根據日本政府主管外國人居留與移民事務的日本出入國在留管理廳 最新修訂的永住申請指引，日本正逐步調整並收緊永住許可（永久居留權）的審查制度。整體政策方向顯示，政府希望從過去偏重「居留年限」的審核模式，轉向更重視長期穩定性、納稅紀律與社會責任的綜合評估機制，使永住資格回歸為高度篩選性的長期居留身分。

首先，在簽證期限條件方面，日本政府將提高申請門檻。過去外國人在申請永住時，只要持有三年期在留資格（例如「技術・人文知識・國際業務」簽證），通常即被視為符合「最長在留期間」的要求，因此具備申請資格。然而，新制度預計自2027年4月1日起取消「三年簽證等同最長期間」的特例安排。政策實施後，申請人很可能必須持有五年期在留資格，才被認定符合永住申請條件。值得注意的是，目前持三年期簽證者若能在2027年3月31日之前提出申請，仍可適用舊有制度，形成一段明確的制度過渡期。

其次，在財務紀錄與社會保險方面，審查標準也明顯趨於嚴格。根據The Japan Times報導，日本入管當局已將審查重點從「是否繳納」提升為「是否準時且完整繳納」。也就是說，即使申請人最終補繳稅金或保險費，只要存在逾期紀錄，都可能對審查結果造成不利影響。此外，日本政府計畫自2027年4月起強化事後管理機制，若永住者被認定存在惡意拖欠稅款或社會保險費的行為，主管機關將可能直接撤銷其已取得的永住身分，顯示永住資格不再被視為「一次取得、永久有效」的權利，而是附帶持續守法義務的長期資格。

除了已確定的改革方向外，政府亦正在研議其他制度調整。其中之一是將「一定程度的日語能力」納入永住申請門檻，藉此強化外國人在日本社會中的生活適應與溝通能力，相關細節預計於2027年4月前公布。同時，永住申請的行政規費也可能大幅調整。目前申請費用為8,000日圓，但部分媒體報導政府正在討論顯著調升的可能性，甚至傳出提高至10萬至20萬日圓的方案，不過最終金額仍尚未正式定案。

整體而言，日本永住制度正從過去較重視「長期居住事實」的審查邏輯，逐步轉型為強調經濟穩定性、法規遵循與社會整合程度的綜合評估體系。未來申請人不僅需要滿足年限條件，更必須在納稅紀錄、社會責任與生活適應能力等面向展現長期定居的可靠性，才能提高取得永住資格的可能性。

According to the latest revised permanent residency application guidelines issued by Japan’s Immigration Services Agency, the Japanese government is gradually tightening the review standards for permanent residence permits. The overall policy direction indicates a shift away from a system primarily based on length of residence toward a more comprehensive evaluation emphasizing long-term stability, tax compliance, and social responsibility, reinforcing permanent residency as a highly selective long-term status.

First, regarding visa duration requirements, Japan plans to raise the eligibility threshold. In the past, foreign residents applying for permanent residency were generally considered to meet the “maximum period of stay” requirement if they held a three-year status of residence (such as the Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services visa). Under the new policy, however, the government intends to abolish the special rule that treated a three-year visa as the equivalent of the maximum stay period starting April 1, 2027. After implementation, applicants will likely need to hold a five-year visa in order to qualify for permanent residency applications. Those currently holding three-year visas may still apply under the existing rules if they submit their applications before March 31, 2027, creating a clear transitional window.

Second, financial records and social insurance compliance will face significantly stricter scrutiny. Reports indicate that immigration authorities have shifted their focus from simply whether taxes and insurance premiums were paid to whether they were paid accurately and on time. In other words, even if applicants eventually settle outstanding payments, any record of late payment may negatively affect the review outcome. Furthermore, beginning in April 2027, the government plans to strengthen post-approval monitoring mechanisms. Permanent residents who are found to have intentionally failed to pay taxes or social insurance contributions may have their permanent resident status revoked. This reflects a policy change in which permanent residency is no longer viewed as a status granted permanently without conditions, but rather one accompanied by ongoing legal and civic obligations.

In addition to these confirmed reforms, several further changes are under consideration. One proposal involves introducing a minimum level of Japanese language proficiency as a requirement for permanent residency, aiming to enhance foreign residents’ ability to integrate into Japanese society and communicate effectively in daily life. Detailed standards are expected to be finalized before April 2027. At the same time, application fees for permanent residency may increase substantially. The current fee is 8,000 yen, but some media reports suggest the government is considering a significant hike, potentially raising the fee to between 100,000 and 200,000 yen, although no final decision has yet been made.

Overall, Japan’s permanent residency system appears to be transitioning from a framework centered mainly on length of residence toward one that emphasizes economic stability, legal compliance, and social integration. Future applicants will need not only to meet residency duration requirements but also to demonstrate reliable long-term settlement potential through consistent tax compliance, fulfillment of social responsibilities, and adequate adaptation to life in Japan.