Japan is raising the bar for permanent residency, affecting expats who've built careers and families there.
Japan's government has announced tougher requirements for permanent residency, signaling a shift in how the country manages long-term foreign residents. The specifics of the new rules are still being finalized, but the move reflects a broader tightening across Asia's developed economies.
If you're an expat in Japan on a work visa or spouse visa, this matters. Permanent residency has been a relatively achievable milestone after 10 years of continuous residence and meeting income/employment stability tests. Stricter requirements could mean longer timelines, higher income thresholds, or additional documentation demands.
File before new rules take effect if you're approaching permanent residency eligibility.
The timing is important: if you're approaching permanent residency eligibility, file before the new rules take effect. Check with Immigration Services Agency (ISA) for the exact implementation date and whether applications in process will be grandfathered under old rules.
Source: original report ↗
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