How do I separate PET bottles correctly in Shibuya-ku?

Remove the cap and label, rinse the bottle, and crush it flat. In Shibuya-ku, PET bottles are collected on the designated recycling day. Place them in a transparent or semi-transparent bag separate from other recyclables.

Best mobile carrier for foreigners in Japan with English support?

Ahamo by NTT Docomo is popular among foreigners because the app is available in English, plans start at 2,970 yen per month for 20GB, and no Japanese credit card is required. Other foreigner-friendly options include Rakuten Mobile and IIJmio.

How to open a bank account in Japan without a Japanese phone number?

Japan Post Bank (Yucho) is the most foreigner-friendly option. They accept applications with just your residence card and do not strictly require a Japanese phone number at all branches. Visit a larger post office branch for the best experience.

How do I separate PET bottles correctly in Shibuya-ku?

Remove the cap and label, rinse the bottle, and crush it flat. In Shibuya-ku, PET bottles are collected on the designated recycling day. Place them in a transparent or semi-transparent bag separate from other recyclables.

Best mobile carrier for foreigners in Japan with English support?

Ahamo by NTT Docomo is popular among foreigners because the app is available in English, plans start at 2,970 yen per month for 20GB, and no Japanese credit card is required. Other foreigner-friendly options include Rakuten Mobile and IIJmio.

How to open a bank account in Japan without a Japanese phone number?

Japan Post Bank (Yucho) is the most foreigner-friendly option. They accept applications with just your residence card and do not strictly require a Japanese phone number at all branches. Visit a larger post office branch for the best experience.

How many years do I need to live in Japan to get permanent residency?

The standard requirement is 10 consecutive years of legal residence in Japan. However, with a Highly Skilled Professional visa at 70+ points, you can apply after 3 years. At 80+ points, you can apply after just 1 year.

What is the Highly Skilled Professional (HSP) visa in Japan?

The HSP visa (高度専門職) is a points-based visa for highly qualified foreign professionals. Scoring 70+ points allows PR after 3 years; 80+ points allows PR after just 1 year. Points are based on education, experience, salary, age, and Japanese language ability.

What documents are required for a Japan PR application?

Required documents include: PR application form, passport photos, passport copies, residence card, juminhyo (residence certificate), tax certificates for 3+ years, pension payment records, health insurance proof, a guarantor letter from a Japanese national or PR holder, and an employment certificate.

Can I work freely in Japan with permanent residency?

Yes. Permanent residents have no work restrictions and can work in any industry or job type. They also do not need to renew their visa status, only their residence card every 7 years.

What is the Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) visa in Japan?

The SSW visa (特定技能) allows foreigners to work in specific industries short-staffed in Japan. Type 1 allows up to 5 years total stay. Type 2 is renewable indefinitely and allows family dependents. The SSW 2 can lead to permanent residency.

How do I convert my student visa to a work visa in Japan?

After graduation, apply for a Designated Activities (特定活動) job-seeking visa to get up to 1 year to find a job. Once you have a job offer, change status to Engineer/Specialist in Humanities visa before your student visa expires.

What are the pension requirements for Japan PR application?

You must have paid pension continuously without any gaps. Immigration officers cross-check with the Japan Pension Service database. Request a 加入期間証明書 to verify your pension record before applying for PR.

Is there a digital nomad visa in Japan?

Yes. Japan launched a 6-month digital nomad visa in March 2024, which remains available in 2026. Requirements include annual income of approximately ¥10 million or more (from a foreign employer), valid health insurance, and a passport from an eligible country.

How fast can a spouse of a Japanese national get PR?

A spouse of a Japanese national can apply for PR after being married for 3+ years AND living in Japan continuously for 1+ year. This is the fastest PR track available in Japan, much quicker than the 10-year standard rule.

What happens to my visa if I change jobs in Japan?

You must notify immigration within 14 days of changing employers. If your new job is in the same category as your current visa (e.g. both are engineering roles), no change is needed. If the job category changes, you must apply for a new status of residence before starting the new job.

What is J-Skip and who qualifies?

J-Skip is a fast-track visa for exceptionally qualified professionals. You qualify if you earn 20M yen or more per year AND hold a Master degree or have 10+ years of experience - no points calculation required. You get the same benefits as HSP 80+ points, plus priority processing and PR eligibility after just 1 year.

How many sectors does the SSW1 visa cover in 2026?

As of March 2026, the SSW1 (Specified Skilled Worker Type 1) visa covers exactly 16 industrial sectors. Key sectors include nursing care, construction, shipbuilding, food service, agriculture, hospitality, automobile repair, electronics manufacturing, and industrial machinery.

What is the new Ikusei Shuro (Training & Employment) system?

The Ikusei Shuro system replaces the old Technical Intern Training (TITP) program. Unlike TITP, it is explicitly designed for workforce development in Japan and allows workers to change jobs within the same sector after completing 1 year of service. It is expected to be fully implemented from 2027.

Did Japan tighten PR requirements in 2026?

