Visa
Panama Added to Japan’s Working Holiday ProgrammeNew!!
Japan and Panama launched their Working Holiday Programme in November 2026. This brings the number of countries and regions participating in Japan’s programme to 33. The annual quota for working holiday visas issued to Panamanian nationals is 100. The programme allows participants to spend their holidays in the partner country while gaining a deeper understanding […]
Guidelines for Permanent Residence Permission Officially Revised
In our column published on August 17 this year, we introduced the proposed revisions to the guidelines for permanent residence permission. Following a public comment period, the guidelines were officially revised on October 1, 2026. This article explains when the new criteria apply, for those considering applying for permanent residence permission. In principle, the revised […]
Important Points When Applying for an Extension of Period of Stay
When a foreign national holding a work-authorized status of residence, such as “Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services,” applies for an extension of the period of stay, the Immigration Services Agency will carefully review the actual nature of the applicant’s work. Not only the nature of the work but also the volume of work will be reviewed. […]
Foreign Nationals with “Dependent” Status Can Now Work Part-Time at Pachinko Parlors and Similar Establishments
From October 1, 2026, foreign nationals residing in Japan under the “Dependent” status of residence are permitted to work part-time at pachinko parlors and other amusement businesses, provided that they meet certain requirements and obtain individual permission to engage in an activity other than that permitted under their status of residence.An important point is that even […]
Tuberculosis Clearance Certificate Will Be Required for Indonesian Nationals
Japan has been gradually introducing pre-entry tuberculosis (TB) screening for foreign nationals who intend to stay in Japan for a medium to long term.The implementation schedule for Indonesia has now been announced. Medical examinations at designated panel clinics are scheduled to begin on November 2, 2026, and the submission of a “TB Clearance Certificate” will be required […]
Payment Methods for Online Residence Application Fees Changed in October 2026
For residence procedures applied for online on or after October 1, 2026, the method of paying fees upon approval has changed.Instead of paying with revenue stamps as before, fees are now paid by convenience store payment or bank payment. Internet banking can also be used for bank payments.Once the application has been reviewed, an email notifying […]
Fees for Residence Procedures Will Be Revised from October 1, 2026
Until now, the fees for residence procedures other than Permanent Residence Permission, such as applications for a change of status of residence or an extension of the period of stay, have been ¥6,000 for applications submitted at an immigration office and ¥5,500 for online applications. For applications submitted on or after October 1, 2026, these […]
A Five-Year Period of Stay Will Be Added for “Specified Skilled Worker (ii)”
Until now, the available periods of stay for the status of residence of “Specified Skilled Worker (ii)” have been three years, two years, one year, or six months.A new five-year period of stay will now be added.Other work-authorized statuses of residence have already offered a five-year period of stay, while “Specified Skilled Worker” has not. […]
Sole Proprietors Can Also Employ Foreign Nationals with “Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services” Status of Residence
Most foreign nationals with the status of residence of “Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services” work for companies. However, sole proprietors can also employ foreign nationals under this status of residence.The work to be performed must fall within the scope of the status of residence, such as professional or intellectual work involving planning, management, analysis, or design […]
Guidelines for Permanent Residence Permission to Be Revised
The Guidelines for Permanent Residence Permission in Japan are set to be revised.The main proposed changes are as follows: 1. Requirement for Financial Independence Applicants will be required to have financial circumstances that are currently, and are expected to remain in the future, at a level equal to or higher than that of Japanese nationals.More […]