Japan immigration news
Every Visa Watch update about Japan, newest first. Each story is checked against official government sources before it is published, and one an official source has not published yet is clearly marked as reported, not confirmed.
Visa Watch is a research summary, not immigration advice or a complete record of every change. Always check the linked source before applying, making a payment or relying on a deadline.
JapanProposed changeNot confirmed by an official source
Japan weighs a cap on immigration: Prime Minister Takaichi announces a foreign resident policy to be decided by March
On 13 October 2026, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said her government will finish writing Japan's basic policy on accepting foreign residents by the end
Week of 12 October 2026Photo: Sorasak
JapanRules changed
Want to stay in Japan for good? It just got harder: income, pension and Japanese now tested
The Immigration Services Agency, the government office that decides residence cases, published revised permanent residence guidelines on 1 October 2026
Week of 28 September 2026Photo: David Edelstein
JapanFees and availability
Staying in Japan just got a lot more expensive: permanent residence now 200,000 yen
From 1 October 2026, Japan charges much more for residence permits. Permanent residence now costs 200,000 yen, 20 times the old fee of 10,000 yen
Week of 28 September 2026Photo: Sorasak
Japan by day and by week
- Japan immigration changes: week of 12 October 2026Week of 12 October 2026
- Japan immigration changes: week of 28 September 2026Week of 28 September 2026