The new measures are being introduced in stages as Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s government moves to tighten immigration controls amid growing public concerns over the increasing number of foreign residents.
Under the revised rules, foreigners applying for permanent residency will have to demonstrate that their annual income is above the average and show that they can engage in casual conversations in Japanese.
Applicants must also demonstrate an understanding of social rules and show expected pension benefits equivalent to those of someone who has paid into the pension system for 30 years.
The changes come alongside a major increase in the permanent residency application fee, which has risen from ¥10,000 to ¥200,000, a 20-fold increase.
The fee increase prompted long queues at some immigration offices, with hundreds of foreigners reportedly trying to complete their applications before the higher charge took effect.
American-born university student Yujie Chono, 22, was among those waiting at an immigration office in central Tokyo. He said he had been waiting for five hours to submit his paperwork.
Chono, who has lived in Japan for a decade, said he understood concerns about the potential impact of immigration on Japanese culture but believed the country needed more foreigners because of its low birth rate and ageing population.
“I understand that over-accepting foreigners… might dilute Japan’s unique culture. But at the same time, given its low birth rate and aging population, Japan has to accept foreigners,” he said.
Previous guidelines did not specify clear thresholds for applicants’ income, pension contributions or Japanese-language ability.
The stricter rules come as Japan faces labour shortages across several sectors despite having one of the world’s oldest populations.
Takaichi said the government was responding to concerns among some citizens about the growing foreign population, including what she described as anxiety and a sense of unfairness.
“As the number of foreign residents in Japan increases, the government is facing the fact that some citizens feel anxiety and a sense of unfairness,” she said in a post on X, adding that she was promoting “orderly coexistence” with foreign nationals.
The changes have also emerged amid growing debate over immigration, with opposition to foreign workers gaining visibility on social media and in Japanese politics.
However, experts and business leaders have warned that Japan needs more foreign workers to address its demographic challenges and sustain its economy.
The Nikkei business daily recently argued that Japan should stop treating foreigners solely as a temporary labour force and instead support their long-term settlement through measures such as expanded Japanese-language education.
The latest permanent residency rules are not expected to immediately force existing foreign residents out of Japan, although they could make it more difficult for some to qualify for permanent residency.
Permanent residency provides foreigners with greater long-term stability and freedom in employment, while those without the status can face difficulties with matters such as obtaining mortgages.
The government’s changes follow earlier efforts to tighten requirements for business manager visas, under which foreign entrepreneurs face stricter conditions for remaining in Japan.
Foreigners became a major political issue during Japan’s upper house election last year, which saw increased support for the Japanese-first Sanseito party, known for its opposition to immigration.
Despite the tougher approach, Chono said Japan still needed younger people from abroad to help support the country’s future.
“In recent years, I believe there had been a strong push to promote cultural diversity. The momentum has stalled, perhaps, and maybe it may never fully return,” he said.
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