2026年の永住許可要件見直しで「年収575万円必要になる？」という情報が注目されています。575万円は全員に必要なのか、単身者・夫婦・子どもがいる世帯ではどう考えるのか、新しい世帯年収基準と申請中案件への影響を行政書士が解説します。
Q. 永住申請には今後、年収575万円が必要になるのですか？
A. いいえ。「すべての永住申請者に一律で年収575万円以上が必要になる」と理解するのは正確ではありません。
2026年8月4日に公表された「永住許可に関するガイドライン改定（案）」では、収入について、「世帯人数に応じた日本人世帯の平均収入を上回る水準の額に継続して達しているか」を審査する方向が示されています。
ここで重要なのは、**「世帯人数に応じた」**という点です。つまり、単身者、夫婦2人、夫婦と子どもの3人世帯などで、同じ金額が一律に適用されるという内容ではありません。
したがって、「永住申請＝全員年収575万円以上」という理解は適切ではありません。
現在の永住申請では年収はいくら必要？
現行ガイドラインでは、「独立の生計を営むに足りる資産又は技能を有すること」として、
日常生活において公共の負担にならず、資産または技能等から見て将来において安定した生活が見込まれることが求められています。
しかし、現行ガイドラインには全国一律の最低年収は記載されていません。
実務上よく言われる「単身なら年収300万円程度」といった金額も、出入国在留管理庁が公表している一律の法定基準ではありません。
2026年の改定案では何が変わる？
今回の改定案では、収入について、これまでより具体的な基準を設ける方向が示されています。
ポイントは、
「本人の年収」だけではなく「世帯人数」を見るという考え方です。
改定案では、世帯人数に応じた日本人世帯の平均収入を上回る水準を基準として示しています。
そのため、単身世帯と夫婦＋子ども2人の4人世帯では、同じ年収でも評価が異なる可能性があります。
今後の永住申請では、単に「本人の年収はいくらか」だけではなく、世帯人数・家族構成・世帯収入がこれまで以上に重要になる可能性があります。
「575万円」はどこから出てきた？
「永住申請には年収575万円が必要になる」という情報を見て、不安になっている方もいると思います。
しかし、今回の公式資料が示しているのは、「全員575万円以上」という基準ではありません。
公式の改定案概要に記載されているのは、世帯人数に応じた日本人世帯の平均収入を上回る水準です。
現時点では具体的な基準額が正式に示されていないため、今後公表される正式なガイドラインや実際の審査運用を確認する必要があります。
配偶者の年収は合算できる？
今回の改定案では、世帯単位で収入を見る考え方が重要になります。
そのため、同一生計の配偶者等の収入が審査上どのように扱われるかは重要なポイントです。
ただし、「夫婦の年収を全部足せばよい」と単純に考えることはできません。
在留資格や就労状況、収入の性質などによって評価が異なる可能性があるためです。
特に「家族滞在」など、就労を主目的としない在留資格で資格外活動をしている配偶者の収入については、正式な運用を確認する必要があります。
子どもがいると必要な年収も高くなる？
今回の改定案が「世帯人数に応じた」収入水準を採用している以上、世帯人数は非常に重要です。
例えば、1人世帯と本人＋配偶者＋子ども2人の4人世帯では、生活に必要となる金額が異なります。
そのため、新しい基準では家族が多いほど確認すべき収入水準も変わる可能性があります。
正式な基準額や算定方法が明らかになった段階で確認する必要があります。
新しい年収基準は申請中の永住申請にも適用される？
ここが今回の改定で特に注意すべきポイントです。
「改定前に申請しておけば、必ず旧基準で審査される」とは限りません。
収入に関する基準については、改定日前に申請した案件でも、一定の条件に該当し、改定日時点でまだ審査中であれば、新しい基準の影響を受ける可能性があります。
したがって、これから申請する方だけではなく、すでに2026年に永住申請をして審査結果を待っている方も注意が必要です。
ここは「過去に許可された永住資格を遡って再審査する」という意味ではありません。
すでに永住許可を取得した人と、改定時点でまだ永住申請の審査中の人は分けて考える必要があります。
日本人の配偶者にも新しい年収基準がそのまま適用される？
これも重要です。
現在の正式な永住許可ガイドラインでは、日本人、永住者または特別永住者の配偶者・子について、一般の永住申請者とは異なる特例があります。
したがって、「新しい年収基準がすべての永住申請者に全く同じ形で適用される」と考えるべきではありません。
在留資格、身分関係、適用される特例などを確認する必要があります。
年収575万円あれば永住許可される？
いいえ。年収だけで永住許可が決まるわけではありません。
現在の永住審査でも、
- 在留期間
- 素行
- 年収・生活状況
- 住民税などの納税
- 年金
- 健康保険
- 入管法上の届出義務
などが総合的に確認されます。
例えば、年収が十分に高くても、税金や年金を納付期限までに適正に支払っていなかった場合には、永住審査に影響する可能性があります。
つまり、「年収575万円以上なら永住OK」という制度ではありません。
FAQ｜2026年の永住申請と年収要件
Q1. 永住申請には年収575万円が必要になりますか？
全員一律で575万円以上が必要になるという改定案ではありません。公式資料では「世帯人数に応じた日本人世帯の平均収入を上回る水準」とされています。
Q2. 単身者も年収575万円必要ですか？
「単身者も575万円」とは公表されていません。世帯人数に応じた基準とされているため、単身世帯と複数人世帯は分けて考える必要があります。
Q3. 現在の永住申請には最低年収が決まっていますか？
現在の正式なガイドラインには「年収○○万円以上」という一律の最低金額は記載されていません。独立した生計を営め、将来にわたり安定した生活が見込まれることが原則的な要件です。
Q4. 配偶者の年収を合算できますか？
世帯収入を考慮する方向ですが、在留資格や収入の性質などによって扱いが異なる可能性があります。正式な運用を確認する必要があります。
Q5. すでに永住申請中でも新しい年収基準の影響を受けますか？
一定の申請については、改定前に申請していても、改定日時点で審査中の場合に新しい収入基準の影響を受ける可能性があります。したがって、申請日だけを見て「必ず旧基準」と判断しないことが重要です。
永住申請について燕行政書士事務所へ相談
「自分の年収で永住申請できるのか」
「575万円ないと永住申請できないのか」
「夫婦の収入を合算できるのか」
「子どもがいる場合、どのくらいの年収が必要なのか」
「すでに永住申請中だが、新しい基準の影響を受けるのか」
永住申請では、年収だけではなく、世帯人数、家族構成、扶養状況、在留資格、納税、年金、健康保険、在留期間などを総合的に確認する必要があります。
燕行政書士事務所では、個別の状況と最新の永住許可制度を確認したうえで、永住申請の可能性や申請時期についてご相談を承ります。
[2026 Latest] Is an Annual Income of ¥5.75 Million Required for Permanent Residence in Japan? An Immigration Lawyer Explains the New Income Criteria
As part of the 2026 review of Japan’s permanent residence requirements, information suggesting that applicants may need an annual income of ¥5.75 million has attracted considerable attention.
Does every applicant really need to earn ¥5.75 million? How will the new income criteria apply to single applicants, married couples, and households with children?
