Moving to Japan 2026: Key Immigration Changes to Know

Planning a move to Japan in 2026 is an exciting prospect for many prospective expatriates, professionals, students, and families, especially those considering buying property in Tokyo. However, a series of significant immigration policy updates are on the horizon that could impact how you live, work, and settle in Japan. From visa fee hikes to new residency requirements, understanding these changes will help prospective residents plan their move with confidence and clarity.

Visa And Permanent Residency Fees: A New Cost Landscape

One of the most tangible changes set for fiscal year 2026 (beginning April 2026) is a substantial increase in immigration-related fees. The Japanese government plans to overhaul its fee structure to bring residence and visa application costs more in line with Western countries. This represents the first major overhaul since the existing fee cap was established decades ago. Application fees for changing your residence status or renewing your period of stay could jump from just ¥6,000 to between ¥30,000 and ¥40,000, while the fee for applying for permanent residency may escalate to ¥100,000 or more. To enact this, lawmakers will need to revise the current laws that cap fees at ¥10,000, including property laws that intersect with residency and real estate regulations.

For anyone planning to move to Japan with long-term intentions, whether on a work visa, student visa, or eventually seeking permanent residency, this shift will be a key financial consideration. While fee increases are intended to support improved immigration processing and services, they also mean you’ll need to budget more thoughtfully for administrative expenses.

Changes In Visa Categories And Requirements

Japan is also refining the criteria for certain visas, particularly those designed to attract foreign entrepreneurs and professionals. For example, the requirements for the Business Manager visa, a popular route for foreign entrepreneurs looking to establish or manage companies in Japan, have become considerably stricter. Applicants now must invest at least ¥30 million and hire at least one full-time employee to be eligible. Additional expectations, such as Japanese language proficiency at around a JLPT N2 (equivalent to B2) level, may also be encouraged to ensure smooth business operations.

Alongside these stricter standards, Japan has introduced a new Digital Nomad visa category. This allows remote workers to legally reside in Japan for up to six months while working for foreign employers or their own overseas business. This visa doesn’t currently allow extensions, but does permit immediate family members to accompany the applicant – a unique advantage for nomad families exploring life in Japan.

These visa adjustments show a dual strategy: tightening criteria where needed while also innovating to attract fresh talent and global professionals. If you’re thinking about living and working in Japan, it’s worthwhile to review which visa category aligns with your lifestyle and career goals.

Residency Status And Renewal Rules

Another area seeing change concerns how residency statuses are treated and renewed. Immigration authorities are scrutinising compliance with Japanese public insurance and pension payments more closely than before. Beginning in 2027, gaps in programmes such as National Health Insurance and pension contributions could negatively affect your ability to renew your residence status, even for students and dependents. Foreign residents who fail to settle arrears or demonstrate participation in payment plans may face renewal denials.

This stricter vetting is part of a broader effort to ensure fairness between foreign residents and Japanese contributors, while addressing imbalances caused by unpaid premiums and administrative costs. It’s an important reminder that integration into Japan’s social systems, beyond merely holding a visa, can affect your long-term residency prospects.

Evolving Permanent Residency Criteria

Permanent residency (PR) in Japan has historically been a coveted but complex goal. Expectations for PR applicants could become more demanding as immigration authorities consider raising the residency requirement. Under discussion is a move away from accepting a three-year stay period as equivalent to the longest residency, and a potential increase in the standard minimum to five or more years. This would raise the bar for many professionals and families aiming for long-term settlement.

There’s also a broader policy debate underway about shifting naturalisation and PR frameworks to include requirements such as Japanese language proficiency and stronger income standards. These discussions are part of drafting a new basic guideline for foreign residents’ policy.

If permanent residency is part of your long-term plan for living in Japan, keeping up with these potential changes is critical. Applying sooner under existing rules may be beneficial for some applicants before new criteria take effect.

Resident Documentation: MyNa Residence Card Introduction

For convenience in daily life, Japan is set to introduce a new “MyNa Residence Card” on 14 June 2026. This will combine your Residence Card with your My Number Card (identification number), potentially simplifying administrative tasks such as renewals, tax procedures, and interaction with municipal services. The card also offers longer validity for PR holders for up to ten years (or five years for minors), reducing the frequency of renewals.

This integration streamlines documentation and signatures, creating a more user-friendly experience for foreign residents. If you’re planning to relocate to Japan, this change could significantly reduce bureaucratic complexity.

What's Ahead For Foreign Workers And Society

Beyond administrative tweaks and fee changes, Japan continues to evaluate its broader immigration posture in light of demographic shifts and economic needs. For instance, policies are in development that would cap the number of certain foreign workers under new skill-based systems beginning in 2027. This reflects a balancing act between drawing in skilled international talent and addressing domestic concerns about immigration levels.

While the precise effects on the everyday migrant experience remain to be fully seen, this context highlights that Japan’s immigration landscape is in flux — and likely to stay that way in the coming years.

Final Thoughts

Moving to Japan in 2026 presents both exciting opportunities and evolving challenges. With visa fees rising, stricter eligibility requirements, changes to residency and PR criteria, and new documentation procedures like the MyNa Residence Card, planning ahead has never been more important.

At JP Homes, we understand that relocating to Japan is about more than finding a home. It’s about building a life in a vibrant, welcoming country. Whether you’re navigating new visa rules or exploring residential options, JP Homes is here to help guide you every step of the way.