Japan

What changed

Starting from 1 October 2026, the Immigration Services Agency in Japan will put new rules into practice for reducing or exempting residence permit fees. These changes, introduced through an amendment to the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act, apply to fees for changing your residence status, extending your period of stay, and getting permanent residence. The aim of these measures is to help people who are struggling financially, as well as those with diplomatic or official statuses, and certain 'Designated Activities' residents.

What changed

Japan is tightening the permanent residence (PR) review process for foreign residents. The Immigration Services Agency published a revised PR guideline on 24 February 2026 and has since proposed further changes. The proposed changes would make financial stability and compliance with public obligations more explicit and would introduce clearer income-related standards. The new framework is expected to take effect from 1 October 2026, subject to finalisation.

What changed

Japan has given more foreign people access to its JAPAN eVISA system. Eligible people living in more countries and regions can now apply online for a short-term tourist visa. As of 15 May 2026, the system works for eligible people living in Australia, Brazil, Cambodia, Canada, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Taiwan, the United Kingdom, and the United States. It also works for eligible people living in China, the Philippines, Viet Nam, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Macau, Mongolia, South Korea, Singapore, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Different application rules apply to these last countries. The electronic visa (eVISA) is currently for single-entry tourism trips that last up to 90 days. It does not cover work, study, family visits, or other long-term reasons to travel.

What changed

Japan has expanded the Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) programme to cover additional industries experiencing labour shortages. The expansion follows a 23 January 2026 Cabinet decision, which established new sectors and occupational categories under the SSW system. Japan's Immigration Services Agency confirms that the newly established sectors are being incorporated into the programme. The SSW programme is Japan's main work route for foreign workers with skills needed in specific labour-shortage industries. The programme now has a significantly broader sectoral scope than when it was introduced in 2019. Important: this is an expansion of an existing work-visa route. It does not create a general work visa for foreign nationals.