[Updated February 2026] Revisions to the Guidelines for Permanent Residence Applications and Stricter Requirements for the Period of stay Necessary for Permanent Residency Applications

In February 2026, the Immigration Services Agency of Japan announced revisions to the Guidelines for Permission for Permanent Residence. This article explains two major changes introduced by the revised guidelines.

1. Change to the Required Period of Stay: From Three Years to Five Years

Previously, a period of stay of three years under an applicant’s current status of residence was generally treated as the “longest period of stay” for the purpose of applying for permanent residence.

Under the revised guidelines, however, applicants will generally be required to hold a period of stay of five years from April 1, 2027 (Reiwa 9).

Transitional Measures and Important Points

To avoid confusion caused by the sudden change, the following transitional measures have been introduced.

Until March 31, 2027

Applicants may continue to apply for permanent residence while holding a three-year period of stay.

From April 1, 2027

Individuals who hold a three-year period of stay as of March 31, 2027, may apply for permanent residence with a three-year period of stay only for their first application.

For a second or subsequent application, a five-year period of stay will generally be required.

【If an Application Submitted Before March 31, 2027 Is Denied on or After April 1, 2027】

In this case, the applicant may submit a new application while holding a three-year period of stay.

The transitional rule described above applies only where an application submitted on or after April 1, 2027 is treated as the applicant’s first application under the new rules.

【If a Three-Year Period of Stay Is Granted Upon Renewal on or After April 1, 2027】

In this case, the applicant will generally be required to obtain a five-year period of stay before applying for permanent residence.

The transitional measure allowing an application with a three-year period of stay applies only to individuals who already held a three-year period of stay as of March 31, 2027.

【If the Applicant’s Period of Stay Expires While the Permanent Residence Application Is Under Review】

For applications submitted on or after April 1, 2027, if the applicant’s period of stay expires while the permanent residence application is under review and the applicant is granted a new period of stay of three years, the examination of the permanent residence application will end at that point.

The transitional rule applies only to individuals who held a three-year period of stay as of March 31, 2027 and whose permanent residence application is decided while that period of stay remains valid.

2. Explicit Requirement to Meet the Landing Permission Criteria

Another important change introduced by the revised guidelines is the explicit requirement that applicants must meet the applicable landing permission criteria and other relevant requirements for their current status of residence.

Although this may appear to be a fundamental requirement, the revision indicates that the Immigration Services Agency will examine more closely whether applicants are properly engaging in the activities authorized under their current status of residence and complying with applicable immigration laws and regulations.

For example, the risk of a permanent residence application being denied may increase if an applicant engages in activities outside the scope of their authorized status of residence or repeatedly violates immigration-related rules or other applicable requirements.

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