Japan Immigration News: Citizenship Now 10 Years, Visa Fees Rising & More (March 2026)

Japan Immigration News: Citizenship Now 10 Years, Visa Fees Rising & More (March 2026)

If you live in Japan as a foreigner — or plan to — read this now. Some of these changes start April 1, 2026. That is in just a few days.

🏛️ #1: Citizenship Now Requires 10 Years — Starts April 1, 2026

This is the biggest immigration news in Japan this week.

From April 1, 2026, anyone who wants to become a Japanese citizen (帰化) must live in Japan for 10 consecutive years. The old rule was only 5 years.

The Justice Ministry confirmed this on March 27, 2026.

What changed?

Who is affected?

• ✅ Anyone currently planning to apply under the 5-year rule
• ✅ Long-term residents counting down to citizenship
• ✅ Spouses of Japanese nationals (special rules may still apply — confirm with immigration office)

⚠️ Yamada Hack: If you are eligible under the old 5-year rule, you have until March 31, 2026 to submit your application. After April 1, it is 10 years minimum. Do not wait.

Japanese keyword: 帰化申請 / 国籍取得要件

🗣️ #2: Japanese Language Requirement for PR — Still Being Discussed

Japan is considering making Japanese language ability a requirement for Permanent Residency (永住許可).

As of this week (March 23, 2026), a Japan Times commentary warned that making language ability a formal requirement could turn it from a "bridge of understanding" into a barrier that excludes long-term, hardworking residents.

Current status:

• ❌ Not law yet
• 🔄 Still being debated in government
• 📅 Decision expected later in 2026

What level of Japanese may be required?

Government discussions suggest around JLPT N4 level — basic everyday Japanese. Nothing is confirmed yet.

⚠️ Yamada Hack: Even if it is not required yet, start studying now. N4 takes about 6–12 months for most people. Use free apps like Duolingo or Anki every day. Do not wait until it becomes law.

Japanese keyword: 永住申請 / 日本語能力要件 / JLPT N4

💰 #3: Visa & PR Fees Going Up — Very Big Increase Coming

This week, details became clearer about the upcoming immigration fee increases.

The new fee caps:

This is the first major change to fee caps since 1982 — over 40 years ago.

Important things to know:

⚠️ Yamada Hack: If you are close to being eligible for PR, apply before the new fees kick in. The current PR fee is only ¥10,000. That window will close. Check your eligibility now using our PR Point Tracker tool.

Japanese keyword: 在留申請手数料 / 永住申請費用 / ビザ更新費用

✈️ #4: JESTA — Japan's New Pre-Entry Travel System

Japan is introducing JESTA — a new electronic travel authorization system, similar to the US ESTA or Australia's ETA.

How JESTA works:

• Short-term visitors from visa-exempt countries must apply online before travelling to Japan
• It is not a visa — it is a pre-travel screening check
• Most approvals will be instant or within 24 hours
• Target launch: Fiscal Year 2028

Who is affected?

• Tourists from visa-exempt countries (US, UK, EU, Australia, etc.)
• Business visitors on short trips
• Does NOT affect people already living in Japan on a residence card

ℹ️ This is future news — no action needed now. But if your family or friends plan to visit Japan after 2028, they will need to apply for JESTA before booking flights.

Japanese keyword: JESTA / 電子渡航認証 / 短期滞在

📋 Quick Summary Table

✅ Action Checklist for Foreigners in Japan

Use this checklist based on your situation:

If you are thinking about citizenship (帰化):

• [ ] Check if you qualify under the old 5-year rule before March 31, 2026
• [ ] Gather 2 years of tax payment records (納税証明書)
• [ ] Gather 2 years of health insurance payment records
• [ ] Visit your local Legal Affairs Bureau (法務局) immediately

If you are planning to apply for PR (永住):

• [ ] Apply before the new fees come into effect (before March 2027)
• [ ] Make sure you hold a 5-year visa (not 3-year) — required from April 2027
• [ ] Check that all taxes and health insurance are fully paid
• [ ] Use our PR Point Tracker to check your score

For everyone:

• [ ] Pay your taxes every year — on time
• [ ] Keep your National Health Insurance (国民健康保険) payments up to date
• [ ] Update your address at city hall every time you move
• [ ] Renew your residence card before it expires

🙋 FAQ — Your Questions Answered

Q: I have lived in Japan for 4 years. Can I still apply for citizenship before April 1?

A: No. You need 5 full years of continuous residence minimum. If you do not have 5 years yet, the new 10-year rule will apply to you.

Q: Does the new citizenship rule affect PR (永住権)?

A: No. PR and citizenship are separate. PR still requires 10 years in most cases (or less for highly skilled workers). Citizenship is what changed.

Q: Will the PR fee definitely be ¥300,000?

A: That is the maximum cap approved by the government. The actual fee will likely be lower — around ¥200,000 is the current estimate. The final amount will be announced later.

Q: I already have PR. Do these changes affect me?

A: The citizenship change affects you if you plan to naturalize. The fee changes affect your next residence card renewal (every 7 years). The language requirement, if it becomes law, may affect future PR renewals.

Q: Where can I get official information?

A: Visit the Immigration Services Agency of Japan website: www.moj.go.jp/isa/

*Last updated: March 29, 2026. Immigration rules change frequently. Always confirm with the Immigration Services Agency of Japan or a licensed immigration lawyer (行政書士) before taking action.*