Second Immigration and Residence Management Basic Plan | Key Points of the Revision after 7 Years

The Ministry of Justice formulated and published the “Second Immigration and Residence Management Basic Plan” in July 2026. This is the first revision in approximately seven years since the First Plan (April 2019). While news of individual Law Revisions and Public comments flows daily, most of them are manifestations of the policies outlined in this basic plan. In other words, the basic plan serves as a “blueprint” that indicates the direction of immigration practices for the next few years. This article will organize the information based on primary sources from the Ministry of Justice, focusing on the “dated commitments” explicitly stated in the plan, from the perspectives of both foreign nationals and corporate HR Professionals.

The current status of online residence procedures is explained in detail in “Online Residence Application System,” and the requirements for Permanent Residency are detailed in “Requirements and Necessary Documents for Permanent Residency.” Please refer to these as well.

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1. What is the Immigration and Residence Management Basic Plan? — The “Blueprint” for Immigration Administration

The Immigration and Residence Management Basic Plan is a plan formulated by the Minister of Justice based on the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act (hereinafter, Immigration Control Act) as the fundamental plan for policies concerning the entry and residence of foreign nationals. Unlike individual ministerial ordinances or public notices, it does not directly create rights or obligations. However, it is “upstream” of subsequent Law Revisions, ministerial ordinance revisions, and operational changes, making it a document of significant practical importance.

The history of the plan is as follows:

Year	Event
1992	First “Immigration Control Basic Plan” formulated
Thereafter	Plans formulated at approximately 5-year intervals
2015	5th “Immigration Control Basic Plan” formulated
2018	With the amendment of the Immigration Control Act, etc., it was explicitly stated that the Ministry of Justice is responsible for ensuring fair management of “foreign nationals’ residence,” and the name was changed to “Immigration and Residence Management Basic Plan.”
April 2019	First Immigration and Residence Management Basic Plan formulated
July 2026	Second Immigration and Residence Management Basic Plan formulated (this time)

The key point is that this is the second plan since the name change. In the approximately seven years since April 2019, the institutional environment has changed significantly, including border control measures against COVID-19, the progressive abolition of the Technical Intern Training System and the establishment of the Employment for Skill Development (ESD; Japanese: Ikusei Shuro) Program, and the creation of the supervision measures system and the complementary protection status recognition system. This plan redraws the next few years based on these changes.

2. Overview of the Second Plan — Six Basic Policies

The Second Plan organizes the basic policies of immigration and residence management administration into six pillars. The headings for each pillar and their corresponding pages in the main text are as follows:

#	Basic Policy	Main Text
1	Realization of Strict and Smooth Immigration Control	P.21
2	Realization of Appropriate Residence Management for Foreign Nationals	P.26
3	Development of an Acceptance Environment for Foreign Nationals Towards the Realization of an Orderly Inclusive society with Foreign Nationals	P.37
4	Promotion of Measures Against Irregular Residents, etc., Towards the Realization of a Safe and Secure Society	P.41
5	Promotion of Appropriate and Prompt Protection and Support for Refugees and Complementary Protection Status Holders, etc.	P.48
6	Others	P.53

As a recognition of the current situation, the plan states that the number of foreign residents and foreign entrants has reached an unprecedented high level, with further increases expected in the future, and that it is necessary to continue securing foreign human resources amidst the deepening issues of declining birthrates, an aging population, and labor shortages. Furthermore, it identifies challenges such as the promotion of Immigration DX, the acceptance and environmental development in accordance with rules and strict measures against rule violators, the development of human and material resources, and effective policy formulation through the collection and utilization of evidence.

3. [2027] Information Sharing via My Number to Begin

For foreign nationals themselves, this is the change closest to daily life in the current plan. The plan states the following regarding the promotion of Residence Management DX:

Regarding information on foreign residents held by the Immigration Services Agency and related organizations, information sharing via My Number, utilizing the public service mesh, is scheduled to commence operation from 2027.

Ministry of Justice, “Immigration and Residence Management Basic Plan” (July 2026)

The “public service mesh” is a platform for administrative agencies to exchange necessary information. Using this, information that was previously separated across different government offices will now be connected with the Immigration Services Agency.

