Japan’s Adult Guardianship System to Be Reformed: “Guardianship” and “Curatorship” to Be AbolishedNew!!
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 […]
Important Considerations When Changing Employers under the Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) Status of Residence
Many foreign nationals residing in Japan under the Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) Status of Residence wish to change employers. Unlike holders of most other work-related Statuses of Residence, even when changing to another employer within the same industrial field (work category), an Application for Change of Status of Residence is required. Even if you have already secured a new […]
By When Must a Company’s Capital Be Increased to 30 Million Yen or More for the "Business Manager" Status of Residence?
Due to a revision of the requirements for the "Business Manager" status of residence, the criterion for the total amount of property has been amended to: "The total amount of property allocated for the business pertaining to the application (including the amount of capital and the total amount of investment) must be 30 million yen […]
Misconception: Holding a "Construction Site Manager" Title Does Not Allow Individuals with an "Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services" Status of Residence to Perform Manual Site Work
Recently, we received an inquiry asking, "Can an employee with the 'Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services' status of residence perform manual on-site work if their title is 'Site Manager'?" In the construction industry, the scope of work permitted under the "Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services" status of residence is strictly limited to intellectual duties—such as planning, management, […]
Key Points to Keep in Mind When Foreign Nationals Change Jobs
It is not uncommon for individuals holding a work visa (status of residence) such as "Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services" to change jobs. However, there are crucial points you must keep in mind during this transition. The most critical period to watch out for is any gap (unemployed period) between the day you leave your previous […]