Japan Permanent Residency: New Income Rules

Foreigners seeking permanent residency in Japan must now meet stricter financial requirements. However, the government has not introduced one fixed salary threshold for every applicant.

Japan has tightened its permanent residency rules, requiring foreign applicants to demonstrate that their household income exceeds the average for Japanese households of a similar size.

The revised guidelines took effect on October 1, 2026. They form part of the government’s effort to ensure that people granted permanent residency can maintain stable lives without becoming a public burden.

However, applicants should understand that the new rule does not establish a universal minimum salary.

According to the Japan Immigration Services Agency, officials will assess whether applicants’ income has continuously exceeded the average income of Japanese households with comparable numbers of members.

Is there a fixed minimum salary?

No. Japan has not published one fixed annual income figure that applies to every foreign applicant.

Instead, the financial benchmark depends on household size.

For example, an applicant living alone will be assessed against the average income of a Japanese one-person household. Someone living with a spouse or other family members will face a different comparison.

The assessment also considers household finances rather than automatically treating every applicant as an individual earner.

This means an applicant’s family circumstances can affect the income benchmark. The authorities may consider qualifying income from household members who share living expenses.

When do the new income rules apply?

The Japanese government has introduced different implementation dates for the revised requirements.

According to the Ministry of Justice announcement, the new guidelines apply from October 1, 2026.

However, the stricter income-related provisions also affect applications submitted from April 1, 2026, that were still under consideration when the new guidelines took effect.

Other major changes will apply to applications submitted from April 1, 2027.

This distinction matters to foreigners who have already submitted applications. Their assessment may depend on when they applied and which parts of the revised guidelines apply to their cases.

What other requirements must foreigners meet?

Income is not the only consideration under Japan’s revised permanent residency guidelines.

Applicants must also demonstrate financial stability through the country’s pension system.

The authorities will examine projected pension benefits and compare them with what someone would receive after contributing to the employees’ pension programme for 30 years at the relevant income level.

Applicants whose projected pension falls short may use qualifying financial assets to cover the difference.

Japan has also introduced additional considerations relating to integration into society.

These include Japanese-language ability, understanding of the country’s systems and rules, and whether applicants’ children of compulsory school age attend school.

The authorities will also consider compliance with public obligations, including taxes and social insurance payments.

Can foreigners still obtain permanent residency in Japan?

Yes. Japan has not abolished its permanent residency pathway.

Foreign nationals must still satisfy the existing legal conditions, including good conduct, financial independence and requirements concerning their period of residence.

Generally, applicants must have lived in Japan continuously for at least 10 years, including at least five years under an eligible work or residence status, subject to exceptions.

However, meeting the income benchmark alone does not guarantee approval. Immigration officials assess applications based on the full circumstances of each applicant.

For Nigerians and other foreigners planning to settle in Japan, the changes mean that maintaining stable earnings, meeting pension obligations and understanding Japanese society will become increasingly important.