Visa & Immigration
Will Permanent Residency Get Harder to Obtain? Japan's Proposed Income, Pension, and Spousal Rule Changes
Since July 2026, reports have described tighter income and pension requirements for Japan's permanent residency. Here is what is — and isn't — official yet, and what to prepare now.
What Happens to Technical Intern Training? Preparing Now for Japan's 2027 'Ikusei Shuro' Switch
Applications for the new visa framework replacing Technical Intern Training — 'Ikusei Shuro' (Employment for Skill Development) — opened on 1 September 2026, ahead of its full launch on 1 April 2027. Here's what current interns and hiring companies can check now.
How Much Will Your Residence Status Renewal Cost? Japan's October 2026 Fee Changes Explained
On August 25, 2026, Japan's government finalized the revised fee schedule for residence procedures. Starting with applications from October 1, permanent residence fees are set to rise from ¥10,000 to ¥200,000, and status change/renewal fees to a maximum of ¥75,000. Here's what's changing, when, and by how much.
Can You Keep Working in Japan After Graduation? Switching from a Student to a Work Visa
For international students graduating from a Japanese university or vocational school, here's what the change-of-status application for a work visa actually checks, and how to prepare.
Can You Get a Business Manager Visa Just by Buying Property in Japan? Capital and Business Plan Essentials
With foreign visitor numbers to Japan falling year on year for the first time in five years in the first half of 2026, interest in relocating through property investment and a business manager visa hasn't slowed. Here's what actually gets checked around capital, office space, and the business plan.
Can Buying Property in Japan Get You a Long-Term Visa? What the Business Manager Visa Actually Requires
Owning real estate in Japan doesn't grant residency status. Here's what the Business Manager visa actually requires — investment thresholds, office requirements, and what gets checked at renewal.
How Many Years to Permanent Residence in Japan? Terms and Fast Tracks
The core requirements for permanent residence, how the Highly Skilled Professional points system shortens the residence term, and the tax and pension records to get in order first.
What Does the Business Manager Visa Require After the October 2025 Reform?
The October 2025 amendment raised the capital threshold to ¥30 million and added new conditions. Here is the current picture, and how real estate can qualify as a genuine business.