Japan’s Immigration Services Agency announced that, starting in phases from October 1, applicants for permanent residency must meet three new criteria. First, their annual household income must exceed the Japanese average; the rule will be applied retroactively to applications submitted since April. Second, they must demonstrate Japanese‑language proficiency. Third, they must show a pension pot equivalent to 30 years of payouts. The agency said the changes are intended to ensure foreigners “live independently” and have “a stable life without the risk of becoming a burden.” The tighter rules have created uncertainty for long‑term residents. Abdul, a Bangladeshi tech engineer who has lived in northern Tokyo for nearly eight years with his wife, told Al Jazeera that he is preparing to apply for both permanent residency and citizenship but worries about future rejections. “I have to be prepared if both of my applications are rejected,” he said, adding that he is already looking for opportunities outside Japan. Sarah Nelkin, an American who has resided in Japan for 14 years and works in the country’s entertainment industry, submitted a permanent‑residency application shortly before the announcement. She said she would rather keep her US citizenship but may have to give it up if she seeks Japanese nationality, because Japan does not recognise dual nationality. “I’ve lived my entire adult life in Japan … I would rather not give up my American passport,” Nelkin told Al Jazeera, noting her mother lives in the United States. Economic experts warn that the stricter criteria could undermine Japan’s ability to attract foreign workers amid a shrinking population. Risa Hagiwara, professor of economics at Meikai University in Urayasu, said the policy reflects a “selective and conditional” approach that tensions with the country’s labour needs. She noted that Japan’s foreign‑resident population reached a record 4.12 million—about 3 percent of the total population—by the end of 2025 and could approach the OECD average of 10 percent by 2070 if current trends continue. Meanwhile, the number of Japanese nationals fell by more than 900,000 between January 2025 and 2026 due to the nation’s low birthrate. Public opinion has also shifted against immigration. A survey by the Institute of Social Science at the University of Tokyo found that 56.3 percent of respondents opposed accepting more foreigners, up from 35.6 percent in 2024. Both Abdul and Nelkin reported feeling increased hostility, citing online discrimination and racist remarks from acquaintances. Politically, the changes accompany a broader rightward shift. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, while campaigning for Liberal Democratic Party leadership, said Japan should “reconsider, at least for now, policies that allow in people with completely different cultures and backgrounds.” Her coalition with the Japan Innovation Party and the rise of the far‑right Sanseito party, which won 15 seats in the most recent lower‑house election, have reinforced a stricter stance on immigration.
Key facts
- New permanent‑residency rules require household income above Japan’s average, Japanese‑language proficiency and a pension pot equal to 30 years of payouts, effective from October 1.
- Long‑term residents Abdul (Bangladeshi tech engineer) and Sarah Nelkin (American entertainment worker) say they may have to leave Japan or give up their original citizenship if applications are rejected.
- Professor Risa Hagiwara warns the selective policy conflicts with Japan’s labour‑shortage needs despite a growing foreign‑resident population of 4.12 million (≈3 % of total) as of end‑2025.
- Japan’s native population dropped by over 900,000 between Jan 2025 and 2026 due to low birthrate; 56.3 percent of Japanese now oppose more foreigners, up from 35.6 percent in 2024.
- Political context includes PM Sanae Takaichi’s call to reconsider open‑immigration policies, a coalition with the Japan Innovation Party and gains by the far‑right Sanseito party.