Content of Information to be Exchanged

The scope specified in the plan can be summarized as follows:

Direction	Information Content	Status
Relevant Agencies → Immigration Services Agency	Payment information for National Health Insurance premiums and National Pension premiums	Scheduled to commence operation from 2027
Relevant Agencies → Immigration Services Agency	Taxation information for local taxes	Same as above
Relevant Agencies → Immigration Services Agency	Eligibility information for medical insurance policyholders, etc.	Same as above
Immigration Services Agency → Relevant Agencies	Nationality, Status of Residence information, immigration-related information, etc.	Same as above
Relevant Agencies → Immigration Services Agency	Tax payment information for local taxes	Under consideration for the future
Immigration Services Agency → Relevant Agencies	Nationality and Status of Residence information regarding public assistance, etc.	Under consideration for the future

Distinguishing “Planned” and “Under Consideration”

This point is prone to misunderstanding, so we will clarify it carefully. The plan states that it will “consider” a mechanism to utilize tax payment information, etc., for Landing examinations and Immigration reviews, as well as for encouraging payment in cases of non-payment. In other words:

• Commencement of information sharing itself … “Planned” to start from 2027
• Mechanism for utilizing that information in reviews and payment encouragement … Currently “under consideration”

This is a two-stage approach. Explanations such as “If there is non-payment, denial will be guaranteed from 2027” go beyond what is stated in the plan. What can be said with certainty at this point is the fact that a system for payment status to reach the Immigration Services Agency is being put in place.

It is also explicitly stated that the scope of consideration for utilization in Landing examinations excludes Landing examinations for those who have received a Re-entry Permit.

Changes in Procedures Themselves

In addition, the plan states that it will promote the principle of online applications and notifications for Status of Residence, and introduce cashless payment for fees. The current method of affixing Revenue Stamps at the counter is expected to change in the future.

4. [FY2028] Introduction of JESTA (Electronic Travel Authorization System)

JESTA (Electronic Travel Authorization System) is a system that requires individuals exempt from Visa requirements who are entering for Temporary Visitor purposes such as tourism, passengers on cruise ships (designated passenger ships), and some individuals temporarily entering for transit, to provide information such as their purpose of travel and place of stay before traveling, and undergo a pre-check. According to the plan, the progress and future are as follows:

• May 2026: A law partially amending the Immigration Control Act, etc., including the establishment of the system, was enacted at the 221st extraordinary session of the Diet.
• June 2026: The said law was promulgated.
• During FY2028: System development will proceed for steady introduction.

Once introduced, individuals who have not received authorization or a Visa will, in principle, not be able to enter Japan. Conversely, Temporary Visitors who have received authorization will be able to undergo the necessary examination and pass through walk-through gates for Landing. The background to this is the government’s goal of “60 million foreign visitors to Japan by 2030,” with the aim of achieving both strict pre-checks and a reduction in immigration inspection waiting times. A Fee is planned to be set for JESTA, and the plan states that it will be “appropriately set considering benefit-based elements, etc.” The amount has not been announced at this time.

5. Optimization of Status of Residence Management – Permanent Residence, Business Management, Highly Skilled Professional

The plan also touches upon reviews for each Status of Residence. In all cases, these are at the stage where directions have been indicated, and specific requirements will be determined by future revisions of laws and regulations.

Permanent Residency System

• Aim to improve predictability and transparency through guidelines concerning the revocation of “Permanent Resident” Status of Residence.
• Review the nature and requirements for Permanent Residency.

As of August 4, 2026, public comments regarding the optimization of “Permanent Resident” status have also been implemented, and policies are becoming more concrete. The revocation system is explained in “Permanent Residency Revocation System.”

Status of Residence “Business Manager”

• Grasp the actual business conditions and implement further measures for improvement.

The requirements for Business Manager will be reviewed in 2026, and transitional measures for renewal have also been established. For details, please see “3-Year Transitional Measures for Business Manager Visa Renewal.”

Highly Skilled Professional (Points-based System for Highly-Skilled Professionals)

The plan points out that over 14 years have passed since the system’s implementation, and the system itself has gradually become more complex due to rising wage levels and an increase in point-adding items. It states that necessary reviews will be conducted, including income criteria, the content of the items themselves, and their scoring and weighting. The current point calculation is explained in “What is a Highly Skilled Professional Visa? Point Calculation.” We recommend organizing supporting documents for additional items on a regular basis in preparation for the review.

Status of Residence in General

The plan also explicitly states that necessary measures will be implemented for issues where discrepancies are observed between the intent of the Status of Residence system and its actual conditions, and it refers to strengthening direct information gathering methods, such as on-site investigations of businesses.

6. 【April 2027】Milestone for Specified Skilled Worker and ESD

April 2027 marks a significant milestone for the acceptance system. The plan lists the following optimizations for the Specified Skilled Worker System:

• From April 2027, the outsourcing of support implementation related to the Specified Skilled Worker (i) foreign national support plan will be limited to Registered Support Organizations.
• Strictly enforce the registration requirements for Registered Support Organizations.
• Add Japanese language requirements for Specified Skilled Worker (ii).

