Japan will require applicants for permanent residency to demonstrate Japanese-language proficiency at least at CEFR level B1 (roughly JLPT N3) as a condition for eligibility, with the rule taking effect in April 2027.

The new requirements tighten language standards for long-term residence, aligning permanent residency rules with broader language-entry updates implemented this year.

In addition to JLPT, various alternative tests such as JPT, NAT-TEST, J.TEST, STBJ, J-CAT, and others are recognized in principle, but acceptance depends on the specific residence status.

The shift comes amid surging demand for language certificates, highlighted by a record 1.9 million JLPT registrations worldwide in 2025 and occasional test session caps or early closures.

The B1 push builds on broader language-entry updates across multiple residence statuses introduced during the current year.

The Business Japanese Proficiency Test (BJT) is explicitly recognized as valid proof of at least B2 for certain statuses, with scores of 400+ deemed sufficient.

B1 roughly corresponds to JLPT N3, while higher prior requirements included B2 for statuses where language is tied to job duties.

A CEFR-based assessment system is used in Japan, but the Immigration Services Agency has not yet published a comprehensive list of accepted certificates and passing scores for each status.

The Immigration Services Agency released stricter language guidelines this week as part of the ongoing overhaul.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's administration has been rolling out these language requirements across the residency system.

The changes come amid growing reliance on JLPT as a benchmark for fluency, reinforcing its central role in residency evaluations.

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