stricter Permanent Residency Rules: 5-Year Visa Stay Now Mandatory

Japan recently tightened requirements for permanent residency, changing eligibility timelines and enforcement. This hiring-post summary explains the updated rules clearly and advises applicants on compliance and strategy.

New Five-Year Visa Requirement

Japan increased the required visa stay for permanent residency applications to five years. Most applicants must now hold the longest available period of stay under their visa. For many work and spouse visa holders, the longest available period is five years. The previous allowance of three-year visas now applies only in limited, transitional cases. Those transitional approvals apply only if a decision occurs by March thirty-first, 2027.

Even when allowed, the three-year rule may be used only once per applicant. In practice, applicants should obtain a five-year visa before applying for permanent residency.

Residency Duration and Core Conditions

Long-term residence requirements remain largely unchanged under the new policy. Applicants generally still must show ten consecutive years of residence in Japan. At least five of those years must be under work-related or personal residence status. Categories such as work visas and spouse visas count toward that five-year requirement.

Authorities continue to evaluate applications under three fundamental conditions as well. Applicants must show good conduct, financial independence, and public-benefit residence.

Tax and Contribution Compliance

Compliance with taxes and social contributions now faces increased scrutiny from officials. Immigration reviews now consider unpaid income tax, pension, and health insurance obligations. Past late payments may count negatively, even if arrears are settled before applying. Criminal penalties, fines, or imprisonment still disqualify applicants from approval. Maintaining punctual tax and contribution payments greatly improves application prospects.

Highly Skilled Professionals Pathway

Highly skilled professionals retain expedited pathways under the points-based system. Applicants scoring seventy points may qualify for permanent residency after three years. Those scoring eighty points or more may apply after only one year of residence. This visa class commonly issues five-year periods of stay, aligning with the new policy. Skilled professionals planning long-term careers should consider this accelerated route.

Refugees and Special Cases

Recognized refugees and other special applicants still qualify after five years. These special-case provisions remain unchanged under the current revisions. Japan is also considering adding a Japanese language proficiency requirement for PR. If enacted, the language rule could appear alongside other updates in April 2027.

Practical Steps for Applicants

What applicants should do now to strengthen their cases for PR:

Ensure your visa duration aligns with the five-year requirement before applying.
Keep all tax, pension, and national health insurance payments current and timely.
Preserve clean legal records and document financial independence clearly.
Consider the highly skilled professional route if you meet the points threshold.

Conclusion

These rule changes narrow pathways but keep permanent residency attainable through planning. Applicants who act proactively and maintain strict compliance will improve approval prospects.