Permanent Residency Guidelines Finalized: Pending Cases and Revocation

The Immigration Services Agency revised the “Guidelines for Permission for Permanent Residence” and established the “Guidelines for Revocation of Status of Residence for Permanent Residents” on October 1, 2026. The two proposals that were put up for public comment in August 2026 have now been published as final versions.

The revised Guidelines for Permission for Permanent Residence will, in principle, apply to applications filed on or after April 1, 2027. However, two items, income and not being a public burden, will also apply to applications filed on or after six months prior to the revision date (October 1, 2026) and that are still under review as of the revision date. This means that the content is relevant to those whose applications are currently awaiting review.

On August 30, 2026, our website reported on the draft content in the article “Draft Permanent Residency Guideline | Final Version Published Oct 1.” This article serves as a follow-up, summarizing the key points of the final version and the details of the revocation guidelines for both foreign nationals and corporate HR professionals.

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1. Conclusion: 6 Key Points to Note First

• On October 1, 2026, the Guidelines for Permission for Permanent Residence were revised, and the Guidelines for Revocation of Status of Residence for Permanent Residents were established.
• The revised Guidelines for Permission for Permanent Residence will, in principle, apply to applications filed on or after April 1, 2027.
• As an exception, income (Article 2, Paragraph 4(2)) and not being a public burden (Article 2, Paragraph 5(7)) will also apply to applications filed on or after six months prior to the revision date and that are still under review as of the revision date.
• In the review process, household income, prospective pension benefits, Japanese proficiency (equivalent to B1), understanding of systems and rules, and school attendance of school-aged children are explicitly stated as consideration factors.
• The revocation guidelines will come into effect on April 1, 2027. Even if a revocation reason applies, the principle is not revocation but rather an ex officio change to “Long-Term Resident” or another Status of Residence.
• It is explicitly stated that the revocation of a Permanent Resident Status of Residence is not intended for a single act of carelessness, such as accidentally not carrying a Residence Card.

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2. What Was Published: Two Guidelines and Their Application Dates

The Immigration Services Agency published the following two documents on October 1, 2026:

Document	Positioning	Application/Operation Start
Guidelines for Permission for Permanent Residence (Revised October 1, 2026)	Basic principles of factors to consider in the review for Permanent Residency Permit	Principle: From applications filed on or after April 1, 2027 (income and public burden also apply to cases under review)
Guidelines for Revocation of Status of Residence for Permanent Residents (Established October 2026)	Interpretation of revocation reasons added by the 2024 Immigration Control Act amendment and assumed cases	Operation starts from April 1, 2027

In conjunction with this, the previously separate “Guidelines on Contribution to Japan” have been abolished, and their content has been incorporated into the revised Guidelines for Permission for Permanent Residence (Article 4 “Special Provisions for Those Who Have Contributed to Japan”).

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3. Most Important Point: “Income” and “Public Burden” Also Apply to Applications Under Review

Article 6 “Application Period” of the revised Guidelines for Permission for Permanent Residence states the principle and exceptions as follows:

• Principle: The revision applies to applications filed on or after April 1, Reiwa 9 (2027).
• Exception: Article 2, Paragraph 4(2) (income) and Article 2, Paragraph 5(7) (not being a public burden) also apply to applications filed on or after six months prior to the revision date and that are still under review as of the revision date.

The revision date is October 1, 2026, so it can be interpreted that this exception applies to those who apply for Permanent Residency Permit on or after April 1, 2026, and have not yet received a decision by October 1. The revision date was left blank in the draft stage, but the final version has set the date, clarifying the scope of application.

3-1. What is considered regarding Income (Article 2, 4(2))

• In principle, a consideration is whether the annual income of the applicant’s household at the time of application has continuously reached a level (income standard) that exceeds the average income of Japanese households corresponding to the number of household members.
• Household annual income is the sum of the annual incomes of household members who share the same livelihood as the applicant. However, for those who are adults and no longer dependent on their parents, the decision is made without including their parents’ income.
• Income of family members with a Status of Residence not for employment purposes, such as “Dependent,” is not included in the household annual income (as it is merely income exceptionally and limitedly obtained through Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted under the Status of Residence Previously Granted).
• Dependent relatives are added to the number of household members even if they live abroad. If the number of household members becomes 5 or more, an increase in living expenses and other costs is added to the income standard.

3-2. What is considered regarding Not Being a Public Burden (Article 2, 5(7))

• Even for those who are not legally required to meet the “independent livelihood requirement,” such as a Spouse or Child of a Japanese National, Permanent Resident, or Special Permanent Resident, if the household is currently a public burden or there is a realistic risk of it becoming so, and no special circumstances are recognized for this situation, a negative evaluation may be given.
• In making a decision, it is stated that comprehensive judgment will be made, emphasizing the perspectives of stability of residence for the family unit and humanitarian considerations.

