Japan has increased the requirements for foreigners seeking citizenship. The residency requirement has doubled to 10 years, impacting long-term residency plans.

Japan has implemented stricter rules for foreigners applying for citizenship, primarily affecting those planning to naturalize. The key changes include doubling the minimum residency requirement from five to ten years, and increasing the required period for social insurance and tax payments.

For those considering long-term stays, these changes primarily affect the path to citizenship, not initial residency or work visas. Permanent residency already requires a 10-year stay, aligning the citizenship requirements with existing standards.

While these changes don't directly impact tourist visas, they signal a shift towards stricter integration standards for those seeking to become Japanese citizens. This may influence long-term relocation plans for some travelers.