— Toward an “Orderly Multicultural Society”: Key Updates for Foreign Residents —

1. Introduction

In June 2025, the Japanese government introduced two major developments regarding immigration and foreign resident policy:

• June 13, 2025 – Cabinet Approval of the “Basic Policy on Economic and Fiscal Management and Reform 2025” (commonly known as the “Basic Policy 2025”)

• June 22, 2025 – Ministry of Justice released a proposed revision of the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act Enforcement Regulations

Together, these two developments represent a comprehensive shift toward tightening procedures and increasing transparency in the management of foreign nationals in Japan.

2. Key Points of the Basic Policy 2025

The Basic Policy 2025 takes a step beyond workforce concerns and emphasizes “building an orderly society in harmony with foreign residents.” The key action areas are:

3. The Immigration Regulation Revision: Legalizing the Evidence Requirements

The newly proposed regulation revision requires applicants for:

• Permanent residency,

• Certificate of eligibility,

• Status changes (visa change), and

• Status renewals (visa extension),

to submit certified documents on the following:

• Taxation and payment status

• Annual income

• Social insurance enrollment and payment history

These must be provided for the applicant and any financial supporters.

While similar documents were informally requested in the past, this revision legally mandates their submission and standardizes procedures across Japan.

4. How the Policy and the Regulation Align

This shows a clear chain from “policy direction (Basic Policy)” -> “regulatory implementation (MoJ revision)”, forming an integrated approach across ministries.

5. Practical Impact and Key Considerations

6. Timeline (Tentative)

The regulation is expected to take effect around March 2027 (FY2026 year-end).

7. What Is JESTA?

JESTA (Japan Electronic System for Travel Authorization) is an online pre-clearance program Japan plans to launch by FY 2028 for citizens of visa-waiver countries (the U.S., ROK, Taiwan, most EU members, etc.).

• Travelers submit basic biographical data, passport details and security-related questions 72 hours (or more) before departure.

• Japan’s immigration authority cross-checks the data against crime, overstay and deportation records.

• Result = “Authorized” (valid for multiple short-term visits) or “Denied.”

  • Denied applicants must obtain a conventional visa at a Japanese embassy/consulate.

Keyword: “No JESTA, no boarding.” The carrier’s DCS (Departure Control System) will reject a passenger who lacks an approval number.

8. Why Now? — A Look at 2024 Statistics

Source: Immigration Services Agency, “Rejections of Landing, 2024.”

The purpose of entry is an important point to declare. For example, if you are bringing your mother from your home country to Japan for “tourism”, but after arriving in Japan, your mother’s child, who is residing in Japan, applies for a visa to care for your elderly parent, this would be considered inconsistent with the purpose of entry and would result in the visa application being denied.

9. International Context

Japan’s JESTA will align its visa-waiver management with these global norms, improving reciprocity and data sharing.

10. Anticipated Benefits

The government plans to introduce the Electronic Travel Authorization System (JESTA) ahead of schedule, aiming for implementation by the 2028 fiscal year instead of 2030. After JESTA is introduced, information from entry to departure in Japan will be managed centrally and utilized for identifying illegal residents and other purposes. Using JESTA to streamline immigration checks at airports, similar to other countries, is a very positive development.

JESTA shifts Japan’s immigration control “upstream.” Instead of sorting dubious arrivals at Narita or Haneda, Japan will leverage digital screening to approve or refuse travelers before a boarding pass prints.
Combined with the 2025 “Basic Policy” pledge to reach “zero overstayers,” JESTA is a cornerstone in Japan’s move toward a data-driven, internationally harmonized border regime.

The United States and other countries require individuals who are not eligible for electronic travel authorization or whose applications have been denied to obtain a regular visa (entry visa) from the country they are traveling to.Prior to the introduction of JESTA, foreign nationals holding passports from countries or regions exempt from visa requirements could still board a flight to Japan and undergo immigration screening, even if they were subject to refusal of entry. However, under the new system, such cases will no longer be able to obtain JESTA in advance, and entry will be denied. As a result, the number of cases where individuals are denied entry and immediately returned by flight is expected to decrease.

Conclusion

These reforms go beyond simply making visas stricter. They mark a strategic shift toward a fully integrated, data-driven immigration and social governance system in Japan.
For applicants and employers alike, it’s time to view tax and insurance compliance as critical risk-management tools in immigration procedures.

At our office, we have always requested that our clients attach income certificates such as resident tax certificates when applying for a change from a regular work visa to an HSP visa, so our clients are already prepared and there will be no major changes.

In other words, this amendment to the ordinance is entirely within our expectations, and there is no cause for concern.

Appendix:

• Related Links and Materials Summary of Proposed Amendments to the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act Enforcement Regulations (June 22, 2025)
• Basic Policy 2025 (Cabinet Decision, June 13, 2025)
• Article in “PRESIDENT” magazine (Foreigners’ Free Ride on Social Security)

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