We have updated the “Latest Information” on this website.
The 2026 JLPT is primarily intended for non-native Japanese speakers who are mid-to-long-term residents or special permanent residents under Japan’s residence management system. When applying, you must enter your Residence Card number and its expiration date.
Therefore, people without a Residence Card, such as those on short-term stays for tourism and a limited stay period of less than three months, are not eligible to take the test. Even if you plan to visit Japan, you cannot take the test without a mid-to-long-term resident or special permanent resident. If you have not been issued a Residence Card at the time of application, you can not apply for the test.
Thank you for your understanding.
https://info.jees-jlpt.jp/other/2026jisshi.html#
Sorry if this has been posted already, I just received a message from a friend regarding this. Sucks for me as I was planning on staying with my GF again and taking the test while simultaneously looking for jobs. Overall, I find the rule change very weird, cannot think of a country where one has to be a resident holder to take the local language test.
by Ynwe