Japan has quietly tightened its permanent residence rules for international residents. A new condition has taken effect immediately: anyone applying for permanent residence must now hold the longest permitted period of stay under their current visa category at the time they submit their application.
For many work visa holders in Japan, this means holding a five-year visa before a permanent residence application can be considered.
What Has Changed
Until recently, many international residents in Japan could apply for permanent residence while holding a visa with a 36-month permitted stay — which was treated as the longest approved duration in many cases.
Under the new rule:
- Applicants must hold the maximum permitted duration of stay for their specific visa category
- For most work visa types, this now means a five-year visa must be in place at the time of application
- The requirement applies at the point the permanent residence application is submitted — not when it is decided
In practical terms, authorities now want to see that an applicant has already been granted the longest possible stay under their visa type before being considered for permanent residence. This signals a shift toward requiring stronger demonstrated ties and longer-term stability in Japan before that status is awarded.
Transitional Grace Period Until March 2027
Japan has introduced a transitional grace period for those currently holding 36-month work visas. This grace period runs until 31st March 2027.
During this window:
- Applicants with a 36-month work visa can still submit a permanent residence application
- Immigration authorities will treat the 36-month visa as satisfying the maximum stay requirement for the purposes of the application
This means eligible residents do not need to wait to upgrade to a five-year visa if they apply before the end of March 2027. After that date, the five-year stay condition is expected to take full effect without exception.
Ongoing Visa Compliance Also Required
Japan’s immigration authorities have also clarified a separate but related point: applicants must continue to fully comply with the conditions of their current visa at the time they submit their permanent residence application. This means applicants must:
- Be working within the employment category permitted under their current visa
- Maintain lawful residence in Japan without any status violations
- Comply with all immigration conditions associated with their visa type
If any of these conditions are not met at the time of submission, the permanent residence application is likely to be refused regardless of how long the applicant has lived in Japan.
What This Means for International Workers in Japan
For most international workers, this change modestly raises the bar for permanent residence eligibility. Japan is signalling clearly that it expects permanent residence candidates to demonstrate longer-term commitment and stability — evidenced by already holding the maximum permitted stay under their visa — before the status is granted.
For those already holding a 36-month work visa and considering long-term residency in Japan, the grace period until March 2027 is a meaningful window. Submitting before that deadline allows you to apply under the existing criteria rather than waiting for a five-year visa renewal.
Conclusion
Japan’s new permanent residence requirement is straightforward but impactful for those approaching or planning their applications. If you hold a 36-month work visa and are eligible for permanent residence, review your situation carefully and consider whether submitting before 31st March 2027 is the right move. After that date, the five-year visa condition will apply in full — and applicants who have not yet upgraded their visa period will need to do so before their permanent residence application can proceed.