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4. List of Consideration Factors Organized in the Final Version

The revised Permanent Residency Permit guidelines organize the consideration factors for each of the three requirements stipulated by law (good conduct requirement, independent livelihood requirement, and national interest requirement) as follows:

Requirement	Main Consideration Factors (as stated in the guidelines)
Good Conduct Requirement	Whether one abides by laws and conducts oneself in daily life as a resident in a manner that is not socially reprehensible.
Independent Livelihood Requirement	Whether household annual income continuously meets the income standard / Whether the estimated future pension benefit amount meets the “pension benefit standard” (any shortfall can be covered by financial assets [compensatory assets] appropriate for one’s age).
National Interest Requirement	Compliance with notification obligations under the Immigration Control Act, etc. / Payment of public dues (taxes, social insurance premiums, etc.) / Absence of criminal law violations / Not falling under grounds for denial of Landing / In principle, 10 years of residence (including 5 years or more with a work status or residence status) and the longest Period of Stay / Not being a public burden / Japanese proficiency (equivalent to B1) / Understanding of systems and rules / School attendance of school-age children, etc.

Points considered to have a significant impact in practice are as follows:

• Public dues are also reviewed for the “past”: Even if there are no unpaid amounts at the time of application, if circumstances indicating improper payment, such as having received a delinquency disposition in the past, are recognized, it is generally considered a negative evaluation. In principle, the review is conducted on a same-livelihood household unit basis.
• Violations of obligations under the Immigration Control Act also cover the “past”: Regarding obligations such as notification of residence, not only violations at the time of application but also past violations, if discovered, are generally considered a negative evaluation.
• Long-term departure from Japan: If, within the past 10 years from the time of application, one has been absent from Japan for six months or more in a single departure or for a cumulative total of two years and six months or more without a reasonable reason, it is generally considered a negative evaluation.
• Japanese proficiency: A level equivalent to B1 or higher of the “Reference Framework for Japanese Language Education” is a consideration factor. However, highly skilled foreign professionals and their families, those who have received elementary and secondary education in Japan for a cumulative total of six years or more, etc., are not subject to this consideration factor.
• Understanding of systems and rules: It is stated that understanding will be confirmed, primarily focusing on the contents of the “Life and Work Guidebook,” by methods designated by the Commissioner of the Immigration Services Agency (specific methods have not yet been indicated in the guidelines).
• Scope of “work status”: From the work status as referred to in the guidelines, “Technical Intern Training,” “Employment for Skill Development,” “Specified Skilled Worker (i),” “Intra-company Transferee,” and some “Designated Activities” are excluded. Caution is required when counting “5 years or more with a work status or residence status.”

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5. Transitional Measures for Those with a “3-Year” Period of Stay

The factors considered for the national interest requirement include “whether the applicant is currently residing with the longest Period of Stay for their Status of Residence.” Regarding this, Note 4 of the guidelines provides the following transitional measures:

1. Applications until March 31, 2027: Those with a “3-year” Period of Stay will also be treated as “residing with the longest Period of Stay.”
2. Applications on or after April 1, 2027: The same treatment will apply to those with a “3-year” Period of Stay only if all of the following conditions are met:

• Possessing a “3-year” Period of Stay as of March 31, 2027
• The application is the first Application for Permission for Permanent Residence filed on or after April 1, 2027
• The disposition (result) of the application is received between April 1, 2027, and the expiration date of that “3-year” Period of Stay

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6. Guidelines on Revocation of Status of Residence for Permanent Residents

With the 2024 Immigration Law Amendment, the following two grounds were added for the revocation of the Status of Residence of a “Permanent Resident” (Immigration Control Act, Article 22-4, Paragraph 1, Items 8 and 9). The new guidelines provide interpretations and hypothetical cases for these, and will be effective from April 1, 2027.

6-1. Failure to Comply with Obligations under the Immigration Control Act (Item 8)

The obligations subject to this provision are those whose compliance is ensured by penalties and which do not constitute grounds for deportation. Examples include applications for renewal or reissuance of Residence Card validity, and carrying and presenting the Residence Card.

• In cases where there is a “justifiable reason” such as illness or disaster, it does not constitute a ground for revocation.
• Even if one forgets to renew their Residence Card or fails to carry it due to carelessness, it may constitute a ground for revocation, but it is stated that revocation of Status of Residence is not intended for a single instance of non-compliance.

6-2. Intentional Non-Payment of Public Dues (Item 8)

“Intentionally” refers to deliberately not paying while being aware of the payment obligation. It is considered applicable when, after comprehensively considering factors such as income and asset status, frequency, amount, and duration of delinquency, and circumstances, it is clearly recognized that there is no intention to pay.

