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Japan
Tokyo
Japan to deny visa renewals for unpaid health insurance starting June 2027
Over 100 Japanese municipalities are now sharing National Health Insurance delinquency records with immigration authorities. Expats and long-term residents who fail to pay premiums face potential denials for visa renewals or changes of status.
Japan yen hits 161 per dollar as nomads see lower local costs
The Japanese yen has dropped to its lowest level against the US dollar since 1986, significantly increasing purchasing power for foreign nomads and expats. While this reduces local costs for those with foreign income, travelers should monitor potential government intervention that could cause sudden exchange rate volatility.
Japan fines cyclists 12,000 yen for phone use as pedestrian warnings rise
Authorities in Japan are highlighting increased collision risks and injuries caused by pedestrians using smartphones in high-traffic transit hubs. Expats and tourists are advised to remain alert in crowded areas like Shinjuku and Shibuya to avoid accidents or local fines.
Sanseito bill seeks to replace Japan Immigration Services Agency with new office
A bill submitted to the Japanese parliament seeks to replace the Immigration Services Agency with a new body focused on centralized foreign national policy. The proposal signals a political shift toward tighter immigration controls and more rigorous monitoring of resident foreigners.
Japan merges immigration ID and My Number into Specified Residence Card
Japan is launching an integrated residence card that combines immigration status with the My Number digital ID system. The new IC-chip cards will streamline local administrative tasks, banking, and healthcare access for foreign residents starting in 2026.
Japan issues electronic 90 day tourist visas through the JAPAN eVISA portal
Eligible foreign nationals can now apply for short-term Japanese tourist visas through a dedicated online portal, eliminating the need for paper-based applications at consulates. This digital shift streamlines entry for nomads and travelers from supported countries who do not qualify for visa-free entry.
Japan AI cyber unit screens job ads to find 0 illegal foreign residents
Japan's Immigration Services Agency is launching a dedicated unit using AI and data analytics to monitor social media for visa violations. Digital nomads and expats must ensure strict adherence to work permissions as authorities ramp up digital enforcement against unauthorized side jobs.
Japan hikes permanent residence fees to 200,000 yen and adds JESTA screening
Japan is set to increase fees for residence extensions, status changes, and permanent residency applications. The bill also introduces JESTA, a mandatory pre-arrival screening system for visa-exempt short-term visitors similar to the U.S. ESTA.
Japan enforces 14 day reporting rule for residence card holders
Japan is tightening residency compliance by requiring foreign residents to report address or employer changes within 14 days. Failure to comply with these updated notification rules can lead to fines or the revocation of residence status.
Japan halts Specified Skilled Worker applications as 50,000 cap nears April 13
Japan has suspended new applications for the food service sector under the Specified Skilled Worker program after reaching its annual intake cap. This freeze limits pathways for international workers seeking residency through hospitality roles until the next quota cycle begins.
Japan switches to tax refunds for tourists and nomads starting Nov. 1
Japan is overhauling its tax-free shopping system to require tourists and short-term visitors to pay tax-inclusive prices upfront. Starting Nov. 1, shoppers will claim their 10% VAT refunds at departure terminals via digital QR codes instead of receiving immediate discounts at the point of sale.
Japan maintains visa free entry for 70 regions under Temporary Visitor scheme
Travelers from 71 countries can enter Japan for up to 90 days without a visa provided they hold a valid e-passport. This remains the primary entry method for short-term digital nomads and remote workers while the dedicated nomad visa undergoes further refinement.
Japan raises Business Manager capital requirement to 30 million yen Oct. 16
Japan is significantly tightening criteria for the Business Manager visa by increasing the required capital to 30 million yen and mandating a local employee. Applicants will also need to demonstrate JLPT N2-level Japanese proficiency, creating a much higher barrier for foreign entrepreneurs.
Japan Increases Departure Tax for International Travelers
On April 6, 2026, reports indicated Japan will triple its international tourist tax (departure tax) from JPY 1,000 (~USD 6.27) to JPY 3,000 (~USD 18.80), effective July 1, 2026. The tax is bundled into airline/cruise tickets and applies to Japanese citizens and foreign residents (including on work/study visas) when leaving the country. This raises costs for travelers, digital nomads, and expats departing Japan.
Japan Updates Residency Rules for Naturalization
Expats seeking Japanese citizenship now face a residency requirement that has doubled to 10 years, along with stricter financial and social insurance audits.
Japan Updates Permanent Residence Rules for Expats
Starting March 2, 2026, applicants for Japanese Permanent Residence must hold the maximum authorized period of stay for their current visa category. This change adds a strict eligibility layer for long-term expats, as those with shorter 1-year or 3-year renewals will no longer qualify until they secure the longest available term.
Japan Updates Visa Fees and Border Security Rules
Japan is significantly increasing statutory ceilings for visa fees, with permanent residency applications potentially rising to ¥300,000. Additionally, the new JESTA system will require visa-exempt travelers to obtain electronic pre-clearance before entering the country.
Kyoto Rolls Out Tiered Accommodation Tax
Travelers and nomads staying in Kyoto will face increased accommodation taxes, particularly for high-end stays, raising the daily cost of living in the city.
Japan Updates Permanent Residency Rules for Long-Term Residents
Japan now requires applicants to hold a five-year visa, up from three years, to qualify for permanent residency. The updated guidelines also include stricter screening of tax and health insurance payment history for all applicants.