What Is the Government’s Newly Decided Policy on Accepting Foreign Nationals? ― Experts Explain the Changes and Key Points from 2026 Onward

1. What Was Decided at Today’s Council of Related Ministers [Overview]

On January 23, 2026, the Japanese government’s Council of Related Ministers approved a comprehensive policy framework aimed at achieving “orderly coexistence” in foreign national policy. This policy is characterized by not merely expanding acceptance nor tightening restrictions, but by advancing both (1) appropriate use and management of systems and (2) support and environmental development for social integration at the same time.

From a practical perspective, this decision is likely to deepen the level of scrutiny across multiple areas, including residence management, permanent residency screening, responsibilities of host organizations, and real estate (land) matters. As a result, preparation will become increasingly important for foreign nationals, employers, and their families alike.

Key Areas Likely to Be Affected in Practice

• Stronger measures against illegal stays and improper use of residence statuses (stricter residence management)
• Greater emphasis on verifying actual living conditions in permanent residency and renewal screenings
• Enhanced supervision and management of international students and host institutions (schools and companies)
• Progress in reviewing rules related to land and real estate acquisition and registration
• Strengthening of consultation systems and information provision to promote social integration

Key Perspectives by Reader Type

• Foreign nationals: Consistency between residence purpose and actual situation (employment, residence, tax payments, social insurance)
• Japanese spouses and families: Proof of cohabitation, household financial unity, and preparation of explanatory documents
• Corporate HR departments: Job-duty compatibility, contract and attendance management, social insurance compliance, and employee status management

2. Three Fundamental Principles Highlighted in This Decision

1. A Strong Emphasis on Legal Compliance and Proper Use of Systems

The overview clearly states the need to address public concerns and perceptions of unfairness regarding illegal stays and improper use of immigration systems. This signals a direction in which compliance with rules will become an even more essential prerequisite than before.

2. A Shift Toward Residence Management Focused on Facts and Actual Conditions

Screening processes may increasingly focus not only on documentation, but also on actual living and working conditions, such as residence status, employment practices, tax and social insurance payments, and academic performance.

3. Realizing a Society Where Both Citizens and Foreign Nationals Can Live with Peace of Mind

The policy also emphasizes improving institutional and operational frameworks, including consultation systems, information provision, and clear role-sharing among local governments and related organizations, to promote genuine social integration.

3. Key Areas Expected to Be Strengthened Going Forward [Important Points]

1) Proper Management of Entry, Exit, and Residence (Stricter Control)

The policy overview includes measures to strengthen responses to illegal stays, enhance residence management systems, and ensure the proper operation of immigration frameworks. From a practical standpoint, it is advisable to anticipate an increase in verification items and additional explanatory documents at each stage, including renewals, status changes, and permanent residency applications.

• Stronger measures against illegal stays (including promotion of the so-called “zero illegal stay” policy)
• Enhanced residence management systems through improved verification and inter-agency coordination
• Stricter operation of permanent residency screening and consideration of revised criteria
• Consideration of requiring understanding of rules (education and learning) as part of the system
• Review of deportation procedures with reference to international practices

2) Stronger Management of International Students and Host Institutions (Schools and Companies)

The overview highlights the need to improve the management of enrollment status for international students and to review how host institutions should accept them. Companies (including those offering internships or planned employment) should note that the management practices of educational institutions may affect screening and evaluations.

• Proper management of international student enrollment (including designation and disclosure of universities and other institutions)
• Review of acceptance frameworks based on role-sharing among host institutions and future system design

3) Optimization of Foreign National Systems and Coexistence Policies (Support and Environment Development)

In terms of coexistence, issues such as pre-arrival Japanese language education, consultation and information services, and support for local governments have been identified as key discussion points. As the number of foreign residents increases, the gap between those who can effectively use available systems and those who cannot is likely to widen, making early access to support information increasingly important.

• Enhancement of Japanese language education before and after arrival (including system development and support measures)
• Strengthening of information dissemination and consultation frameworks
• Expansion of support tailored to different life stages and life cycles
• Support for local governments (including review of subsidy and grant structures)

4) Rules on Land and Real Estate Acquisition (From the Perspective of Security and Transparency)

The overview outlines multiple discussion points, including rules on land acquisition from a national security perspective, the structure of real estate registration (including nationality information), and mechanisms to enhance transparency. While it is not at a stage where uniform regulations can be said to be immediately implemented, this is an area where one should be mindful of the potential increase in required submission and verification documents in the future.

• Operation and review of systems related to land use and areas surrounding important facilities
• Review of real estate registration systems and transparency-enhancing mechanisms
• Strengthening inter-agency cooperation to understand transaction realities and address anti-money laundering concerns

4. Attitudes and Key Points Required of Foreign Nationals Going Forward

What will become increasingly important in future screenings and operations is the consistency between the purpose of one’s residence status and actual circumstances. This principle applies equally to work visas, spouse visas, student visas, and permanent residency.

• Residential status: Whether the registered address matches actual residence (pay attention to delays in change-of-address notifications)
• Employment status: Whether job duties align with the granted residence status (any discrepancy poses significant risk)
• Tax and social insurance: Absence of unpaid or delayed payments (often requiring explanation)
• Activity records: Attendance and grades for students; work performance, salary, and contract consistency for employees
• Ability to explain: Whether changes such as job transitions, separation, or income fluctuations can be explained chronologically

5. Impact on Companies Employing Foreign Nationals and Host Organizations

For companies, the most significant point is that scrutiny is likely to extend not only to foreign employees themselves, but also to the management systems of the host organizations. In particular, consistency between residence status and job duties, clarity of contracts and job descriptions, and proper handling of social insurance and payroll will form the foundation of explanations.

