The Japanese government is planning to tighten the conditions for granting permanent residency to foreigners, according to information released by Kyodo News on July 31, 2026.
The move comes amid growing pressure on Japan over immigration and the long-term residence of foreigners. The new regulations are expected to impose stricter standards than before, including conditions related to income, tax contributions, and legal compliance.
While specific details of the new criteria have yet to be disclosed, analysts suggest this is part of Japan's broader effort to better manage the flow of foreign workers, which has surged in recent years to offset labor shortages caused by an aging population.
The report was included in Kyodo News' July 31 bulletin, citing government documents. The changes are expected to take effect in the near future, directly affecting hundreds of thousands of foreigners living and working in Japan.
Japanese authorities have not yet made an official comment on the plan, but sources indicate the new rules are designed to ensure that those granted permanent residency genuinely contribute to Japanese society and the economy.
