Foreign Nationals with “Dependent” Status Can Now Work Part-Time at Pachinko Parlors and Similar EstablishmentsNew!!
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 […]
Japan’s Wills System to Be Reformed: Wills Can Be Created Using a Computer
On June 17, 2026, a law to reform Japan’s wills system was enacted and was promulgated on June 24. Under the current system, a holographic will (a handwritten will) must, in principle, be handwritten in its entirety by the testator, except for certain parts such as an inventory of assets. Under the revised system, a […]
Japan’s Adult Guardianship System to Be Reformed: “Guardianship” and “Curatorship” to Be Abolished
On June 17, 2026, a law to amend Japan’s adult guardianship system was enacted and was promulgated on June 24. Under the current adult guardianship system, there are three categories depending on the degree of a person’s decision-making capacity: “Guardianship” (Koken), “Curatorship” (Hosa), and “Assistance” (Hojo). Under the new system, “Guardianship” and “Curatorship” will be […]
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. […]
Important Points to Keep in Mind When Applying for Naturalization
The requirements for naturalization in Japan are reviewed and revised from time to time.One area that requires particular attention is the timely payment of taxes, pension contributions, and health insurance premiums.In the past, even if payments were made after the due date, an application could still be approved as long as there were no outstanding […]
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 […]