Key Points for Hiring Foreign Nationals for Interpretation and Translation RolesNew!!
Many companies, such as those in the hospitality industry, employ foreign nationals for front-desk operations and similar roles. On Wednesday, April 15, 2026, the Japanese government released updated guidelines regarding the "Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services" status of residence. Specifically, these updates clarify the requirements for "interpersonal duties involving linguistic skills, such as translation and interpretation."The […]
New Required Documents for "Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services" Visa Applications
For applications submitted on or after Wednesday, April 15, 2026, organizations falling under Category 3 or 4 are now required to submit the following additional documents: Regarding Japanese language proficiency, applicants will be deemed to possess proficiency equivalent to CEFR B2 if they meet any of the following criteria:
Launch of the "Specified Residence Card" System Starting June 14, 2026
Based on the "Act to Partially Amend the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act," which was promulgated on June 21, 2024, the new "Specified Residence Card" (Tokutei Zairyu Card) system will officially begin on June 14, 2026.This Specified Residence Card integrates the My Number Card with the Residence Card. Previously, after renewing a period of […]
Residency Requirement for Naturalization Revised from 5 to 10 Years
Previously, one of the key requirements for naturalization was the residency requirement of "having resided in Japan continuously for at least five years." In other words, if an applicant had lived in Japan for five consecutive years and met other necessary criteria, they were eligible to apply for Japanese citizenship.In contrast, applying for Permanent Residency […]
What to Do After Renewing Your Residence Card
Foreign residents living in Japan hold a Residence Card (Zairyu Card), which has an expiration date (with the exception of Special Permanent Residents). To continue staying in Japan beyond this date, you must apply for and receive an "Extension of Period of Stay." Once your extension is successfully granted and you receive your new Residence Card, […]
To Companies Employing Foreign Nationals
Companies that employ full-time employees are legally obligated to enroll in labor and social insurance.However, some companies remain un-enrolled despite having this legal obligation. In the past, even if a company employing a foreign national was not enrolled in these insurance programs, the employee's application for an extension of period of stay was sometimes granted. […]
New Documentation Requirements for "Intra-company Transferee" Status
Starting April 1, 2026, individuals residing in Japan under the "Intra-company Transferee" status will be required to submit the following additional documents: Previously, immigration authorities occasionally requested photographs or other materials regarding the overseas office. However, moving forward, it is mandatory to present documents confirming the physical and operational existence of both the office prior to the transfer and the office in […]
Key Considerations When Accepting "Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services" Visa Holders via Temporary Staffing
Some companies choose to accept foreign nationals holding the "Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services" residence status through temporary staffing agencies (haken) rather than direct employment.The critical point to remember is that the specific duties performed at the host company must fall within the scope of activities permitted under the "Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services" visa.If the worker is assigned to tasks […]
A 5-Year Period of Stay Will Be Required for Permanent Residency Applications
Under the standard requirements for a Permanent Residency application, applicants must hold the longest period of stay permitted for their current status, as specified in the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act. Until now, as a provisional measure, individuals with a 3-year period of stay were eligible to apply.However, following the revision of the Guidelines for Permission […]
Is There a Risk of Japanese Naturalization Being Revoked?
Recently, there have been discussions suggesting that it should be possible to revoke the Japanese citizenship of naturalized individuals. In fact, some foreign nationals who visit our office express concern, asking, "Even if I naturalize, is there a risk that my Japanese citizenship could be taken away?"However, Japan does not recognize dual citizenship. Since naturalized […]