20 itemsLatest information on residence status, visas, naturalization, and permanent residency
From June 2027, mid-to-long-term foreign residents who chronically default on national health insurance or pension premiums and ignore payment guidance will, in principle, be denied residence status renewal or change. Municipal and immigration systems link in FY2026 to reflect arrears automatically.
From April 2027, "Technical Intern Training" abolished, replaced by "Training Employment". 2026 is preparation period. N5 Japanese required, voluntary transfers allowed, can transition to Specified Skilled Worker (i) after 3 years.
Japan opened public comment (Aug 4-Sep 3, 2026) on stricter Permanent Residency guidelines: household income above the Japanese average, pension outlook, B1 Japanese.
Japan opened public comment (Aug 4-Sep 4, 2026) on a draft guideline for revoking Permanent Residency: unpaid taxes or insurance, Immigration Act breaches, crimes.
eVisa expansion and upcoming JESTA (Japan's version of ESTA) launching in 2027. Online pre-screening required before travel.
From October 1, 2026, fees for changing or renewing residence status rise to up to 75,000 yen, and permanent residency to 200,000 yen. File by September 30 and you keep the current fee (5,500 yen online) even if approval comes later. Apply this month if your renewal is due.
From Oct 1, 2026, Japan revises fees for status changes, extensions and permanent residency: amounts vary by the period of stay granted, online applications move to konbini or bank payment, and a fee reduction/waiver scheme starts.
From Oct 1, 2026, residence application fees vary by the permitted period. Online filings are paid at convenience stores or banks; revenue stamps no longer work. Amounts, payment fees and scam warnings explained.
From October 1, 2026, reduced and waived fees apply to status changes, period extensions and permanent residency. Reduced fees are ¥10,000 or ¥20,000, and reduction requests must be filed at an immigration counter, not online.
Japan's Immigration Services Agency is seeking public comment on a draft ordinance amending the Immigration Control Act Enforcement Regulations. Filed Aug 4, 2026; comments close at 00:00 on Sept 3, 2026. Anyone may submit an opinion.
Japan's Immigration Services Agency published a draft amendment to the notice defining activities under the Designated Activities status on Aug 24, 2026, and is accepting public comments until 0:00 on Sept 23 (case no. 315000144). Anyone may submit.
From June 14, 2026, a "Specified Residence Card" combining residence card and My Number Card into one starts. Switching is voluntary.
From June 14, 2026, Japan's revised Immigration Control Act changes the format of the residence card and special permanent resident certificate: children aged 1 to 15 will now have their photo printed on the card. Applications filed before that date may be asked to submit a photo voluntarily, and online applicants are told to upload it in the document attachment field.
Revised Immigration Act (Act No. 32), promulgated June 5, 2026: residence-status fee rules start by March 31, 2027; JESTA travel authorization by March 31, 2029.
Japan's 2026 immigration law reform (Act No. 32 of 2026) passed the Diet on May 29 and was promulgated on June 5, 2026. It creates JESTA, an electronic travel authorization system, and raises the statutory ceiling on fees for status-of-residence changes. Here is what foreign residents and visitors should check.
Japan's Immigration Services Agency has published FY2026 stakeholder hearing records: the Chiba City International Association (April 21), a Ryukoku University associate professor (May 11), and a Vietnamese community (June 25, summary in preparation).
From April 13, 2026, new applications for Specified Skilled Worker (i) "Food Service" field are frozen. Resident count has reached the 50,000 cap. Skills tests also suspended domestically and overseas.
From April 1, 2026, naturalization requirements tightened significantly. ~10 years residence, 5 years tax records, 2 years social insurance payments effectively required.
From April 2026, permanent residency minimum stay extends from 3 to 5 years. MyNumber links social insurance verification. Grace period until March 2027.
From April 1, 2026, Japan cuts the threshold for reporting foreign visitors' unpaid medical bills from ¥200,000 to just ¥10,000. Short-term visitors with unpaid bills are shared with Immigration and may be refused re-entry.