News
News for foreign residents of Japan
Short briefs on rule changes that affect non-Japanese residents, each with the original report and the guide to read next. We summarize in our own words and cite the source. Rules change: check the date on each brief.
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Japan tightens permanent residency rules: income test, pension check, longer spouse route
ISA revised its permanent residency guideline on Oct 1, 2026: income above the Japanese household average, a pension test and a longer spouse route.
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ISA publishes guideline on revoking permanent residency, in force from April 2027
ISA's guideline on revoking permanent residency starts April 1, 2027: deliberate non-payment of tax or insurance, or listed crimes. Default is a status change.
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Japan raises residence procedure fees: ¥75,000 for a 5-year renewal, ¥200,000 for PR
From Oct 1, 2026 Japan's residence fees depend on the period granted: up to ¥75,000 at the counter for a 5-year renewal and ¥200,000 for permanent residency.
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Japan plans to refuse visa renewals over unpaid pension and health insurance from 2027
Japan plans to deny status renewals or changes to foreign residents with unpaid national pension or health insurance premiums from 2027. What it means for you.
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New business manager visa entrants fall 81% in first half of 2026 after rules tightened
Kyodo reports new business manager (経営・管理) visa entrants fell 80.9% to 635 in the first half of 2026, after the October 2025 tightening.
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Japan's foreign resident count hits a record 4.28 million; Nepal, Indonesia and Myanmar grow fastest
ISA figures for end-June 2026: 4,281,026 foreign residents, a record. Nepal, Indonesia and Myanmar grew fastest; specified skilled workers up 54,000.
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Japan's minimum wage rises to a national average of ¥1,177, with Tokyo at ¥1,280
Regional minimum wages rise from Oct 1, 2026: national average ¥1,177 an hour, Tokyo ¥1,280, Miyazaki ¥1,085. Start dates differ by prefecture, through Dec 2.
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Residence card and My Number card can now be combined into one: the Specified Residence Card
Since June 14, 2026 you can merge your residence card and My Number card into one. It is optional. Who qualifies, where to apply, and the Oct 1 fee change.