- 1. Stricter Foreign Resident Policies Proposed by Political Parties – What Will Change?
- 1-1. Liberal Democratic Party (LDP): Tax and Social Insurance Payment Status to Be Reflected in Screening of Residence Status Applications
- 1-2. Japan Innovation Party & Sanseito Party: Setting Upper Limits on Foreign Worker Acceptance
- 1-3. Democratic Party for the People & Sanseito Party: Restrictions on Real Estate Acquisition by Foreigners
- 1-4. Few Political Parties Actively Advocating Multicultural Coexistence
- 2. Three Major Concerns Facing Foreign Residents in Japan
- 3. Three Major Risks Facing Companies Employing Foreign Workers
- 4. The Dangers of Policy Discussions Influenced by Social Media
- 5. What Changes with Stricter Residence Status Screening
- 6. Five Actions Companies Must Take Immediately
- 6-1. Reconfirm Social Insurance Enrollment Status of Foreign Employees
- 6-2. Track Residence Status Renewal Timing and Required Documents
- 6-3. Support Employees Considering Permanent Residence or Naturalization
- 6-4. Review Recruitment and HR Strategy in Response to Regulatory Changes
- 6-5. Establish Collaboration Systems with Specialists Such as Administrative Scriveners
- 7. Five Actions Foreign Residents in Japan Must Take Immediately
- 8. Toward Realizing a Multicultural Society – What We Can Do
- 9. Conclusion – “Accurate Knowledge” and “Appropriate Preparation” in an Era of Stricter Regulations
1. Stricter Foreign Resident Policies Proposed by Political Parties – What Will Change?
1-1. Liberal Democratic Party (LDP): Tax and Social Insurance Payment Status to Be Reflected in Screening of Residence Status Applications
On January 27, the first day of the House of Representatives election campaign, Prime Minister and LDP President Sanae Takaichi stated the following at her first speech in Akihabara, Tokyo:
“We will make immigration control stricter. For residence permits, we will ask: ‘Are you paying your taxes properly?’ and ‘Are you paying your insurance premiums?’ These matters will be included in the screening of residence status applications.”
The LDP’s campaign pledges state that “inappropriate use of existing systems by some foreigners is fueling public anxiety and a sense of unfairness.” The party proposes to utilize the My Number system to monitor tax and social insurance payment status and reflect this information in reviews of residence status.
According to a Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare survey conducted at the end of 2024, the national health insurance premium payment rate for foreign residents stood at 63%, significantly lower than the overall rate of 93%. If this policy is implemented, even small amounts of unpaid premiums may result in denial of residence status renewal.
Furthermore, the screening process for applications for permanent residence and naturalization (acquisition of Japanese citizenship) is expected to become de facto stricter.
1-2. Japan Innovation Party & Sanseito Party: Setting Upper Limits on Foreign Worker Acceptance
The Japan Innovation Party advocates for “setting upper limits on the ratio of foreign workers” and “establishing numerical targets for acceptance.”
The Sanseito Party goes even further, demanding that “acceptance numbers be limited to 5% per municipality.”
If these policies are realized, industries heavily dependent on foreign workers—particularly agriculture, manufacturing, and nursing care in rural areas—will face severe labor shortages.
1-3. Democratic Party for the People & Sanseito Party: Restrictions on Real Estate Acquisition by Foreigners
The Democratic Party for the People pledges to “regulate real estate acquisition not only around defense facilities but also in other areas,” while the Sanseito Party proposes even stricter regulations, including “restricting housing purchases and basically prohibiting land purchases.”
In Hokkaido’s agricultural sector, many companies provide housing for technical intern trainees. Concerns are spreading that “if real estate acquisition regulations are introduced, they will create barriers for foreigners wishing to purchase homes for marriage or family accompaniment, making it more difficult for them to settle permanently in local communities.”
1-4. Few Political Parties Actively Advocating Multicultural Coexistence
On the other hand, only a small number of political parties actively advocate coexistence with foreign residents. The Moderate Reform Union proposes the establishment of a “Basic Law on Multicultural Coexistence,” but has not disclosed specific details.
While the LDP has proposed expanding Japanese language acquisition support, this support is positioned as a “condition” for residence screening, with attendance records and academic performance to be utilized in residence status reviews.
2. Three Major Concerns Facing Foreign Residents in Japan
2-1. Risk of Residence Status Renewal Being Denied
A Chinese woman in her 30s working in Tokyo expresses her anxiety:
“Foreign residents have very different purposes and durations of stay in Japan. The campaign pledges do not clearly explain how regulations will be strengthened.”
She adds that an acquaintance of hers—despite being actively involved as an international exchange coordinator—was denied permanent residence.
“If the government is going to tighten residence screening, it should also evaluate social contributions,” she says. This sentiment is shared by many foreign residents in Japan.
2-2. Difficulties in Purchasing Homes and Settling Down
If real estate acquisition regulations are implemented, it will become increasingly difficult for foreigners to purchase homes. Forced to remain in rental housing, their motivation to settle in local communities may decline, prompting talented foreign workers to leave Japan in favor of other countries.
