Japan tightens PR rules: income, language, fees up for foreigners
Japan has approved stricter permanent residency rules for foreign nationals, set to take effect for applications submitted from April 1, 2027. The new guidelines require applicants to show household income above the average for a Japanese household of similar size, and to have pension contributions that would yield benefits comparable to 30 years of enrolment in the Employees’ Pension system at that income level. Applicants whose projected pension falls short may use savings or other assets to meet the requirement. A B1‑level Japanese language proficiency is also now a key consideration, although exemptions may apply to highly skilled professionals or those with Japanese educational qualifications.
For Nigerians considering a move to Japan (often referred to as Japa), these changes raise the bar significantly. Besides the financial and language thresholds, applicants must now hold a five‑year visa before they can even apply for permanent residency, up from the previous three‑year requirement. Moreover, the cost of applying has jumped: from October 2026 the permanent residency fee rose from ¥10,000 to ¥200,000, while changing or extending a residence status can cost up to ¥75,000. Entry visa fees also increased in July 2026, with single‑entry visas now ¥15,000 and multiple‑entry visas ¥30,000.
If you are planning to seek long‑term status in Japan, start by assessing your household income and pension records against the benchmarks, invest in Japanese language study to reach B1 level, and budget for the higher fees. Keep in mind that the stricter rules apply only to applications filed after April 2027, but the fee hikes are already in effect.