Story perspectives

Japan Raises Income, Pension Bars, Marriage Residency Period

7/29/2026

Summary

Story summary

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi announced that income and pension thresholds will be added to Japan’s permanent-residency rules, with the revised guidelines to be issued on Oct 1 2026 for applications from April 2027.
Applicants must earn above the national household average, show projected 30-year pension benefits, and meet language and rule-knowledge criteria for the “best interests” assessment.
Marriage-based residency will rise to five years of marriage and three years of residence.

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Story summary

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi announced that income and pension thresholds will be added to Japan’s permanent-residency rules, with the revised guidelines to be issued on Oct 1 2026 for applications from April 2027.
Applicants must earn above the national household average, show projected 30-year pension benefits, and meet language and rule-knowledge criteria for the “best interests” assessment.
Marriage-based residency will rise to five years of marriage and three years of residence.