This article explains the proposed new household income standards and how they may affect pending permanent residence applications.
Q. Will applicants need an annual income of ¥5.75 million to apply for permanent residence?
A. No. It would not be accurate to understand the proposal as meaning that every permanent residence applicant must have an annual income of at least ¥5.75 million.
The draft revision of the Guidelines for Permission for Permanent Residence, announced on August 4, 2026, indicates that income may be assessed based on whether the applicant has continuously maintained an income level:
“above the average income of Japanese households corresponding to the size of the applicant’s household.”
The important point here is the phrase:
“corresponding to the size of the household.”
In other words, the same income amount is not necessarily intended to apply equally to:
- a single-person household,
- a married couple,
- a household consisting of a married couple and one child,
- or a larger family.
Therefore, it would be misleading to say:
“Permanent residence application = annual income of at least ¥5.75 million for everyone.”
How Much Income Is Currently Required for Permanent Residence?
Under the current Guidelines for Permission for Permanent Residence, applicants are generally required to:
“possess sufficient assets or skills to make an independent living.”
More specifically, applicants must not become a public burden in their daily lives, and their assets, skills, and other circumstances must indicate that they are likely to maintain a stable livelihood in the future.
However, the current official guidelines do not specify a nationwide minimum annual income such as:
“Applicants must earn at least ¥3 million per year.”
Figures often mentioned in practice, such as “approximately ¥3 million for a single applicant,” are not uniform statutory thresholds officially published by the Immigration Services Agency of Japan.
What Will Change Under the 2026 Proposed Revision?
The proposed revision indicates that the income requirement may become more specific than under the current system.
One key change is that the authorities may look not only at:
“the applicant’s individual annual income,”
but also at:
“the size of the applicant’s household.”
The proposal refers to an income level above the average income of Japanese households corresponding to the relevant household size.
As a result, the same annual income may be evaluated differently for:
a single-person household
and
a four-person household consisting of the applicant, spouse, and two children.
Going forward, permanent residence applications may therefore require closer attention not only to the applicant’s individual income, but also to:
household size, family composition, and overall household income.
Where Does the ¥5.75 Million Figure Come From?
Some people have become concerned after seeing information suggesting that:
“Permanent residence applicants will need an annual income of ¥5.75 million.”
However, the official proposal does not state that every applicant must earn at least ¥5.75 million.
The official outline instead refers to:
an income level above the average income of Japanese households corresponding to the applicant’s household size.
At present, the specific threshold amounts have not yet been formally established.
It will therefore be necessary to review the final revised guidelines and the actual examination practices once they are officially announced.
Can a Spouse’s Income Be Combined With the Applicant’s Income?
