Japan Statutory Updates 2025

We’ve outlined Japan statutory updates for 2025

Effective April 2026

Japan to Increase Visa Issuance Fees in Fiscal Year 2026

The Japanese government has announced it will raise visa issuance fees beginning in April 2026 to align with global standards and cover increased administrative costs.

Key Updates:

• The fee increase will apply to a range of visas, including short-term and long-term categories.
• Revised visa fees are expected to be announced closer to the implementation date.
• The change will take effect from April 2026, coinciding with the start of Japan’s 2026 fiscal year.
• The Ministry of Foreign Affairs states that the adjustment is aimed at improving consular services and reflecting current operating costs.
• Employers and foreign nationals planning to apply for visas in Japan after March 2026 should factor in potential cost increases.

Source: BAL

Effective October 2025

Japan Tightens Eligibility and Documentation for Key Professional Visas

Japan’s Immigration Services Agency has introduced stricter requirements for Business Manager and Highly Skilled Professional (HSP) visas, in force from 16 October 2025.

Key updates:

• Business Manager visa applicants must now employ at least one qualifying local or long-term resident, providing proof such as salary records and residence registration.
• The minimum capital requirement is raised to JPY 30 million, applicable to both companies and sole proprietors, with specific allowable business expense inclusions.
• Either the applicant or a full-time employee must now demonstrate Japanese language ability equivalent to JLPT N2 or higher, or other recognised benchmarks.
• Extended absences from Japan can lead to visa renewal denial if the business is deemed inactive.
• Applicants must now submit business plan certification, proof of registration and compliant payment of social security, tax, and necessary licenses; home office operations are explicitly excluded.
• Applications submitted before 15 October 2025 are evaluated under previous rules, and existing visa holders have a three-year grace period (until 16 October 2028) for compliance.
• The new requirements will also apply to relevant permanent residency and HSP ii applications from the effective date.
• Standard processing times remain in line with existing visa application timelines.

Source: Fragomen

Effective July 2025

Japan Extends Visa-Free Stay for UAE Nationals

Japan has extended the permitted stay for visa-exempt travellers from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) holding valid ordinary ICAO-compliant e-passports.

Key Details:

• UAE nationals may now stay in Japan without a visa for up to 90 days, increased from the previous 30-day limit.
• The extended stay applies only to non-remunerative activities such as tourism, short-term business and visiting friends or relatives.

Source: Fragomen

Japan Introduces Visa Waiver for Peruvian Passport Holders

From 1 July 2025, Japan will permit Peruvian nationals with valid ICAO-compliant ordinary passports to enter visa-free for up to 90 days for tourism, business, and other short-term purposes.

Source: Fragomen

Effective April 2025

Japan Adjusts Social Contribution Rates

The Japanese government has announced updates to social contribution rates, affecting both employers and employees. These changes aim to enhance the social welfare system while maintaining economic stability.

Here are some key details:

1. Health Insurance (Employer and Employee) from 4.99% to 4.955%
2. Nursing Care Insurance (Employer and Employee) (applicable only for age 40–64) from 0.80% to 0.795%
3. Employment Insurance (Employer and Employee) employer from 0.95% to 0.90% and employee from 0.60% to 0.55%

Please find the updated social rates and tax table below:

Japan Increases Immigration Fees and Extends Startup Visa Duration

Japan will raise immigration application fees and extend the stay duration for the startup visa under the designated activities category starting 1 April 2025.

Key Changes:

1. Fee Increases:
   • Change of Status/Extension of Stay:
     • Current: 4,000 yen (~US$25) → Physical filing: 6,000 yen (~US$38); Online filing: 5,500 yen (~US$35).
   • Permanent Residency:
     • Current: 8,000 yen (~US$51) → 10,000 yen (~US$63) (both physical and online filings).
   • Multiple Re-entry Permit:
     • Current: 6,000 yen (~US$38) → Physical filing: 7,000 yen (~US$44); Online filing: 6,500 yen (~US$41).
   • Certificate of Authorized Employment (CAE):
     • Current: 1,200 yen (~US$8) → Physical filing: 2,000 yen (~US$13); Online filing: 1,600 yen (~US$10).
2. Startup Visa:
   • Stay duration extended to two years (previously one year with renewal). The six-month initial visa period remains unchanged.

Source: BAL

Japan Advances Corporate Governance Reforms

Japan will implement updated corporate governance measures under its Action Program for Corporate Governance Reform 2024, focusing on enhanced transparency, sustainability, and investor engagement.

Key Updates:

1. Mandatory English Disclosures:
   • Listed companies must disclose financial results and timely information in English starting April 2025.
2. Sustainability Metrics:
   • Companies must report diversity data, including gender pay gaps and the percentage of women in managerial roles, with a target of 30% female executives by 2030.
3. Enhanced Cross-Shareholding Disclosure:
   • Boards must assess and disclose the purpose, benefits, and risks of cross-shareholdings annually to ensure they align with corporate value and capital cost.
4. Global Investor Engagement:
   • Companies are encouraged to engage actively with global investors through transparent communication and align with international standards.

Source: Financial Services Agency (FSA), Japan

Tokyo Government Implements 4-Day Workweek for City Employees

Starting April 2025, Tokyo’s city government will introduce a 4-day workweek for government employees, allowing them to take three days off each week. This initiative aims to promote work-life balance, improve employee well-being, and attract talent to the public sector.

Source: CNN

Effective March 2025

Japan Introduces TB Screening for Certain Visa Applicants

Japan will require Tuberculosis (TB) screening certificates for mid- to long-term visa applicants from select countries.

Key Details:

• Affected Countries:

• • Philippines & Nepal: Required from June 23, 2025 (testing starts March 24).
  • Vietnam: Required from September 1, 2025 (testing starts May 26).
  • Indonesia, Myanmar & China: Implementation pending.
• Who Needs It: Most mid- to long-term visa applicants, except for healthcare, government-sponsored, and certain skilled workers.
• Process: Applicants must get chest X-rays from approved clinics, valid for 180 days, and submit certificates with COE or visa applications.

Source: Fragomen