Fourth-generation ethnic Japanese from countries like Peru and Brazil are now eligible for long-term residency in Japan, as confirmed by the Immigration Services Agency. The residency status system will be adjusted to allow for an extended stay, potentially indefinitely. To qualify, applicants must have lived in Japan for at least five years and demonstrate proficiency in Japanese.
The change aims to address labor shortages and is set to take effect soon. Initially introduced in 2018, the program for fourth-generation descendants is being revised due to low utilization, allowing residents to transition to long-term status after five years and bringing family members. The age limit for eligibility is also increased.
Japanese fourth-gen residency, Long-term stay in Japan, Residency for fourth-gen, Japan’s new residency rules, Extended stay for fourth-gen Japanese