Published on and written by Cyril Jarnias
As Japan continues to adjust its immigration policies to address demographic and economic challenges, recent developments in the country’s foreign national law are of crucial importance. In 2025, these legislative changes take on a particular significance, as they seek to balance the needs of a rapidly transforming labor market with long-standing cultural reservations about immigration. Through initiatives aimed at attracting more skilled workers while strengthening social integration mechanisms, these new directions are sparking intense debate within Japanese society. This article explores the emerging trends that could redefine not only the population but also Japan’s international reputation, a country often perceived as isolated and homogeneous.
Summary of Recent Legislative Developments
Major Reforms and New Systems
- Abolition of the Technical Internship System and Creation of the “Employment in Training” System
The long-problematic Technical Internship System has been abolished, and a new “Employment in Training” system was legally established in June 2024. Employment in Training aims to strengthen the protection of foreign workers’ rights while stably securing the talent needed by Japanese society.
Features:
- Acceptance of job changes (transfers) under certain conditions at the worker’s request
- Establishment of strict standards for employers and management organizations, creation of a “Management Support Agency”
- Implementation of a daily life and professional support system by the support agency
- Expectations of escaping human rights violations and harsh environments, and a step toward multicultural coexistence.
Other Key Reforms
- Optimization of the Specified Skills System
- Strengthening of Permanent Residence Authorization Conditions and Revocation Grounds
- Integration of the My Number Card and Residence Card
- Modification of Rules for Asylum Seekers and Beneficiaries of Complementary Protection
- Introduction of a Management System and Revision of Long-Term Detentions
Economic, Political, and Social Context
In Japan, the rapid population decline, aging, and labor shortages (especially in the care and construction sectors) are severe. Consequently, demand for expanding the acceptance of foreigners is rising in the business world. On the other hand, under the traditional acceptance model, poor treatment conditions, disappearances, and incidents were increasing, also leading to growing demands for ensuring fairness, improving transparency, and considering human rights.
Impact on Foreign Residents
| Point | New Aspirants to Come to Japan | Current Foreign Residents |
|---|---|---|
| Obtaining Work Visa | Expansion of training categories and specified skills | Possibility of transition depending on conditions |
| Procedures | Online simplification, unified management | Tightening of residence renewal conditions |
| Rights | Increased freedom to change jobs, clarification of rights | Increased risk of permanent residence revocation |
| Access to Social Protection | Expansion of scope, including complementary protection | Non-insurance → increase in cases of inability to renew |
Testimonials
Permanent Resident Visa Holder from China: “I now pay more attention to taxes and document submission errors than before. I also feel anxious, so I wish they would provide more information support.”
Former Intern from Vietnam: “I expect the new system to make changing jobs easier than before. However, there are also more things to learn when choosing a company.”
Good to Know:
Recently, Japan has adopted several legislative reforms affecting foreign national law, notably the amendment to the Immigration Control Act in late 2024 and early 2025, aimed at simplifying the visa acquisition process for skilled workers and strengthening permanent residence criteria. These changes occur within an economic context marked by labor shortages and the need to stimulate the economy by attracting international talent.
New Developments in Japan’s Immigration Laws
1. Creation of a New Visa Category
- Employment in Training System (Newly Created): Gradual replacement of the Technical Internship System
- Nationwide Expansion of the Entrepreneur Visa: Applicable throughout Japan from January 1, 2025
2. Major Changes in Residency Conditions
- Expansion of Specified Skills fields
- Tightening of criteria for Permanent Residence Permit
- Strengthening of Refugee Recognition
- Revision of Fees and Promotion of Online Applications
Potential Impact on Foreigners
| Beneficiaries | Main Positive Effects | Main Negative Effects |
|---|---|---|
| Workers | Expansion of Specified Skills framework / Increased job change opportunities | Increased risk of permanent residence revocation |
| Entrepreneurs | Ability to start a business anywhere / Relaxed conditions | Frequency of renewals (review every six months) |
| Students | Diversification of post-graduation employment paths / Ease of changing enrollment | Risk related to exceeding unskilled activities |
| Permanent Residents | Clarification of rights | Risk of revocation in case of non-payment of obligations, etc. |
Good to Know:
In Japan, recent changes to immigration laws include the introduction of new visa categories for skilled workers in the technology sector and a relaxation of residency requirements for international students, thereby promoting a highly skilled foreign workforce.
Trends for Expatriates in 2025
Population Dynamics and Economic Forecasts
The number of foreign residents in Japan in 2025 exceeds 3.7 million, setting a new record. This increase is due to the easing of border measures after the resolution of COVID-19 and the depreciation of the yen, creating a favorable environment for arrival and residence.
Legislative Reform and Rights Protection
The immigration law reform adopted in 2024 introduces new visa systems such as Employment in Training, strengthens penalties for facilitating illegal work, and refines the conditions for granting permanent residence.
Sectors to Watch in the Future
- Care/Medical: Expansion of Specified Skills quotas
- IT/Highly Specialized Professions: Creation of new visas
- Tourism Accommodation/Services: Rapid recovery of inbound consumption
- Construction/Manufacturing: Response to aging infrastructure
Good to Know:
In 2025, Japan anticipates an increase in demand for expatriate labor in the technology and healthcare sectors, partly due to demographic aging and a shortage of local workers.
Expected Reforms for Foreigner Rights
Work Permit and Employment Reform
By 2025, Japan is progressing with legislative revisions aimed at expanding the acceptance of foreign workers while strengthening the protection of their rights and corporate responsibilities.
Evolution of Family Reunification Policy
A revision of the application process to promote family reunification is also under discussion, with the establishment of necessary support for leading a stable life in Japan.
Good to Know:
By 2025, Japan is considering several significant reforms affecting the rights of foreigners, particularly regarding work permits, where the extension of visas for skilled workers is being considered to address labor shortages.
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Cyril Jarnias is an independent expert in international wealth management with over 20 years of experience. As an expatriate himself, he is dedicated to helping individuals and business leaders build, protect, and pass on their wealth with complete peace of mind.
On his website, cyriljarnias.com, he shares his expertise on international real estate, offshore company formation, and expatriation.
Thanks to his expertise, he offers sound advice to optimize his clients' wealth management. Cyril Jarnias is also recognized for his appearances in many prestigious media outlets such as BFM Business, les Français de l’étranger, Le Figaro, Les Echos, and Mieux vivre votre argent, where he shares his knowledge and know-how in wealth management.
