East Asia
Japan, South Korea, China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and more
Countries
Latest Updates
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.
63% of Shanghai foreign arrivals use China visa-free policies and 240-hour stays
Shanghai ports recorded 467,000 foreign visitors in July, with the majority utilizing China's expanded visa-free and 240-hour transit visa-free policies. These options are increasingly facilitating short-term stays and stopovers for international travelers and nomads transiting through the region.
New unified framework for China entry and exit starts Sept. 15
China will implement new exit-entry administration regulations on Sept. 15 to standardize application procedures for visas and residence permits. Current 15-day visa-free entry and 240-hour transit exemptions for select nationalities remain in effect through Dec. 31.
Taiwan ends provisional diploma use for student visas in Vietnam
Taiwanese representative offices now require original high school diplomas instead of provisional certificates for student visa applications. This change is causing significant processing delays and potential enrollment issues for incoming international students.
Japan adds 5-year Specified Skilled Worker Type 2 stays starting Jan. 7
Japan is introducing a standardized five-year residency period for Type 2 Specified Skilled Workers starting in early 2027. This update replaces shorter, variable stay durations and provides a more stable path for long-term foreign professionals in the country.
Taiwan ended TAC access for Cambodia passport holders Aug. 1
Cambodian nationals will no longer be eligible for the Guanhong Project or the Travel Authorization Certificate program. Travelers from Cambodia must now apply for standard visas to enter Taiwan as eased group and conditional entry rules expire.
Vietnam accounts for 98,000 long-term arrivals in South Korea as China falls to 2nd
Vietnam has become the leading source of international visitors to South Korea, signaling a major shift in regional travel patterns. Travelers and expats should monitor potential changes in flight frequency, tour availability, and seasonal pricing as airlines adjust capacity to meet rising Southeast Asian demand.
South Korea adds international students to visa quota analysis starting in 2026
The Ministry of Justice has enacted a pre-announcement system that uses immigration and economic data to manage visa limits. This systematic approach will affect the availability of long-term visas for international students and overseas Koreans, impacting future residency planning.
Japan targets JESTA predeparture checks for visa-free travelers by March
Japan is introducing the Japan Electronic System for Travel Authorization (JESTA) to screen foreign visitors from visa-exempt countries before arrival. The system requires travelers to declare their purpose of stay and personal details online, mirroring the U.S. ESTA model to prevent illegal overstays.
Japan requires income above national average for Permanent Residency Oct. 1
Starting April 2027, Japan will tighten permanent residency requirements by requiring applicants to earn more than the national household average. Foreign residents must also meet specific pension contribution thresholds to qualify for long-term status.
Until Dec. 31 travelers can skip the K-ETA for South Korea visit
South Korea is extending its visa-free entry policy for citizens of 110 countries, including the US, Canada, and Schengen nations. This extension simplifies short-term stays for tourists and business visitors while providing a streamlined entry path for prospective digital nomads exploring the country.
Japan adds 230 immigration officers to tighten traveler screening
Japan is increasing its enforcement staff to identify travelers at risk of overstaying or working illegally. Digital nomads and tourists may face stricter questioning and more rigorous document checks at airports and seaports.
14-day Philippine visa waiver for Taiwan stays active through June 30
Taiwanese travelers and residents can continue to enter the Philippines for up to 14 days without a visa following a formal extension of the waiver program. This extension maintains ease of access for short-term scouting trips or regional workations for those based in Taiwan.
South Korea F-1-D Workation visa stay increases to 3 years as program turns permanent
South Korea has officially launched its F-1-D digital nomad visa with a maximum stay extended to 3 years. The program now features reduced income requirements for younger applicants and those choosing to reside outside the Seoul metropolitan area.
Taiwan expands eVisa access to 20 more nationalities including Russia
Taiwan has expanded its electronic visa system to include citizens from 20 additional nations, including Russia, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan. This update simplifies the entry process for travelers from these regions by allowing for online applications instead of physical consulate visits.
South Korea drops elite degree rules for K-Tech Pass in new Type 3 track
South Korea has launched a new evaluation track for its K-Tech Pass program that prioritizes technical expertise and hiring needs over salary or degree prestige. This change allows skilled foreign professionals in advanced industries to qualify for residency based on qualitative merit rather than strict quantitative metrics.