Japan to Strengthen Permanent Residency Requirements: 'Must Earn More Than Average Japanese'

Japan is set to substantially raise the bar for foreigners seeking permanent residency, introducing stricter criteria related to annual income and pension benefits. Under revised guidelines drafted by the Immigration Services Agency, applicants will need to demonstrate an income exceeding the average Japanese household's earnings. Furthermore, projected pension payments must surpass the amount received from 30 years of contributions to Japan's public pension system, Kosei Nenkin. Those falling short on pension expectations will need to prove significant financial assets to compensate. The average household income in Japan was approximately 5.75 million yen (about $36,000 USD) in 2024, according to the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare. Current eligibility criteria under the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act include good conduct, self-sufficiency, and alignment with Japan's national interests. The new measures specifically aim to bolster the 'self-sufficiency' requirement, tightening the existing framework.