Immigration Policy
Updates on Japan’s immigration laws, guidelines and fees, and what they mean for applicants.
24 articles
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Foreign Residents in Japan Top 4 Million: What the 2025 Figures Show
Foreign residents in Japan reached 4,125,395 at the end of 2025, topping 4 million for the first time. Which nationalities and statuses drove the growth?
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New “5-Year Visa” Requirement for Permanent Residence (PR)
From April 2027, you will need a 5-year period of stay, not 3, to apply for permanent residence in Japan. Learn who the transitional rule protects.
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Revisions to the “Business Manager” Visa
Business Manager visa rules changed in October 2025: ¥30 million capital, a full-time employee, an expert-reviewed business plan, and B2-level Japanese.
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Promotion of Countermeasures against Illegal Employment of Foreign Nationals (Revised)
Four Japanese agencies revised their measures against illegal employment of foreign nationals in May 2024. Our translation of their analysis of recent trends.
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Trial of New System for Checking Foreigners Departing for Japan
Japan plans to trial a system in FY2024 in which airlines share passenger data at check-in so immigration can flag travelers likely to be refused entry.
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Digital Nomad Visa Released
Japan's Immigration Agency has released the details of a new visa for international remote workers, the Digital Nomad Visa. The visa is available to citizens of 49 countries.
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3.4 Million Foreign Residents in Japan (2023)
Foreign residents in Japan hit a record 3,410,992 at the end of 2023. See the top nationalities and statuses of residence, led by China and Permanent Resident.
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Amendment Bill of Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act
In March 2024, the Cabinet approved a bill to replace Technical Intern Training and allow PR status to be revoked for deliberate non-payment of taxes.
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Excerpts from an official document “About the Permanent Resident Status” (September 2018)
Our translation of excerpts from a 2018 Immigration Bureau document on permanent residence, including local governments' requests for stricter tax checks.
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Tokyo Immigration Bureau Matsudo Branch Office expands coverage area
From April 1, 2024, Arakawa, Adachi, Katsushika, and Edogawa wards of Tokyo will be added to the area covered by the Matsudo Branch Office of the Tokyo Immigration Bureau.
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