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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 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.
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 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 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.
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.