On 1 October 2026, the Immigration Services Agency published revised Guidelines for Permission for Permanent Residence. Read as a practitioner, the revision gives a strong impression that permanent residence will be reviewed as a status for people who are genuinely and stably settled in Japan—not merely as a reward for years of residence.
A stricter, more multi-dimensional review
The new guidance draws attention to income, taxes, pension and other public charges, long absences from Japan, Japanese-language ability, understanding of Japanese systems and rules, children’s schooling and the applicant’s overall basis of life in Japan. Matters that an applicant considers minor—or old—may still need explanation.
But does life end if permanent residence is not granted?
No. Permanent residence removes ordinary work restrictions and eliminates periodic extensions, which are major advantages. But people who can continue to live and work lawfully under their current status are not unable to build a life in Japan merely because they do not have permanent residence.
This is particularly important for people in their 20s and 30s. They may later work in the United States, Singapore or Europe, start a business, be transferred overseas, marry internationally or live between Japan and other countries. The revised guidelines themselves emphasize the idea that permanent residents are expected to maintain Japan as the center of their lives.
Permanent residence is not a medal
It should not be treated as proof that a foreign national has “succeeded in Japan.” It is one status of residence. Having it does not make a person more valuable; not having it does not reduce a person’s social worth.
Permanent residence can still be cancelled in certain cases
From 1 April 2027, new operation of the amended Immigration Control Act will allow cancellation in specified circumstances, including certain intentional failures to pay public charges and certain criminal cases. This does not mean one late tax payment automatically causes cancellation; the reasons, seriousness, history of residence, degree of settlement and later payment situation will be considered individually, and in some cases another status such as Long-Term Resident may be granted instead.
The important point is that permanent residence is not a lifetime guarantee detached from legal obligations.
Permanent residence does not guarantee a mortgage
Many banks view permanent residence positively, but they also review income, tenure, employer, employment form, age, down payment, existing debt, debt-service ratio, credit history and property value. Some permanent residents still cannot obtain a mortgage, while some non-permanent residents can under certain conditions.
Permanent residence does not eliminate the need to work
After permanent residence, rent, mortgage payments, food, education, taxes and social insurance still have to be paid. Employees still work; business owners still have to make their businesses sustainable. The status expands freedom, but it is not a status that removes the economic realities of life.
Do not expect more from permanent residence than it can deliver
For people who have decided to live in Japan permanently, the status can be extremely valuable. But applying simply because “everyone else does,” because ten years have passed, or because one hopes it will automatically make life stable is not always necessary.
Your life should not be designed around an immigration status. Choose the immigration status that serves your life.
For many younger people, where they work, what skills they gain, how much they can earn, what kind of career and family they build, and which country best fits their future may matter far more than the three characters printed on a residence card.