Japan Plans to Add Language Test for Permanent Residency

If you plan to settle in Japan in the coming years, here is an important update you need to know. Japan is considering adding a Japanese language requirement for people who want permanent residency. It is worth noting that, as of now, this idea is still under discussion, but it could become part of the new rules expected to take effect in April 2027.

Why Japan Is Considering This Change

Here’s the thing. Japan knows the number of long-term foreign residents will keep rising. So the government wants to make sure the system stays clear and controlled. A panel from the ruling Liberal Democratic Party is reviewing the residency rules and is likely to include a language condition in its proposal.

Right now, permanent residents can lose their status if they intentionally ignore public obligations like paying taxes. The government is now asking a bigger question: should Japanese language skills also become a requirement for getting permanent residency in the first place?

What The Numbers Look Like

Japan had a record 3.96 million foreign residents as of June, based on data from the Immigration Services Agency. Permanent residents form the biggest group, with about 930,000 people. That’s almost one in four foreign residents.

At the moment, the main conditions for permanent residency include having lived in Japan for at least ten years and being financially stable. There is no official Japanese language requirement.

What The Current Language Rules Are

Japan does not currently require permanent residency applicants to pass a Japanese language test. Many people still study the language because it helps with daily life, but it is not a formal rule.

For other visas, the requirements vary.

• The Highly Skilled Professional visa does not require Japanese, although knowing the language can help with points.
• Work visas, such as Engineer/Specialist in Humanities, do not require Japanese either, though employers often prefer it.
• The Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) visa does require passing a language test for some job fields.

Permanent residency is the only major status with no set language condition, which is why adding one would be a big change.

How A Language Requirement Could Affect Residency Seekers

If Japan decides to add a language test, it will likely raise the bar for applicants. People who already live and work in Japan might need to take structured lessons or sit for official tests like JLPT N3 or N4, depending on what level the government chooses.

For many long-term residents, this could mean:

• more preparation time before they can apply
• extra costs for classes and testing
• slower progress for those who struggle with the language
• a clearer path for people who already speak Japanese well

It could also influence how foreign workers plan their long-term stay. Some may delay applying for permanent residency, while others may start learning Japanese earlier to avoid issues later.

Other Immigration Rules Under Review

Japan is also looking at work rules for international students. Students can currently work up to 28 hours a week outside their visa status with permission.

The government is considering a new system where work permission is given only after checking a student’s academic performance and other factors, instead of approving it by default when they arrive.

Officials are also tightening supervision of companies and staffing agencies. This follows cases where workers with visas for engineering or specialist jobs were being sent to do basic unskilled work, which is not allowed under their visa category.

What This Means For Foreign Residents

If Japan adds language requirements, anyone planning to settle long-term should start thinking about language study early. Nothing has been confirmed yet, but the conversation is moving quickly, and the new rules could arrive in a little over two years.

For now, our advice is simple. Stay informed, keep track of official updates, and if you want permanent residency in Japan, learning the language will almost certainly help you, whether the rule becomes mandatory or not.