Examples considered applicable	Examples considered not applicable
Long-term delinquency, moved without notification and whereabouts unknown	Unable to pay due to unavoidable circumstances such as illness, disaster, or unemployment
Does not show intention to pay despite repeated demands and delinquency enforcement	Shows intention to pay in response to demands and is receiving installment payments or deferment
Repeatedly fails to adhere to promises of installment payments or deferment	Receiving measures equivalent to public assistance
Convicted of tax evasion or similar offenses	Deducted from salary, but employer has not paid

Furthermore, it is stated that judgment will not be made based on uniform standards regarding the amount of delinquency. It is important to note that this may also apply if a Permanent Resident who is substantially involved in the management of a Corporation deliberately fails to pay the Corporation’s public dues.

6-3. Sentenced to Imprisonment for Specific Criminal Offenses (Item 9)

This applies only to certain intentional crimes, such as Penal Code offenses like theft, fraud, and assault, or dangerous driving resulting in death or injury. If it is a sentence of imprisonment, it includes cases with a suspended sentence, regardless of the length of the term. The Immigration Services Agency’s Q&A explains that negligent driving resulting in death or injury, Road Traffic Act violations, and fines are not subject to this provision.

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7. Principle of “Ex Officio Change” over Revocation: What Happens Next

Even if it is determined that grounds for revocation exist, the guidelines state that, unless it is deemed inappropriate for the individual to continue residing in Japan, the Minister of Justice will ex officio change their Status of Residence to one other than Permanent Resident (ex officio change). In most cases, a change to “Long-Term Resident” is anticipated.

For example, Status of Residence may be revoked in the following cases:

• If, despite repeated guidance, the Residence Card is not carried or renewed, and it is determined that there is no intention to fulfill the obligation in the future.
• If it is clear from words and actions that there is no intention to pay in the future, if there are repeated delinquencies in multiple public taxes and charges, or if convicted of tax evasion, etc.
• If there is a previous conviction for a custodial sentence after obtaining Permanent Residency Permit, and further sentenced to a custodial sentence for a crime under Article 9.

On the other hand, even if it is determined that revocation is appropriate, if there are particularly necessary considerations for family relationships or humanitarian reasons, it may be possible to change the Status of Residence ex officio. If the requirements for Permanent Residency Permit are met after the ex officio change, it is possible to obtain Permanent Residency Permit again.

7-1. Reporting Mechanism

Officials of national and local public bodies can report to the Immigration Services Agency when they become aware of a foreign national who appears to fall under a reason for revocation in the course of their duties (Immigration Control Act Article 62-2). However, reporting is not mandatory, and the Immigration Services Agency’s Q&A explains that it is not envisioned that a report will be made simply for consulting with a municipality about the payment of public taxes and charges.

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8. What Foreign Nationals Should Confirm Now

For those whose applications are currently under review (applied on or after April 1, 2026)

• Reconfirm the household income at the time of application and the number of dependents (including relatives overseas).
• If there are family members engaging in activity other than that permitted under the Status of Residence, such as “Dependent,” assume that their income will not be included in the household income.
• If additional documents are requested by the Immigration Services Agency during the review, respond within the deadline.

For those who will apply in the future

• The applicable guidelines will change depending on whether you apply by March 31, 2027, or on or after April 1, 2027. For those with a Period of Stay of “3 years,” please also check the transitional measures in Chapter 5.
• Confirm past payment status of resident tax, national health insurance, national pension, etc., using tax certificates and payment certificates.
• If you have had long periods of departure from Japan, confirm your entry and exit records for the past 10 years.
• Please note that the fee for Permanent Residency Permit has been revised for applications on or after October 1, 2026 (for details, please refer to “Immigration Services Fee Revised on October 1 | Old Fees Apply Until September 30“).

For those who are already Permanent Residents

• Do not forget to renew the validity period of your Residence Card.
• If you find it difficult to pay taxes or insurance premiums, consult about installment payments or deferment early without neglecting the issue.

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9. What HR Professionals at Companies Should Confirm

• Ensure reliable payment of resident tax and social insurance premiums deducted from salaries: The revocation guidelines cite cases where the employer fails to pay resident tax and social insurance premiums deducted from salaries as an example of “not applicable.” Even if it is not the employee’s responsibility, the company’s failure to pay creates unnecessary anxiety for the employee’s Permanent Residency application and Status of Residence.
• Be prepared to certify the annual income and employment prospects of employees considering Permanent Residency applications: It is reassuring to have a system in place to promptly issue employment certificates, withholding tax slips, and other documents.
• Maintain correct social insurance and pension enrollment status: The estimated pension benefit amount and public tax payment status are considered in the Permanent Residency Permit review.
• Foreign executives and business owners should also pay attention to corporate tax payments: If a Permanent Resident who is substantially involved in the management of a corporation intentionally fails to pay the corporation’s public taxes and charges, it may also fall under a reason for revocation.

