Promulgated June 5, 2026 (Act No. 32 of 2026) — creation of JESTA and a higher statutory cap on fees for status-of-residence changes
On May 29, 2026, the 221st extraordinary session of the Diet passed the "Act Partially Amending the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act and the Act on Special Provisions for Landing Applications by Foreign Nationals Holding Passports under Article 2, item (v)(b) of the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act." It was promulgated on June 5, 2026 as Act No. 32 of 2026. The Immigration Services Agency describes two pillars. First, the creation of JESTA, an electronic travel authorization system. Second, an increase in the statutory ceiling on fees for permission to change status of residence and related procedures. The "ceiling" is the maximum set by law; the amount you actually pay is fixed separately within that range. So the amendment itself does not set the price you will be charged — it widens the legal room for an increase. JESTA is newly "created," meaning no such electronic travel authorization framework existed in the Immigration Act before. Alongside the Immigration Act, the special-provisions act on landing applications by holders of certain passports was also amended. Note that this Agency page does not state an effective date or specific fee amounts; it gives the promulgation date of June 5, 2026 and links to the outline of the amendment and related laws.
The impact splits into two situations. First, the cost of residence procedures. What was raised is the statutory ceiling, not the amount billed to you. So if you plan to apply for a change of status or an extension, check the Immigration Services Agency's published figure for the current amount right before you file. Fees arise per application, so households filing for several family members, and employers covering staff procedure costs, will feel the timing of any confirmed amount directly in their budget. Second, pre-travel procedures. JESTA now has a legal basis as an electronic travel authorization system. The scope of travellers covered, how to apply and when it starts are not stated on this page, so if you plan a short-term visit to Japan, keep monitoring the Agency's press releases and update notices. If you already live in Japan with a residence card, your day-to-day administrative routines do not change immediately because of this promulgation.
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.