East Asia
Japan, South Korea, China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and more
Countries
Latest Updates
China foreigners can skip police desks with online filings launched Sept. 21
Foreigners in China can now register temporary residence online via the NIA platform or Alipay. The nationwide rollout launched Sept. 21 replaces police visits.
Hong Kong expands Short-term Visitors Scheme to 18 sectors Oct. 1
Hong Kong expands its Short-term Visitors Scheme to 18 sectors on Oct. 1. Invited non-local talent can work for 14 days without a visa and receive remuneration.
Japan shoppers must pay 10% tax upfront and claim refunds at departure Nov. 1
Starting Nov. 1, travelers in Japan must pay 10% consumption tax upfront and claim refunds at departure after Customs inspects goods before their flight.
Japan extends residency deadlines to Jan. 27 for disaster zone residents
Japan extends residency and card validity deadlines to Jan. 27 for foreign residents in Kumamoto earthquake zones. Eligible expats can also apply for work permits.
Narita T1 and T2 launch unified Japan border kiosks Sept. 24
Japan's Immigration Services Agency will roll out unified immigration and customs kiosks at Narita Airport Terminals 1 and 2 starting Sept. 24. Arriving digital nomads and travelers can submit entry declarations and biometric data in a single terminal step, shortening airport processing times.
Hong Kong launches remote e-Channel enrolment via mobile app Sept. 16
Eligible frequent travelers and digital nomads can now enroll for automated e-Channel border clearance via the Go Hong Kong mobile app as of Sept. 16.
Reciprocal fee parity ends discounts for Japanese digital nomads in China
China raised visa fees for Japanese passport holders on Sept. 14, increasing one-year multiple-entry costs to 50,250 yen to reach reciprocal fee parity.
China waives fingerprinting for stays under 180 days through Dec. 31
Chinese visa authorities overseas have exempted fingerprint collection for all short-term visa applicants with stays of up to 180 days through Dec. 31. Long-term visa categories requiring residence permits upon arrival, including Z and X1 visas, still require biometric scanning.
South Korea ends pension back-payments for expats without 15 days of stay
South Korea's National Pension Service now mandates that foreign nationals prove physical presence of at least 15 days per month to qualify for retroactive pension contributions. The rule prevents non-residents from making lump-sum back-payments to claim Korean pension benefits without residing in the country. Expats planning pension contributions must verify their immigration entry and exit records before applying.
South Korea lowers financial proof to 16 million won for regional D-2 visas
South Korea has launched the next phase of its Metropolitan Visa Program to attract foreign talent to regional areas facing labor shortages. Participating local governments will be able to sponsor foreign students on D-2 visas and skilled workers on E-7 visas with specialized regional incentives. The program creates expanded residency and work pathways for expats willing to live and work outside Seoul.
Japan raises permanent residence fees to 200,000 yen starting Oct. 1
Japan's Immigration Services Agency has released guidelines granting fee reductions and waivers for foreign residents facing severe financial hardship. The relief criteria arrive ahead of scheduled increases to visa application and extension fees starting Oct. 1.
South Korea requires 2 year residency for foreign land buyers through Aug. 25
South Korea extended its Foreign Land Transaction Permit System for another year on Aug. 20, keeping pre-approval and two-year residency rules for foreign homebuyers in Seoul and much of Gyeonggi and Incheon through Aug. 25, 2027.
South Korea watchdog urges labor ministry to end E-visa deportations Aug. 20
South Korea's Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission has called for new legal safeguards to prevent the deportation of foreign workers due to administrative mistakes by their employers. This shift could provide greater security for E-series and other work-permit holders who currently face immediate status loss for errors outside their control.
Japan weighs language course requirement for permanent residence applications
Japan has launched an expert panel to create a mandatory language and daily life adaptation program for medium- to long-term foreign residents. The government plans to integrate completion of this program into future residence status screenings and renewals.
Gyeonggi Province asks South Korea to grant foreign victims 0% interest loans
Gyeonggi Province is petitioning the central government to include foreign residents in financial and housing assistance programs for rental fraud victims. Currently, non-nationals are largely excluded from support despite being vulnerable to the 'jeonse' deposit system.
Taiwan grants 2 year work permit exemption for foreign graduates
A new policy allows foreign graduates of Taiwanese institutions to extend their residency for up to 24 months to find work. This change simplifies the transition from a student visa to a professional resident status for international talent.
Japan maintains 3 million yen income floor for Highly Skilled Professional visa
The Japanese government is increasing the minimum salary requirements for the Highly Skilled Professional residency status to prioritize high-earning talent. This change tightens eligibility for expats seeking the fast-track route to permanent residency and specialized work privileges.
South Korea brings D-2 and D-4 visa services to 10 campuses through Sept. 30
The Seoul Immigration Office is providing mobile registration services at 10 major universities to help international students complete residency documentation and part-time work permits. This initiative allows students to bypass traditional immigration office visits during the peak fall semester period.
Parents in South Korea can now skip office visits for minor entry and exit records
Foreign residents and expats in South Korea can now obtain their children's immigration certificates through the Government24 portal. This digital service eliminates the need for parents to visit physical immigration offices for routine residency and school documentation.
Will Japan cap foreign residents by visa status or region?
The Japanese government has launched a working group to consider setting maximum limits on the number of foreign residents allowed in the country. This potential shift toward restrictive immigration policies could impact long-term work-related visas and residency renewals for expats.