The Japanese government is set to clarify permanent residency requirements for foreign-born children who arrived in the country during their teenage years and wish to establish their lives in Japan as adults.
This policy mainly applies to individuals who moved to Japan with their parents between the ages of 12 and 18, typically during junior high or high school.
According to the Immigration Services Agency (ISA), eligibility for permanent residency will require holding a designated activities visa while demonstrating at least five years of financial independence, along with consistent tax and social insurance payments.
Foreign children on a family visa will become eligible for a designated activities visa upon graduating from a Japanese high school and securing employment. However, this visa has limitations—it does not immediately allow holders to start a business or sponsor family members for residency. For instance, if a visa holder marries someone from their home country, their spouse would not be able to join them in Japan under this status. Additionally, their residency remains tied to their parents or guardians, meaning they may be required to leave if their parents return to their home country.
On the other hand, children who arrived in Japan at a younger age—typically in elementary school or earlier—may be able to transition directly from a family visa to permanent residency. Permanent residency offers broader benefits, including the ability to establish a business and sponsor a spouse for residency.
An ISA official acknowledged that changes from a designated activities visa to permanent residency have been allowed in the past. However, the lack of clearly defined requirements has made it difficult for young foreign residents to plan their future, drawing criticism from immigration advocates.
According to the ISA, most foreign youth who come to Japan by age 17 enter on a family visa. As of late last year, approximately 266,000 individuals—both minors and adults—held this visa status, marking a more than 30% increase over the past five years.
By establishing clearer guidelines, the government aims to provide more stability for foreign youth who wish to build their careers and lives in Japan.
