Archive · 19 Dec 2025
Japan Considers Language Test for Permanent Residency
Japan is thinking about making new rules for people who want to live there forever.
One of these rules might be that they need to speak Japanese well.
Right now, people have to live in Japan for 10 years and show they can support themselves.
The government wants to add more rules because more people might want to live there forever.
They also want to check if international students are working too much or doing jobs they shouldn't.
This is to make sure everyone follows the rules and lives well together in Japan.
Japan is considering requiring Japanese language proficiency for permanent residency applicants.
The new rules are expected to be implemented by April 2027.
Current requirements include 10 years of residency and financial self-sufficiency.
The government is also reviewing stricter regulations for international students' part-time work.
There are concerns about foreign nationals working in jobs that violate their visa status.
- Who
- Japanese government and foreign nationals seeking permanent residency in Japan
- What
- Potential new requirements for permanent residency, including Japanese language proficiency and stricter regulations for international students' part-time work
- When
- Proposed implementation by April 2027
- Where
- Japan
- Why
- To prepare for an anticipated increase in permanent residency applicants and to ensure compliance with visa rules
- Current Permanent Residents
- 930,000
- Total Foreign Residents
- 3.96 million
- Current Minimum Residency Requirement
- 10 years
- Proposed Language Requirement
- Japanese language proficiency
- Proposed Implementation Date
- April 2027
- Current Part-Time Work Limit for Students
- 28 hours per week
- Proposed Part-Time Work Evaluation
- Academic performance