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10. Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. I applied for Permanent Residency Permit in June 2026, and it is still under review. Do the new guidelines apply?

According to the provisions on the application period of the guidelines, for applications filed on or after six months prior to the revision date (October 1, 2026) and still under review as of the revision date, the two items of income and not being a public burden will apply. Other items will, in principle, apply to applications filed on or after April 1, 2027.

Q2. How much annual income is sufficient?

The guidelines do not specify a concrete amount for the annual income level. It is considered a factor whether the income continuously exceeds the average income of Japanese households according to the number of household members. The standard also changes depending on the number of dependents.

Q3. If I forget to carry my Residence Card once, will my Permanent Residency Permit be revoked?

The revocation guidelines and the Immigration Services Agency’s Q&A state that a single instance of non-compliance, such as inadvertently not carrying the card, is not intended to result in the revocation of Status of Residence.

Q4. There was a period when I was unemployed and couldn’t pay my resident tax. Will this make me subject to revocation?

Cases where payment cannot be made due to unavoidable circumstances such as illness, disaster, or unemployment, or where installment payments or deferrals have been granted in response to a demand, are cited as examples not falling under “intentionally failing to pay public taxes and charges.” First, please consult with your municipal office regarding payment.

Q5. If a Permanent Resident’s Status of Residence is changed to “Long-Term Resident,” what happens to the family’s Status of Residence?

The Immigration Services Agency’s Q&A states that the change applies only to the individual who falls under the grounds for revocation. If your child’s Status of Residence is “Permanent Resident” or “Spouse or Child of Permanent Resident,” there is no impact. If your spouse is “Spouse or Child of Permanent Resident,” it is explained that a change to “Long-Term Resident” or similar will be necessary as they will no longer fall under that Status of Residence.

Q6. When will the revocation guidelines be implemented?

It is stated that operations will commence on April 1, 2027.

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11. Summary: Consider Dates and “Household”

1. On October 1, 2026, the Permanent Residency Permit guidelines were revised, and guidelines for the revocation of Permanent Resident status were established.
2. The revised Permanent Residency Permit guidelines will, in principle, apply to applications filed on or after April 1, 2027.
3. However, income and public burden are interpreted to apply to applications filed on or after April 1, 2026, and still under review as of October 1.
4. Income and public taxes/charges are, in principle, on a household basis. The income of family members with “Dependent” status is not aggregated.
5. The revocation guidelines will commence operation on April 1, 2027. In principle, it is not revocation but an ex officio change to “Long-Term Resident” or similar, and a single instance of carelessness is not intended to lead to revocation.

The overall picture of the revisions surrounding Permanent Residency Permit is also explained in “[Effective 2027] Easy Explanation of the Permanent Residency Permit Revocation System.”

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Our office, as an Administrative Scrivener Corporation in Miyazaki City, Miyazaki Prefecture, assists with Status of Residence procedures, including Permanent Residency Permit applications.

• Permanent Residency Permit application (Authorized to File Applications on Behalf of Applicant) and prior confirmation of household annual income, payment status, and immigration history
• Consultation on responding to additional documents for those whose applications are under review
• Consultation on Residence Card renewal and notifications for Permanent Residents

Please feel free to use our free consultation first.

📩 Contact Us Here

📞 To book a phone consultation: 0985-68-0851

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This article is written based on publicly available information as of October 2026. The guidelines indicate the basic approach to factors considered in the review, and the approval or denial of Permanent Residency Permit, or the revocation or change of Status of Residence, is determined by the Immigration Services Agency after comprehensively considering the circumstances of each individual case. Details and operation of the system may change in the future. For actual applications, please confirm with official information from the Immigration Services Agency or our office.

Author of this article: Administrative Scrivener Authorized to File Applications, Satoshi Nakayama

Representative, Administrative Scrivener Corporation Miyazaki International Legal Office

Location: Miyazaki City, Miyazaki Prefecture

Sources (Primary Information)

• Immigration Services Agency “Guidelines for Permission for Permanent Residence (Revised October 1, 2026)” https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/10_00279.html
• Immigration Services Agency “Regarding Guidelines for Revocation of Status of Residence for Permanent Residents” (October 2026) https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/deportation/resources/nyukan_nyukan85_00002.html
• Immigration Services Agency “Guidelines for Revocation of Status of Residence for Permanent Residents” https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/11_00118.html
• Immigration Services Agency “Q&A on Optimization of Permanent Residency Permit System” https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/immigration/faq/kanri_qa_00003.html