Risks Commonly Faced by Companies

• Difficulty explaining renewals or status changes due to mismatch between job duties and residence status
• Insufficient organization of contracts, attendance records, payroll, or social insurance leading to “unclear actual conditions”
• Inadequate enrollment management of international students or prospective hires (including school-side issues)

Minimum Framework HR Should Establish Immediately

• Clear documentation of job descriptions and verification of alignment with residence status
• Consistency across employment contracts, appointment letters, payroll records, and attendance logs
• Verification of social insurance enrollment, year-end tax adjustments, and tax payments (including outsourced operations)
• Internal pre-renewal review process (recommended to start 3–4 months in advance)

6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

While the published overview mentions “stricter operation” and “consideration of revised criteria” for permanent residency, it has not been decided that permanent residency will immediately become uniformly stricter at this time.

The timing and specifics of operational changes are expected to be clarified gradually through future notices and制度 design. However, as screenings are likely to place greater emphasis on actual circumstances, those considering permanent residency should proactively review the consistency of their tax payments, social insurance contributions, employment content, and living arrangements.

The first priority is to confirm that foreign employees’ residence statuses appropriately match their actual job duties. Subsequently, companies should clarify employment contracts and job descriptions, and ensure that attendance management, salary payments, and social insurance enrollment are handled properly.

During renewal applications or investigations, authorities may assess not only whether there are formal compliance issues, but also whether the company has a system in place to properly manage and explain its practices. Preparing “explainable documentation” in advance can significantly reduce the burden during renewals and additional document requests.

The overview organizes discussion points for future consideration, including real estate registration structures, enhanced transaction transparency, and management of important land areas. It has not been decided at this stage that foreign nationals’ acquisition of land or real estate will be uniformly restricted.

However, there is a possibility that stricter identity verification, explanations regarding sources of funds, and disclosure of beneficial ownership will be required in the future. Those planning to purchase or acquire real estate are advised to prepare in advance, anticipating an increase in required documentation.

7. Summary of the New Policy on Accepting Foreign Nationals (Announced January 23, 2026)

This decision clearly sets the direction of advancing foreign national policy through both “management (proper control)” and “coexistence (support and environmental development).” In practice, there is a strong possibility that verification of actual conditions and the ability to provide explanations will be emphasized across renewals, permanent residency, employment, acceptance, and transactions (including real estate).

Early information gathering and prior identification of key issues (such as organizing required documents) constitute the most effective countermeasures. If you have concerns, consulting while “things are still manageable,” rather than after problems escalate, will significantly broaden your available options.

Disclaimer: This page is intended for general informational purposes only and does not guarantee outcomes for individual cases. Specific judgments and procedures require confirmation based on individual circumstances.

8. Support System of ACROSEED Immigration Lawyer's Office

Following the government’s recent decision on foreign national policy, there is a growing likelihood that verification of actual circumstances and the ability to provide clear explanations will be emphasized across all areas, including residence renewals, permanent residency, employment, acceptance by organizations, and transactions (such as real estate).
At ACROSEED Immigration Lawyer's Office, we provide consistent support from the initial planning stage, identifying potential risk factors in advance and assisting comprehensively with submission order, supplementary documents, and the overall strategy for written explanations.

Nationwide support: Managed mainly via email and online. Clients outside the area receive the same quality of support.

Multilingual support: Consultations available in English and Chinese.

Clear progress tracking: Check application status and required documents through an online system.

Support for difficult cases: Extensive experience with cases likely to face closer scrutiny, including re-applications after denial.

Transparent fees: Clear fee structure designed to minimize unexpected additional charges.

Support even after a denial: If denied, we provide a free re-application and thorough support until approval.

Information security: We properly manage personal information under operations based on ISO27001.

For Individuals | Guidance for Those Considering Residence Stability or Permanent Residency

In light of the government’s recent decision, many individuals are considering permanent residency or naturalization as a path toward more stable residence status in Japan. ACROSEED Immigration Lawyer's Office offers long-term, strategic advice not only for new residence status applications and renewals, but also with a future focus on permanent residency and naturalization.

Key Screening Points and Precautions for Permanent Residency Applications

An explanation of how tax payments, social insurance, residence history, and actual living conditions are assessed in permanent residency applications. This page provides essential information to help determine “when to apply” and whether your preparation is sufficient.

Naturalization (Japanese Citizenship) Application Support

For those deciding between permanent residency and naturalization, this page compares requirements, benefits, and key considerations. Experts explain how to choose the most suitable path toward long-term stability in Japan.

For Companies and HR Professionals | Guidance on Foreign Employment and Residence Management

Under the current policy direction, scrutiny is likely to increase not only on foreign nationals themselves, but also on the residence management systems and explanatory responsibilities of employers. Companies employing foreign nationals are encouraged to review the following guidance as well.

Work Visa Application Support | Services for Employers Hiring Foreign Nationals

This guide explains how to ensure consistency between residence status and job duties when hiring or renewing foreign employees, and outlines key practical points regarding contracts and job descriptions for corporate HR teams.

Highly Skilled Professional (HSP) Visa System and Practical Use

An overview of the HSP visa system designed to help companies employ highly skilled foreign talent on a stable basis. This page also explains pathways to permanent residency and key benefits and considerations for employers.

Google Reviews