Yes. Under PM Takaichi government, stricter PR evaluation criteria were announced in February 2026. The standard 10-year route now includes more rigorous cross-checks of 5 years of tax and pension payment history. Applicants should ensure no gaps in national health insurance, pension, or income tax payments.

How much are Japan visa application fees in 2026?

Japan revised visa application fees in April 2025. A new bill proposed in March 2026 could raise certain fees by up to 30x for some categories. Current standard fees range from 4,000 yen (single-entry) to 6,000 yen (multiple-entry). Always check the official ISA fee schedule at moj.go.jp/isa/ before applying.

Japan Visa & PR Navigator

2026

The most comprehensive visa & permanent residency guide for foreigners in Japan

16+ Visa Types

HSP Calculator

PR Checker

2026 Updates

Last verified against official ISA sources: April 7, 2026

Japan Visa Types 2026 — Complete Guide

Engineer / Specialist in Humanities

技術・人文知識・国際業務

💼 Work1–3 monthsValid: 1 / 3 / 5 years

Specified Skilled Worker 1

2026: 全16分野 + 新分野追加中

特定技能 1号

💼 Work2–4 monthsValid: Up to 5 years total (non-renewable beyond 5yr cap)

Specified Skilled Worker 2

2026: 全11+分野 (2023年拡大)

特定技能 2号

💼 Work2–4 monthsValid: 3 years (renewable indefinitely)

Highly Skilled Professional

2026: J-Skip 2023年導入

高度専門職

💼 Work1–2 monthsValid: 5 years

Intra-company Transferee

企業内転勤

💼 Work1–3 monthsValid: 1 / 3 / 5 years

Business Manager

経営・管理

💼 Work2–4 monthsValid: 1 / 3 / 5 years

Student Visa

留学

🌏 Other1–3 monthsValid: 1–4 years (based on study program)

Dependent Visa

家族滞在

🌏 Other1–3 monthsValid: Same as sponsor's visa

Spouse of Japanese National

日本人の配偶者等

🌏 Other1–3 monthsValid: 6 months / 1 / 3 / 5 years

Long-Term Resident

定住者

🌏 Other2–4 monthsValid: 1 / 3 / 5 years

Designated Activities (Job Seeking)

特定活動

🌏 Other1–2 monthsValid: 6 months (extendable to 1 year)

Working Holiday

ワーキングホリデー

🌏 Other2–8 weeksValid: 1 year (non-renewable)

Digital Nomad Visa

2026: April 2024導入・継続中

デジタルノマドビザ

🌏 Other2–4 weeksValid: 6 months (non-extendable)

Nursing Care

介護

💼 Work2–4 monthsValid: 1 / 3 / 5 years

Skilled Labor

技能

💼 Work1–3 monthsValid: 1 / 3 / 5 years

Training & Employment

2026: 技能実習に代わる新制度

育成就労

💼 WorkTBD (system launching)Valid: Up to 3 years

J-Skip (Special Highly Skilled)

2026: 2023年4月導入・2026年1月オンライン申請対応

特別高度人材制度

💼 Work1–2 months (priority processing)Valid: 5 years

J-Find (Future Creation)

未来創造人材制度

🌏 Other1–2 monthsValid: Up to 2 years

About This Tool

The Japan Visa & PR Navigator is a free, interactive guide covering all major Japan immigration pathways for foreigners in 2026. Whether you are on a work visa, student visa, or exploring the Highly Skilled Professional (HSP) points system, this tool helps you understand your options and prepare your application.

Key 2026 updates: Japan expanded the Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) program to 16 industrial sectors as of March 2026. The new J-Skip fast-track allows professionals earning ¥20M+ annually with a Master's degree or 10+ years of experience to skip the HSP points system entirely and apply for PR after just 1 year. The 育成就労 (Ikusei Shuro) system is replacing the Technical Intern Training program, with job-change rights after 1 year in the same sector.

PR routes overview: The standard permanent residency route requires 10 consecutive years of legal residence. With an HSP visa at 70+ points, this shortens to 3 years; at 80+ points or via J-Skip, just 1 year. Spouses of Japanese nationals can apply after 3 years of marriage and 1 year of continuous residence in Japan.

SSW visa sectors (16 total): Nursing care, building cleaning, industrial machinery, electronics, construction, shipbuilding, automobile repair, aviation, accommodation, agriculture, fisheries, food & beverage manufacturing, food service, and more. SSW Type 2 holders can bring family dependents and apply for PR.

Disclaimer: This tool is for informational purposes only. Immigration rules change frequently. Always verify current requirements with the Immigration Services Agency (ISA) at moj.go.jp/isa/ before submitting any application.

Japan Visa & PR Navigator

Japan Visa Types 2026 — Complete Guide

Engineer / Specialist in Humanities

Specified Skilled Worker 1

Specified Skilled Worker 2

Highly Skilled Professional

Intra-company Transferee

Business Manager

Student Visa

Dependent Visa

Spouse of Japanese National

Long-Term Resident

Designated Activities (Job Seeking)

Working Holiday

Digital Nomad Visa

Nursing Care

Skilled Labor

Training & Employment

J-Skip (Special Highly Skilled)

J-Find (Future Creation)

About This Tool

Related Tools