3. Three Major Risks Facing Companies Employing Foreign Workers
3-1. Difficulties in Securing Human Resources
A man in his 70s who represents an agricultural cooperative corporation in the Kamikawa region of Hokkaido appeals:
“Foreign workers support the region’s core industries. Politicians need to better understand realities on the ground.”
Technical intern trainees from Vietnam and Myanmar account for approximately 30% of all employees. He expresses a strong sense of crisis:
“If acceptance regulations are imposed, we may be forced to shut down. Who will grow the crops then?”
In rural areas, natural population decline—where deaths exceed births—continues unabated. If acceptance regulations are strengthened, foreign workers may avoid Japan altogether and choose other destinations.
3-2. Stricter Compliance Requirements
Once tax and social insurance payment status is centrally managed through the My Number system, companies will be required to ensure proper social insurance enrollment and strict payment management.
Failure to enroll foreign employees in social insurance schemes or unpaid premiums will become serious compliance risks directly affecting residence status renewal. HR and labor management personnel will need to exercise even greater caution than before.
3-3. Challenges in Supporting Long-Term Settlement
Many companies accepting technical intern trainees and specified skilled workers provide housing support. If real estate acquisition regulations are introduced, foreign employees may find it difficult to purchase homes and settle in communities, adversely affecting long-term human resource strategies.
4. The Dangers of Policy Discussions Influenced by Social Media
4-1. Social Media Posts on Foreign Policy Surpass Those on High Prices
According to Meltwater’s social media analysis tool, posts related to foreign policy reached approximately 100,000 in the week following the election announcement—exceeding the roughly 84,000 posts concerning measures against rising prices. Interest in foreign policy remains high on social media platforms.
However, social media information often contains bias and misunderstandings, which may be exerting undue influence on policy discussions.
4-2. Expert Warning: “This Does Not Reflect Reality”
Mao Kobayashi, an adjunct lecturer in sociology at Rikkyo University, points out:
“Each party is focusing on foreign crime and proposing stricter regulations, but this does not reflect reality. These pledges resemble online discourse rather than empirical analysis.”
He adds:
“We need mechanisms to teach why discrimination and prejudice are wrong, as well as the importance of multicultural coexistence.”
He emphasizes the necessity of calm, fact-based discussion and a deeper understanding of diversity in policymaking.
5. What Changes with Stricter Residence Status Screening
From the Perspective of an Administrative Scrivener (Immigration Specialist in Japan)
5-1. Expanded Screening Items for Residence Status Renewal
Previously, residence status renewal focused mainly on residency status, employment status, and conduct. Going forward, the scope of screening is expected to expand to include the following items:
- Income tax and resident tax payment status
- National health insurance and employees’ pension insurance payment status
- Attendance records and results for the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT)
- Evidence of social contribution activities
In particular, unpaid social insurance premiums—even minor amounts—are increasingly likely to become grounds for denial of residence status renewal.
5-2. Higher Hurdles for Permanent Residence and Naturalization Applications
Applications for permanent residence and naturalization already undergo strict scrutiny, but the hurdles are expected to rise even further.
Specifically, greater emphasis will be placed on:
- Continuous and stable income
- Full payment of taxes and social insurance premiums
- Proof of Japanese language ability
- Contribution to local communities
Especially in the case of permanent residence, it must be recognized that approval requires a determination that the applicant’s long-term stay “serves Japan’s national interest.” Simply meeting the minimum legal requirements may no longer be sufficient.
5-3. Stricter Requirements for Dependent and Designated Activities Visas
The “Dependent” visa for bringing family members to Japan, as well as the “Designated Activities” visa, are also expected to face stricter requirements.
In particular, the financial capacity and tax payment status of the sponsor (the individual inviting family members) will be examined more closely.
6. Five Actions Companies Must Take Immediately
6-1. Reconfirm Social Insurance Enrollment Status of Foreign Employees
The highest priority for companies is to reconfirm the social insurance enrollment status of all foreign employees:
- Are they properly enrolled in health insurance and employees’ pension insurance?
- Are there any unpaid premiums?
- Are they enrolled in employment insurance and workers’ compensation insurance?
Special attention should be paid to part-time and short-term workers to ensure they meet enrollment requirements.
6-2. Track Residence Status Renewal Timing and Required Documents
Companies should create and maintain a list of foreign employees’ residence status types and expiration dates, and begin preparation at least three months prior to renewal.
Commonly required documents include:
- Application for extension of period of stay
- Photographs
- Passport and residence card
- Resident tax assessment certificate and tax payment certificate
- Company financial statements (depending on category)
- Employment contract and salary statements
Going forward, tax payment certificates will become increasingly important.
6-3. Support Employees Considering Permanent Residence or Naturalization
For foreign employees considering permanent residence or naturalization, companies should encourage early preparation:
- Assistance in collecting required documents
- Encouraging consultation with administrative scriveners
- Support for Japanese language learning
If a company wishes to retain foreign employees over the long term, such support should be viewed as a strategic investment.
