Is Permanent Residence in Japan Getting Stricter?

2026 Latest Immigration Policy Update

Recently, many foreign residents have asked:

“Is permanent residence (PR) in Japan becoming harder to get?”

“Can PR be revoked in the future?”

The short answer is: yes, Japan is moving toward stricter management of permanent residence,
both for obtaining PR and maintaining it after approval.

Why Is Permanent Residence Becoming Stricter?

Japan’s immigration policy has been gradually changing due to:

• An increasing number of long-term foreign residents
• Greater focus on tax and social insurance compliance
• Political discussions around stricter immigration control
• The idea that permanent residents should fully participate in Japanese society

Regardless of political leadership, including discussions around conservative policy trends,
stricter PR management is now a long-term direction.

Stricter Requirements for Obtaining Permanent Residence

1. Tax Payment (Very Important)

• Resident tax and income tax must be fully paid
• Late payments can negatively affect your application
• Even small unpaid amounts may cause delays or rejection

2. Social Insurance and Pension

• Enrollment in health insurance and pension is closely checked
• Unpaid pension periods raise serious concerns
• Responsibility often lies with the applicant, not the employer

3. Employment Stability

• Frequent job changes may be seen as unstable
• Side jobs or freelance income must be clearly explained
• Your work must match your visa status

Risk of Permanent Residence Revocation

From 2027 onward, Japan plans to introduce clearer rules allowing
permanent residence to be revoked in certain cases.

High-risk situations include:

• Intentional non-payment of taxes or social insurance
• Repeated or long-term non-compliance
• Ignoring official correction requests

Permanent residence is no longer something you can simply “set and forget.”
Ongoing compliance is essential.

How to Protect Your PR Status

• Always pay taxes and insurance on time
• Keep records of employment and income changes
• Submit address and status updates properly

Professional Support Matters

A PR application is not just paperwork.
It requires careful explanation of your history, income, and compliance.

If you are unsure about your situation, professional advice can significantly
reduce risks and improve your chances.

Need Advice on Permanent Residence in Japan?

If you are planning to apply for PR, or already hold permanent residence
and feel uncertain about recent changes, feel free to contact us.

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