East Asia
Japan, South Korea, China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and more
Countries
Latest Updates
Hong Kong Updates Investment Rules for Holding Companies
Effective March 2026, the New Capital Investment Entrant Scheme (CIES) will remove the six-month incorporation requirement for private holding companies. This change offers high-net-worth investors greater flexibility in structuring their qualifying investments for residency.
South Korea Updates Immigration Strategy for Skilled Workers
The South Korean government has launched a comprehensive strategy to expand high-skilled visa pathways and create new residency channels for foreign vocational graduates. The plan includes a regional immigration package aimed at depopulated areas, offering more long-term residency options for those willing to work outside major cities.
South Korea Updates Skilled Employment Visas
The Ministry of Justice is consolidating 39 employment visas into three skill-based levels and expanding Top-Tier Visa eligibility for science and tech professionals. New visa categories, including the E-7-M for technical graduates, aim to simplify the path for skilled foreign workers and researchers.
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.
Hong Kong Updates Visa Renewal Window for Talent Schemes
The Hong Kong Immigration Department has expanded the visa renewal filing window from four weeks to 90 days for six major talent schemes, including the GEP and QMAS. This change allows expats more time to process extensions and significantly reduces the risk of accidental overstaying.
Mongolia Faces New U.S. Visa Bond Requirements
Mongolia has requested the U.S. to exempt its citizens from a new visa bond program requiring up to $15,000 for B1/B2 visas. While this primarily affects Mongolian nationals traveling to the U.S., it signals potential shifts in bilateral travel relations and reciprocity that may impact long-term exchange programs.
Taiwan Updates Residency Designations for South Koreans
Starting March 1, 2026, Taiwan will update its immigration system to label South Korea as 'South Korea' rather than 'Korea' on official documents. This change will primarily affect South Korean nationals holding Alien Resident Certificates (ARC) and other official residency permits in Taiwan.
How Taiwan’s Residency and Pension Reforms Work for Foreign Professionals
Taiwan has implemented new measures allowing foreign professionals to access the national pension and employment insurance systems. Additionally, high-level specialist professionals can now qualify for permanent residency in as little as one year under specific conditions.
Inside Taiwan's Residency Paths for Top University Graduates
Effective January 1, 2026, Taiwan is shortening the pathway to permanent residency and easing work permit requirements for graduates from the world's top 500 universities. The updates also allow graduates from the top 200 universities to apply for work permits directly, bypassing certain employer-led restrictions.
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.
Inside China’s Expanded Transit Policies and Digital Entry
China is expanding its 30-day visa-waiver and 240-hour transit-free programs to more nationalities and ports of entry. Additionally, a new nationwide e-arrival-card system will be implemented by the end of Q2 to streamline the entry process for international travelers.
Why Taiwan is Becoming a Top Choice for Global Talent
The 2026 Talent Act reforms shorten the path to permanent residency from five years to three for qualified professionals. The update also eases work permit requirements for graduates from top global universities and simplifies administrative processes for foreign residents.
China Tightens Work Permit Rules for Older Expats
Shanghai has introduced a one-year work permit extension buffer for expats aged 60-65, while Guangzhou now requires new work permits before residence permit updates during job transfers. Additionally, B-category approvals for those over 60 are tightening, and parents of foreign newborns face a strict two-month visa application deadline.
Hong Kong Updates e-Channel Access for Frequent Visitors
Visitors who have entered Hong Kong twice in the past two years are now eligible for the e-Channel automated immigration program. Additionally, fingerprint collection has been removed for e-passport holders to further accelerate airport processing times.
South Korea Updates Top-Tier and K-core Visa Paths
South Korea has launched the 2030 Immigration Policy Future Strategy, introducing the K-core visa for junior college graduates and expanding Top-Tier visa eligibility for researchers. These changes aim to streamline residency paths for high-tech professionals and skilled regional workers.
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.
Mongolia Extends Visa-Free Access for Australians and New Zealanders
The Mongolian government has extended the 30-day visa-free entry program for Australian and New Zealand passport holders through December 31, 2026. This extension facilitates short-term stays for tourism, scouting, or initial business meetings under the 'Years to Visit Mongolia' initiative.
Hong Kong Updates Work Visa Renewal Rules
Foreign employees and their dependents can now apply for visa extensions up to three months before expiry, a significant increase from the previous four-week limit. This change applies to major schemes including the General Employment Policy and Quality Migrant Admission Scheme, reducing administrative pressure for residents.
Taiwan and Japan Double Working Holiday Visa Limits
Taiwan and Japan have updated their bilateral agreement to allow citizens to obtain a working holiday visa twice in their lifetime, up from the previous limit of one. This change, effective February 1, provides young travelers and remote workers more flexibility to live and work in either country for extended periods.
Taiwan Updates Stay Limits for Digital Nomad Visas
Taiwan has updated its Digital Nomad Visa policy, significantly increasing the maximum stay from six months to two years for eligible remote workers. The program is available to citizens of visa-exempt countries who meet specific salary requirements or hold existing digital nomad credentials.