Japan's Sanae Takaichi announces new tightened measures for foreigners seeking permanent residency

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Published: 2026-10-01T04:36:25.970Z • Permanent link

Conservative Japanese politician Sanae Takaichi has unveiled a comprehensive set of new measures aimed at tightening regulations for foreigners seeking permanent residency in Japan. The reforms, which are part of the country's broader immigration policy, are expected to significantly impact the lives of expats and foreign nationals living in Japan. According to sources close to the Japanese government, the new rules are designed to address growing concerns about the impact of foreign immigration on the country's social and economic fabric.

Under the new regulations, applicants for permanent residency will be required to demonstrate a higher level of language proficiency in Japanese, with a minimum score of 80 on the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT). Additionally, applicants will be required to show a minimum of 2 years of employment history in Japan, with a minimum salary of ¥300,000 per month. Furthermore, applicants will also need to demonstrate a strong connection to Japan, with ties to the country including family, education, or work experience.

The new measures are seen as a major shift in Japan's immigration policy, which has long been characterized by a restrictive approach to foreign nationals. In recent years, Japan has faced criticism for its strict immigration policies, which have made it difficult for foreign nationals to obtain permanent residency. The new measures are expected to be a major factor in the upcoming election, as Takaichi's party has made immigration reform a key part of its campaign platform.

The new measures are likely to have a significant impact on the lives of expats and foreign nationals living in Japan. For companies operating in Japan, the new regulations will likely lead to increased costs and complexity in the hiring process. According to a recent report by the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), the cost of hiring a foreign national in Japan can be significantly higher than hiring a Japanese national. The new measures are likely to exacerbate these costs, making it even more challenging for companies to attract and retain top talent.

Research communities and academic institutions in Japan are also likely to be affected by the new measures. Many researchers and academics rely on foreign nationals to conduct research and collaborate on projects. The new regulations will likely lead to a significant reduction in the number of foreign nationals able to pursue research opportunities in Japan. This could have significant implications for the country's scientific research output and global competitiveness.

The new measures are part of a broader pattern of increasing restrictions on foreign nationals in Japan. In recent years, the country has implemented a range of measures aimed at reducing immigration, including increased visa requirements and stricter language proficiency tests. These measures are seen as a response to growing concerns about the impact of foreign immigration on Japan's social and economic fabric. However, critics argue that these measures are overly restrictive and will have negative consequences for the country's economy and society.