Will Japan’s Visa Renewal Become Stricter in 2026? A Review of 2025 Immigration Policy and What to Expect Next Year
🇯🇵 日本語版はこちら
This article is also available in Japanese.
The year 2025 marked a turning point in Japan’s immigration administration. With stronger coordination at the Cabinet level, immigration policy has begun to shift toward clearer standards and stricter compliance.
This article reviews key immigration developments in 2025 and explains what is likely to matter most in visa renewals and status changes in 2026, from a practical, on-the-ground perspective.
1. What Changed in 2025? A Look Back at Japan’s Immigration Policy
1) “Orderly Coexistence” Became a Clear Policy Goal
In 2025, the Japanese government emphasized the concept of “orderly coexistence with foreign residents.” As a result, immigration examinations are no longer focused only on employment, but also on:
- Compliance with public obligations
- Whether daily life and employment align with Japan’s legal and social systems
This represents a shift from formal checks to substantive evaluation.
2) Social Insurance and Tax Compliance Gained Importance
Visa renewals and changes increasingly take into account:
- Enrollment in health insurance and pension systems
- Payment of resident tax and income tax
- Whether employers properly enroll foreign employees in social insurance
Simply “having a job” is no longer enough. Applicants are now expected to show that they are living and working in compliance with Japanese law.
3) Growing Attention to Unpaid Medical Expenses
In 2025, unpaid medical bills by foreign residents became a topic of policy discussion. While unpaid medical costs do not automatically lead to visa refusal, they may affect evaluations of:
- Long-term residents
- Permanent residence applicants
- Family stay and business manager visa holders
The underlying issue is the stability of daily life in Japan.
2. What to Expect in 2026
1) Immigration Screening Will Be “Continuous,” Not Fragmented
In 2026, immigration authorities are expected to examine applications over time, not just at a single point.
- Can job changes be logically explained?
- Are income, address, and family status consistent over time?
- Do documents reflect actual living conditions?
Even if documents are complete, an application may be weakened if explanations are unclear.
2) Data Integration Will Reduce Room for Error
Japan is moving toward stronger data integration between immigration, tax, and social insurance systems. This means:
- Inconsistencies are easier to detect
- Errors or omissions are harder to overlook
- Accurate and consistent records become more important than ever
3) Long-Term and Permanent Residents May Face Higher Expectations
For permanent residence and long-term visas, authorities are likely to place greater emphasis on:
- Fulfillment of public obligations
- Stable employment and income
- Overall reliability and stability in Japan
3. Practical Advice for Visa Renewal and Change in 2026
For Individual Applicants
- Confirm enrollment in health insurance and pension systems
- Check for unpaid taxes or outstanding obligations
- Ensure job duties match your visa status
- Update address and family information properly
For Employers
- Properly enroll employees in social insurance
- Ensure job descriptions align with visa categories
- Prepare clear employment contracts
- Avoid any risk of illegal employment support
When to Consult a Professional
Early consultation is strongly recommended if:
- There are gaps in employment history
- Past non-compliance exists (tax / social insurance)
- You are applying for permanent residence or a business manager visa
Waiting until submission may be too late.
Conclusion: 2026 Will Favor Those Who Comply
Japan’s immigration policy in 2026 is moving toward a system that values:
- Transparency
- Legal compliance
- Stable and sincere living in Japan
If you have concerns about visa renewal or future status changes, early confirmation and preparation are the best safeguards.
Consultation / Contact
If you would like an eligibility check or assistance with your visa renewal or status change, please contact us:
投稿者プロフィール
- 行政書士
-
日系理化学機器輸入商社、日系センサーメーカー、外資系真空機器メーカー、外資系化学装置メーカーでの国内外業務を経て、令和2年度行政書士試験に合格。令和3年4月、トミーズリーガルサービス行政書士事務所を開業。
現在は入管業務（VISA・在留資格）を中心とした専門事務所として、外国人の雇用・受け入れ、企業の国際人材戦略、在留手続のオンライン申請支援を行う。
企業・個人いずれのクライアントにも寄り添い、迅速・丁寧で負担の少ない手続きをモットーとする。
また、国際業務の経験を生かし、英語での各種案内・申請支援にも対応。
趣味： バイク（GB350C）、ツーリング、Uber Eats 配達、テニス、ゴルフ
English:
After working in Japanese and foreign-affiliated companies in the fields of scientific instruments, sensors, vacuum equipment, and chemical processing machinery, I passed the national Administrative Scrivener examination in 2020 and founded Tommy’s Legal Service Administrative Scrivener Office in April 2021.
My practice is specialized in immigration procedures—visa applications, extensions, changes of status, and online filings for both companies and individuals. I support employers and foreign nationals with fast, accurate, and stress-free application processes.
English guidance and bilingual documentation are also available.
Hobbies: Motorcycles (Honda GB350C), touring, Uber Eats delivery, tennis, golf
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