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Japan Tightens Permanent Residency Rules Starting October 1

By Drooid · Sep 25, 2026, 10:50 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Japan tightens permanent-residency rules, requiring income above the national average and a 30-year pension fund.
The criteria, including Japanese-language proficiency, apply from October 1 and retroactively to April applications.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s right-wing coalition pledged stricter enforcement of the new residency rules.
The anti-immigration Sanseito party won a record 15 seats, becoming the third-largest opposition.

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Story summary

Japan tightens permanent-residency rules, requiring income above the national average and a 30-year pension fund.
The criteria, including Japanese-language proficiency, apply from October 1 and retroactively to April applications.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s right-wing coalition pledged stricter enforcement of the new residency rules.
The anti-immigration Sanseito party won a record 15 seats, becoming the third-largest opposition.