6-4. Review Recruitment and HR Strategy in Response to Regulatory Changes
As numerical limits on foreign worker acceptance may be introduced, companies should review their recruitment strategies:
- Securing quotas for specified skilled workers
- Preparing pathways from technical internship programs to employment-based training
- Simultaneously promoting the recruitment and development of domestic human resources
Building a diversified human resource strategy—rather than relying solely on foreign labor—will be essential.
6-5. Establish Collaboration Systems with Specialists Such as Administrative Scriveners
Residence status procedures are complex and subject to frequent legal revisions. It is often unrealistic for companies to manage these matters alone.
Establishing ongoing collaboration with administrative scriveners specializing in visa and residence status matters is strongly recommended:
- Continuous advisory support
- In-house training on residence status compliance
- Rapid consultation systems when issues arise
7. Five Actions Foreign Residents in Japan Must Take Immediately
7-1. Confirm Tax and Social Insurance Payment Status
The highest priority for foreign residents is to confirm their own tax and social insurance payment status:
- Are there any unpaid income or resident taxes?
- Are there any unpaid national health insurance or social insurance premiums?
- What is the status of pension premium payments?
If unpaid amounts exist, they should be settled promptly. If installment payments are necessary, consultation with the local municipality or pension office is advised.
7-2. Check Residence Status Renewal Timing and Required Documents
Foreign residents should confirm the expiration date on their residence card and begin preparations at least three months prior to renewal.
While required documents vary by residence status type, tax payment certificates are virtually always required.
7-3. Consult Early if Considering Permanent Residence or Naturalization
Those considering permanent residence or naturalization should begin preparations early, before regulations become even stricter:
- Confirm required documents
- Confirm eligibility requirements
- Consult with an administrative scrivener
In particular, permanent residence screening periods are long, often taking several months to more than a year from application to approval.
7-4. Work to Improve Japanese Language Ability
Japanese language ability is increasingly likely to become a factor in residence status screening:
- Take the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT)
- Participate in community-based Japanese language classes
- Utilize online learning tools
Improving Japanese language skills not only enhances daily life and work performance but also works positively in residence status screening.
7-5. Consult with Specialists (Administrative Scriveners)
If you have concerns regarding residence status, early consultation with specialists is strongly recommended:
- Consultation on residence status renewal
- Confirmation of requirements for permanent residence or naturalization
- Consultation on bringing family members to Japan
- Consultation regarding real estate purchases
Professional advice helps prevent problems in advance and enables a more secure life in Japan.
8. Toward Realizing a Multicultural Society – What We Can Do
8-1. Viewing Foreign Residents as “Community Members,” Not Just “Labor”
Foreign workers should be viewed not merely as a labor force, but as members of local communities with families and long-term lives in Japan:
- Providing housing support
- Supporting children’s education
- Supporting Japanese language learning
- Encouraging participation in local communities
8-2. Supporting Foreign Talent as Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
Companies employing foreign talent bear social responsibility beyond employment itself:
- Ensuring appropriate working conditions
- Proper social insurance enrollment
- Providing Japanese language education
- Understanding cultural and customary differences
8-3. Building Community-Wide Acceptance Systems
For foreign residents to integrate successfully, acceptance systems must extend beyond companies to entire communities:
- Providing information in multiple languages
- Establishing consultation services for foreign residents
- Promoting participation in community events
- Multicultural education in schools
9. Conclusion – “Accurate Knowledge” and “Appropriate Preparation” in an Era of Stricter Regulations
The stricter foreign resident policies proposed by political parties in the 2026 House of Representatives election will bring significant changes for both foreign residents in Japan and companies employing them.
For companies, managing foreign employees’ residence status will become more important than ever, requiring strict compliance with social insurance enrollment and payment obligations. Restrictions on acceptance numbers and real estate acquisition may further complicate the recruitment and retention of foreign talent.
For foreign residents, tax and social insurance payment status will directly affect residence status renewal, making proper day-to-day compliance essential. Hurdles for permanent residence and naturalization will rise, and bringing family members to Japan or purchasing homes may become more difficult.
At the same time, it remains true that many Japanese industries cannot function without foreign workers. In rural agriculture, manufacturing, and nursing care, foreign talent has already become indispensable.
What is required now is not excessive fear of stricter regulations, but the acquisition of accurate knowledge and proactive, appropriate preparation.
At Niseko Visa Application Support Center, we serve as a bridge between companies and foreign residents, supporting both sides so they can work and live in Japan with peace of mind.
For consultations regarding residence status renewal, permanent residence applications, naturalization, family accompaniment, social insurance compliance, or any other related matters, please feel free to contact us.
Precisely because regulations are becoming stricter, professional support is more important than ever.
Let us work together to build a secure future.
Reference Article
Yahoo! News:
“What Happens to Foreigners’ Lives Under Stricter Regulations? Residence Status Screening, Real Estate Acquisition… Campaign Promises of Parties in the House Election”
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