In future, requirement for PR apply will be extended to 10 year. For foreigner living in Japan.

The Japanese government is considering increasing the period of residence required for foreigners to obtain citizenship from five years to 10 years, government and ruling party sources said on December 4.

The change is being made because the current five-year provision is inconsistent with the 10-year period generally required for permanent residency. The change is planned to be included in a policy on foreign nationals to be prepared in January 2026. Ruling party officials have said it is necessary to align the period required for citizenship with that required for permanent residency.

The aim is to harmonize the different rules for citizenship and permanent residency.