Under the proposed revision, the concept of assessing income on a household basis becomes increasingly important.
For this reason, how the income of a spouse or other household member sharing the same livelihood will be treated is an important issue.
However, applicants should not simply assume that:
“As long as we add the husband’s and wife’s income together, there will be no problem.”
The treatment may differ depending on factors such as:
- the spouse’s status of residence,
- employment situation,
- stability of employment,
- and the nature of the income.
For example, where a spouse holds a Dependent (Family Stay) visa and works under permission to engage in activities outside the scope of their status of residence, it will be necessary to confirm how such income will be treated under the final rules.
Will Applicants With Children Need a Higher Income?
Because the proposed revision refers to an income level based on household size, the number of family members is likely to become an important factor.
For example, the financial needs of:
a one-person household
and
a four-person household consisting of the applicant, spouse, and two children
are naturally different.
Accordingly, under the new system, the income level to be examined may vary depending on the number of family members.
The exact required amounts and calculation method will need to be confirmed once the final criteria are formally announced.
Will the New Income Criteria Apply to Permanent Residence Applications Already Under Examination?
This is one of the most important points to watch in the proposed revision.
Applicants should not assume that:
“If I apply before the revision takes effect, my application will definitely be examined under the old criteria.”
Depending on the final transitional rules, some applications filed before the revision date may still be affected by the new income criteria if they remain under examination when the revised guidelines take effect.
Therefore, not only applicants planning to file in the future, but also those who have already submitted a permanent residence application in 2026 and are waiting for a decision should pay close attention to the final rules.
This does not mean that permanent residence previously granted will automatically be reviewed retroactively.
It is important to distinguish between:
people who have already obtained permanent resident status
and
people whose permanent residence applications are still pending when the revised guidelines take effect.
Will the New Income Criteria Apply in the Same Way to Spouses of Japanese Nationals?
This is another important issue.
Under the current official Guidelines for Permission for Permanent Residence, special treatment applies to certain categories, including:
spouses and children of Japanese nationals, permanent residents, and special permanent residents.
Therefore, it would not be appropriate to assume that:
“The new income requirement will apply in exactly the same way to every permanent residence applicant.”
The applicant’s status of residence, family relationship, and any applicable exemptions or special provisions must be reviewed individually.
Does an Annual Income of ¥5.75 Million Guarantee Permanent Residence Approval?
No. Permanent residence is not decided based on annual income alone.
Even under the current examination system, the Immigration Services Agency considers a wide range of factors, including:
- length of residence in Japan,
- good conduct,
- annual income and living circumstances,
- payment of resident tax and other taxes,
- pension contributions,
- health insurance contributions,
- compliance with notification obligations under the Immigration Control Act.
For example, even if an applicant has a sufficiently high income, failure to properly pay taxes, pension contributions, or health insurance premiums by the applicable deadlines may negatively affect the permanent residence examination.
Therefore, there is no system under which:
“An annual income of ¥5.75 million automatically means permanent residence will be approved.”
FAQ | Permanent Residence and Income Requirements in 2026
Q1. Will I need an annual income of ¥5.75 million to apply for permanent residence?
No. The proposed revision does not state that every applicant must earn at least ¥5.75 million.
The official materials refer to an income level above the average income of Japanese households corresponding to the applicant’s household size.
Q2. Does a single applicant also need to earn ¥5.75 million?
No official announcement states that a single applicant must earn ¥5.75 million.
Because the proposed criteria are linked to household size, a single-person household and a multi-person household should be considered separately.
Q3. Is there currently an official minimum annual income for permanent residence?
The current official guidelines do not specify a uniform minimum such as:
“annual income of at least ¥X million.”
The basic requirement is that the applicant must be able to maintain an independent and stable livelihood without becoming a public burden.
Q4. Can my spouse’s income be included?
The proposed revision places greater emphasis on household income, but the treatment may depend on the spouse’s status of residence, employment status, and the nature and stability of the income.
The final examination practice will need to be confirmed.
Q5. Can the new income criteria affect an application that has already been filed?
Depending on the final transitional rules, some applications filed before the revision takes effect may still be affected by the new income criteria if they remain under examination on the effective date.
Therefore, applicants should not assume that the filing date alone guarantees examination under the previous criteria.
Consult Tsubame Immigration Lawyer Office About Permanent Residence Applications
You may have questions such as:
“Can I apply for permanent residence with my current income?”
“Will I be unable to apply if I earn less than ¥5.75 million?”
“Can my spouse’s income be combined with mine?”
“How much income will I need if I have children?”
“I have already applied for permanent residence. Will the new criteria affect my application?”
Permanent residence applications require a comprehensive review of not only annual income, but also:
household size, family composition, dependents, status of residence, tax payments, pension contributions, health insurance payments, and length of residence in Japan.
At Tsubame Immigration Lawyer Office, we review each client’s individual circumstances together with the latest permanent residence requirements and provide consultation regarding the possibility and appropriate timing of a permanent residence application.
