Japan’s Employment for Skill Development system takes effect on April 1, 2027. What begins on September 1, 2026 is the pre-implementation application process for plan approval. This guide explains filing timing, supervising and support organizations, A1 Japanese, sending fees, transfers, and the separate COE procedure.
A practical guide to Japan immigration processing times in 2026, covering COE applications, extensions, changes of status and permanent residence based on the latest data published by the Immigration Services Agency of Japan.
Japan revised its permanent residence guidelines on October 1, 2026. Learn when the new rules apply, which pending applications are affected, and how household income, Japanese proficiency, pensions and a three-year period of stay are assessed.
Not every foreign national under Japan’s Employment for Skill Development Program must complete the same 100-hour Japanese course. This guide separates the A1 requirement before work from A2 learning during the three-year period and explains providers, online classes, costs, application documents and records.
As of July 2026, Japan has not imposed a nationwide ban on land or property purchases by foreign nationals. This article separates the current property rules, the government’s ongoing review, the Important Land Act, and the office requirements for the Business Manager status of residence.