Latest Information on Residence Status
Genichi.HirayamaTightening of Business Manager Visa Requirements
・Tightening of Business Manager Visa Requirements
As of October 16, 2025, the requirements for obtaining the “Business Manager” status of residence have become more stringent. The main changes include:
・A minimum capital of 3 million yen
・Employment of at least one full-time employee who is a Japanese national or permanent resident
・Evaluation of the business plan by a certified expert
Individuals who obtained the “Business Manager” status before October 16, 2025 will also be required to meet these new standards when renewing their status on or after October 16, 2028. For more detailed information, please feel free to contact us.
Significant Increase in Residence-Related Fees
Significant Increase in Residence-Related Fees
On March 10, 2026, the Japanese government formally decided to significantly raise the fees for residence-related procedures.Although the exact amounts have not yet been finalized, the increase is scheduled to take effect sometime in 2026, and some fees may rise to as much as 30 times their current levels.
Temporary Suspension of Accepting Specified Skilled Workers (Food Service Sector)
Temporary Suspension of Accepting Specified Skilled Workers (Food Service Sector)
Effective April 13, 2026, the acceptance of new Specified Skilled Workers in the Food Service Sector will be temporarily suspended. This measure is being implemented because the number of Specified Skilled Workers in the food service field is expected to reach the sector‑specific upper limit.
Tightening of Naturalization Procedures
Tightening of Naturalization Procedures
At a government meeting on January 23, 2026, proposed revisions to Japan’s naturalization procedures were discussed.Unlike the permanent residency guidelines, no detailed standards have been formally presented yet. However, it is expected that the requirements for naturalization applications will become stricter than they are now. For more details, please contact an administrative scrivener specializing in residence status matters.
