2026 Japan Residency Guide: Navigating Visas

Moving to Japan is more than a relocation; it is the start of a new chapter. Japan is a country of endless discovery, and for many global citizens, it is the next place to call home. To help you settle in, we have compiled the essential visa categories for your reference

The Japanese government categorizes residency under these primary frameworks: Work, Non-Work, Family Status, and Designated Activities. Finding the right visa is your first step; finding a comfortable Japan rental is your second. Here is the definitive breakdown.

I. Professional & Employment Visas (Work Status)

These statuses allow for legal employment and require a sponsoring employer or entity.

• Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services [技術・人文知識・国際業務] : The most common path for IT professionals, designers, and marketers. This is the standard "Work Visa" for international talent in Japan.

• Highly Skilled Professional (HSP) [高度専門職] : A point-based system (evaluating income, education, and experience). It offers a 5-year stay and an accelerated track to Permanent Residency.

• Business Manager [経営・管理] :  For those establishing a company or managing investments. This is the primary choice for entrepreneurs looking to scale in the Japanese market.

• Specified Skilled Worker (SSW i/ii) [特定技能1号・2号]: Targeting industries with labor shortages. 

  • SSW Type i: Acts as the primary entry point, allowing for a cumulative 5-year stay across 16 designated sectors—including Manufacturing, Agriculture, F&B Production, Food Service, and newly added fields such as Automobile Transport and Railway Services. This tier focuses on foundational technical expertise.

  • SSW Type ii (Advanced Management): Reserved for advanced specialists who pass high-level proficiency exams and hold supervisory or managerial roles. Unlike Type i, this status offers unlimited renewals and the right to bring family members to Japan.

II. Education & Academic Stay

Student Visa [留学] : Applicable for language schools, universities, or vocational colleges. Holders can work up to 28 hours per week with a Permission to Engage in Activity other than that Permitted.

III. Designated Activities: The Long-Stay Solutions

This category covers unique activities specifically designated by the Ministry of Justice for 2026.

• Digital Nomad Visa [特定活動53号] : Specifically designated for ICT-based remote work for overseas clients.

  • Criteria: Requires an annual income of JPY 10M+ and specific nationality status.

  • Stay: Grants up to 6 months.

  • Restriction: Local Japanese employment is strictly prohibited under this status. It is the premier choice for high-earning professionals seeking a medium-term stay in Japan.

• Working Holiday Visa [ワーキング・ホリデー] : Available to applicants aged 18–30 from participating countries (e.g., UK, Australia, Canada, Taiwan).

  • 2026 Update: Certain bilateral agreements, such as the Taiwan-Japan program, may now apply twice per lifetime (previously once). It is the perfect entry point for those seeking a medium-term monthly stay in Japan.

• High-Net-Worth / Wealthy Tourist Visa [特定活動40号] : Specifically designed for individuals from visa-exempt countries (including the US, EU, and Taiwan). Allows for extended stays without the need for local employment, ideal for a medium-term stay in Japan.

  • Purpose: Purely for sightseeing, recreation, or health recovery (non-employment). Initially granted for 6 months, with the option to apply for an extension for a total stay of up to 12 months.

  • Requirement: Proof of savings equivalent to JPY 30M or more

IIII.  Family & Relationship Visas

These statuses provide high flexibility, often allowing for part-time or full employment.

• Spouse of Japanese National [日本人の配偶者]Granted to those married to a Japanese citizen. It offers more freedom regarding employment and long-term residency.

• Dependent (Family Stay) [家族滞在] : For the spouses and children(does not include parents or siblings) of those on Work or Student visas. It allows families to stay together, with the option to apply for part-time work permits.

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Regardless of your visa type, a seamless transition requires an initial reliable home base. Lohus offers the premier solution for Tokyo Japan monthly rentals, designed specifically for the discerning international professional.

Why Lohus for Tokyo Monthly Rentals:

• Convenient: Fully furnished units featuring modern private kitchens, appliances, and dedicated workspaces.

• All-Inclusive: Wi-Fi and basic utilities are integrated—no hidden fees.

• Flexible Terms: Monthly stays starting from just 30 days, providing the agility you need.

• Expat-Friendly: No guarantors, no key money, and no brokerage fees.

• Foreigners-Friendly: Japanese, Mandarin(Chinese), English support.

Visa information as of April 2026

Please refer toJapan Immigration Service Agency website for latest information.

https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/

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