What to Expect When Filing Your PR Application in Tokyo in 2026

2025 has been a turning point for many immigration professionals and foreign nationals seeking Permanent Residence (PR) in Japan. During the recent Upper House election, "foreigners" became a central topic, as citizens increasingly consider how immigration policies affect their lives. This political environment has been sharpening the conditions for immigration procedures. Throughout 2025, we have seen numerous proposals to change immigration rules, and the government has already begun implementing stricter regulations on certain residence statuses.

Our office has been handling PR applications for residents of Tokyo and Kanagawa since 2019. However, 2026 will be a unique year as we navigate further rule changes and the implementation of new policies. In this article, I will explain what you need to be mindful of if you plan to apply for Permanent Residence in Japan.

Stricter Inspection Standards

It is unfortunate to report that it has become increasingly difficult for both applicants and immigration professionals to predict the outcomes of PR applications. The authorities have begun rejecting applications by citing reasons that were never previously an issue. Furthermore, the approval rate for the Tokyo Regional Immigration Services Bureau has been declining.

Recent Approval Rates (Tokyo):

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  May 2025: 48%

  
  
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  June 2025: 40%

  
  
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  July 2025: 44%

  
  
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  August 2025: 46%

  
  
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  September 2025: 54%

  
  

Previously, officers made decisions based primarily on published guidelines and internal standards. Now, they also scrutinize circumstances that were previously overlooked. Additionally, the Bureau is now rarely issuing requests for additional documents. Some self-applicants have faced rejection after waiting 18 months, only to find the cause was a simple failure to submit a necessary document—a mistake the Bureau no longer offers a chance to correct. Under this environment, the possibility of rejection is higher, and you must be prepared for the potential of a re-application.

Language Requirements

Media reports indicate that the government is considering implementing language requirements for PR. The Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) plans to finalize a detailed proposal by April 2027.

While those filing in 2026 might assume they are exempt if their application is judged by the rules in place at the time of filing, there is a risk. Recently, immigration officers have begun considering new rules that are implemented after an application has been filed. Given the current backlog at the Tokyo Bureau, an application filed in 2026 might not be inspected until after April 2027. Therefore, I strongly recommend enhancing your language proficiency and submitting JLPT results if possible.

Longer Inspection Periods

If you file a PR application in Tokyo, expect to wait at least 1 year and 6 months before receiving a result or any response. Interestingly, the authorities tend to issue results faster when they are rejecting an application. In some cases, rejections arrive within 13 months. This is due to a new inspection method designed to shorten processing times by terminating the review as soon as a reason for rejection is identified. On the other hand, inspections for successful applications are taking longer.

Strict Scrutiny of Tax and Social Security

Immigration inspectors have adopted a very strict attitude toward tax and social security payments. While non-payment has always been a ground for rejection, they are now also rejecting applications due to a history of late payments.

Highly Skilled Professionals (HSP) must be particularly careful regarding Social Security Agreements—the treaties that exempt certain foreign nationals from joining the Japanese pension or health insurance systems. Previously, submitting a certificate from the relevant pension authority was usually sufficient. Now, immigration officers conduct their own independent reviews to verify if the applicant is truly eligible for the exemption. Remember: a failure by your employer or consultant regarding tax and social security is no longer an acceptable excuse. You must personally review your own records, even if your company handles the administrative work.

The Importance of Keeping Receipts

Losing your payment receipts is now a serious risk. I strongly recommend keeping all receipts for tax and social security payments until your PR is approved. Officers require copies of these receipts to verify that payments were made before the deadline.

In the past, applicants might get approved if they lost a few receipts or provided an explanation letter after confirming dates at the city hall. This is no longer the case. If you cannot produce the receipts or official documents stating the exact payment dates, the application will be rejected. While we can sometimes use personal information disclosure requests to retrieve these dates, some municipalities only keep records for 1–2 years, which may not cover the full 5-year check period for residence tax. Save your receipts!

HSP Status is No Longer Prioritized

Under internal codes, Highly Skilled Professional (HSP) status holders used to enjoy prioritized, faster inspections. Unfortunately, this is no longer the case. Recently, inspections for HSP holders have actually been taking longer than normal applications.

As you prepare your PR application for 2026, I recommend taking these changes into account to give yourself the best chance of success.

Daichi Ito

Immigration Consultant(Gyoseishoshi/行政書士)