JapanImmigration & ResidencyRegulatory changes detected in official sources — tracked continuously by GovToDate's monitoring.
Last detection: 28 September 2026
What changes: A new residence status, "Care Work," has been established. This status is for individuals who have graduated from a care worker training institution in Japan and obtained the qualification of certified care worker. The period of stay is 5 years, 3 years, 1 year, or 3 months.
What changes: To promote the acceptance of foreign nationals with advanced specialized abilities, a new residence status, "Highly Skilled Professional 1," has been established. Additionally, "Highly Skilled Professional 2" has been created for those who have resided for a certain period, offering significantly relaxed activity restrictions and an indefinite period of stay.
What changes: To broadly accept foreign nationals engaged in business management activities in Japanese companies, the name of the residence status "Investor/Business Manager" has been changed to "Business Manager." This change allows for the management of domestic capital companies under the same residence status.
What changes: New residence statuses, "Specified Skilled Worker 1" and "Specified Skilled Worker 2," have been established. This establishes a system for accepting foreign nationals with specific expertise and skills in certain industrial fields.
What changes: The JESTA (Electronic Travel Authorization System) has been established, and the maximum fee amount for permission to change residence status, etc., has been increased. This revision is based on the Act Partially Amending the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act, etc. (Law No. 32 of Reiwa 8).
What changes: From October 1, 2026, the amount of fees for residence permits will be revised. The method of payment for fees for permits or issuances for online applications will also change.
What changes: The guidelines for permanent residency were revised on February 24, 2026. Key changes include a review of the legal requirements (especially the 10-year residency period, not having received fines or imprisonment, fulfillment of public duties, etc.) and special exceptions to the general 10-year residency rule (for spouses and children of Japanese nationals, permanent residents, special permanent r
What changes: Ministerial ordinances and other regulations concerning landing standards for the "Business Manager" status of residence have been revised. This revision affects handling of applications, points to note during implementation, Q&A, revised articles, and application documents.
What changes: Information is provided regarding the Law Partially Amending the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act and the Law on Special Provisions for Landing Applications by Foreigners Possessing Passports under Article 2, Item 5 (b) of the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act.
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