Tourists travelling to Japan will no longer be able to sit the Japanese-Language Proficiency Test in the country from 2026, according to the organisations that administer the exam, The Japan Times reports.
Shibuya,Japan/Jezael Melgoza/Unsplash
New residency requirements from 2026
From next year, applicants who wish to take the test in Japan will, in principle, need to hold a mid- to long-term residence status or special permanent residency under the country’s residence management system. Test-takers will also be required to provide a valid residence card number and expiry date when applying.
What is the JLPT?
The Japanese-Language Proficiency Test, known as the JLPT, is the world’s largest Japanese language assessment for non-native speakers. It is jointly run by the Japan Foundation and Japan Educational Exchanges and Services, and has been used since 1984 to certify language ability in listening and reading.
Global demand for Japanese language testing
Interest in the test continues to grow. In 2024, a record 1.47 million people took the JLPT worldwide, the highest number since its launch. The exam is held across all 47 prefectures in Japan, as well as in dozens of international locations, usually in July and December, although some countries offer it only once a year. Testing has also been temporarily suspended in a handful of countries, including Wales, Portugal and Fiji.
ALSO READ:
Six-year strategy aims to protect Malawi’s wildlife and boost sustainable tourism
Tourists are no longer eligible to sit the exam
Until now, anyone whose first language is not Japanese could take the exam in Japan, including short-term visitors and tourists. From 2026, however, applicants without a residence card will generally be barred from sitting the test in the country, even if they are physically present at the time.
Why the rules are changing
According to comments made by exam administrators to The Japan Times, the change was prompted by ongoing administrative challenges. These included overseas applicants using Japanese addresses without permission or submitting invalid phone numbers, which made it difficult to deliver test vouchers, score reports or contact candidates directly.
“For the proper administration of the exam, this additional eligibility condition has been introduced,” the organisation said.
How the JLPT application process works
Under the current system, applicants register via the MyJLPT portal, pay the test fee and receive a mailed test voucher confirming their venue. Results are released online, with paper score reports sent to all examinees and certificates mailed to those who pass.
Who is still allowed to take the test in Japan?
While the new policy effectively closes the door for most short-term visitors hoping to take the test while travelling, some exceptions will remain. These include people who have acquired Japanese nationality but whose native language is not Japanese, individuals granted provisional stay in Japan, those covered by US-Japan or United Nations forces agreements, and holders of Diplomat or Official residence statuses.
What this means for travellers and language learners
For travellers planning extended stays, work or study in Japan, the JLPT will still be accessible through overseas test centres, offering an alternative route to certification without sitting the exam in the country itself.
