The conditions for foreign residents living in Japan to obtain permanent residency permission became stricter from October 1, 2026. The government updated its guidelines for permanent residency permission and raised the required annual income standards. In addition, the fees required when applying have also increased significantly.
Vる+ための= in order to; for the purpose of doing something〜を引き上げる= to raise or increase a standard, level, or amount
Previously, for a foreign national living alone, an annual income of around 3 million yen was considered a guideline for permission. However, under the new standards, applicants are required to continuously earn an income equal to or above the average for Japanese households. According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications' Household Income and Expenditure Survey, the average annual income for households with one working member is approximately 4.5 million yen, so the standard has risen significantly. Furthermore, starting in April 2027, screening regarding pension and tax payment status will also become stricter.
〜とされる= to be regarded as; to be considered as a standard or ruleN+によると= according to (a specified source of information)N+についても= also regarding; about ... as well
The application fee for permanent residency permission will rise from the previous 10,000 yen to 200,000 yen. Fees for changing or renewing status of residence have also increased according to the period of stay. This policy was enacted under the Sanae Takaichi administration, and public comments gathered in advance included voices of concern such as "it excludes foreigners." The Immigration Services Agency explained, "This is to make the system appropriate, and the goal is not to reduce the number of permissions."
N+に合わせて= in accordance with; adjusted to suitN+による= due to; carried out by
As of the end of 2025, the number of foreign residents living in Japan reached a record high of approximately 4.13 million. Among them, permanent residents form the largest group, reaching approximately 950,000 people.
N+の時点で= at the point of; as of (a specific time)〜にのぼる= to reach as high as; to amount to
Learning Notes
Grammar Patterns
Pattern
Meaning
Vる+ための
in order to; for the purpose of doing something
〜を引き上げる
to raise or increase a standard, level, or amount
〜とされる
to be regarded as; to be considered as a standard or rule
status of residence;residence status;visa status;immigration status
懸念
けねん
worry;fear;anxiety;concern
適正
てきせい
reasonable;suitable
Language Insights
•The term パブリックコメント (public comment) refers to Japan's formal administrative procedure where government bodies solicit feedback from the public before implementing or revising major policies.
•Notice the shift in nuance between 目安 (a loose benchmark/guideline) used for the former 3 million yen threshold, and 求められます (is demanded/required) under the new standard tied to household averages.