In the same April 2027, the Employment for Skill Development (ESD) Program, established in June 2024, will begin operation. The plan states that it will proceed with establishing a system, including the Foreign National ESD Organization, negotiating bilateral agreements (MOCs) with sending country governments to exclude malicious sending organizations and supervising support organizations, and establishing and utilizing regional councils.

For an overview of the system, please see “Differences between Specified Skilled Worker (i) and (ii)” and “What is the Employment for Skill Development (ESD) Program? Starts April 2027.” Furthermore, a separate ministerial ordinance amendment proposal to add “5 years” to the Period of Stay for Specified Skilled Worker (ii) is also underway, which is explained in “Proposal to Add “5 Years” to Period of Stay for Specified Skilled Worker (ii).”

7. Increase in Immigration Services Fee and Cashless Payments

The plan states the following regarding fees under the “Other” pillar:

The Immigration Services Fee will be increased, taking into account the beneficiary-pays principle and the standards of major countries, to strengthen and expand various measures related to foreign nationals, such as the appropriate and smooth acceptance of increasing foreign nationals and the development of an acceptance environment for the realization of an orderly inclusive society with foreign nationals.

Ministry of Justice “Immigration and Residence Management Basic Plan” (July 2026)

Specific amounts are determined by a cabinet order, not by the basic plan. That cabinet order has now been promulgated, and the revised fees take effect on October 1, 2026. Under the revision, the fee for a change of status of residence or an extension of period of stay depends on the period of stay granted (10,000–75,000 yen at the counter), and permanent residence permission costs 200,000 yen. Applications accepted by September 30, 2026 are charged the pre-revision amount even if permission is granted on or after October 1. See our article on the residence fee revision effective October 1, 2026 for details.

8. Strengthening Measures Against Irregular Residents — Halving by the End of 2030

The plan cites the following figures for measures against irregular residents:

• Number of irregular residents as of January 1, 2026: Approximately 68,000 people
• The immediate goal is to halve the number of foreign nationals whose deportation has been finalized by the end of 2030 (“Zero Irregular Residents Plan for National Safety and Security” published in May 2025).
• In May 2026, the “Zero Irregular Residents Plan ~Strong Promotion Package~” was published, and efforts are being made to strengthen crackdowns, etc.

The policies include the planned implementation of government-funded repatriation with escort officers, promotion of voluntary departure, and strengthening of information collection and analysis functions utilizing digital technology.

What businesses cannot overlook is the strengthening of measures against facilitating illegal employment. The plan mentions strengthening crackdowns in cooperation with relevant agencies, as well as considering the nature of the Crime of facilitating illegal employment and disqualifying factors in various industry laws. The importance of proper employment management will be higher than ever. The basics are explained in “Points to Note for Foreign Employment“.

9. What You Can Prepare Now

The Basic Plan is a preview of “what will happen next.” We will organize meaningful preparations from today, categorized by position.

For Foreign Nationals

1. Eliminate unpaid social insurance premiums and taxes: Payment information and tax information are scheduled to be linked to the Immigration Services Agency from 2027. If you have arrears, resolve them early, including consulting about installment payments.
2. Submit notifications for address, workplace, etc., within the deadline: The policy is to strengthen the grasp of actual conditions. Failure to notify can be disadvantageous in future applications for extension, change, or Permanent Residency.
3. Consider the timing of your Permanent Residency Application: A review of requirements is explicitly stated as a topic for consideration. If you meet the requirements, check if there is any reason to postpone.
4. Ensure My Number Card and Residence Card information matches: Check if procedures for name and address changes have been completed.
5. Prepare for Online application: It is reassuring to complete user information registration early.

For HR Professionals

Accepting organizations will also need to restructure their operations towards 2027.

Timing	What will happen	Company preparations
October 1, 2026 (confirmed)	Increase in Immigration Services Fee	Organize rules for bearing application costs (applicant’s burden / company’s burden) in employment regulations and employment contracts
2027	Start of information sharing using My Number (scheduled)	Check proper enrollment in social insurance and payment status of premiums
April 2027	Limiting support outsourcing for Specified Skilled Worker (i) to Registered Support Organizations	Confirm current outsourcing partners and prepare for switching if necessary
April 2027	Stricter registration requirements for Registered Support Organizations / Addition of Japanese proficiency requirement for Specified Skilled Worker (ii)	Review of support system and Japanese language learning support
April 2027	Start of Employment for Skill Development (ESD) Program operation	Consider selection of supervising support organizations and involvement in regional councils
FY2028	Introduction of JESTA	Update travel procedures for business partners and Trainees invited for Temporary Visitor stays

In addition, it is safe to share internally the thorough verification of Residence Cards at the time of hiring and renewal (utilizing the Residence Card Reader App is effective), matching job descriptions to the Status of Residence, and allowing ample time for application schedules.

10. Summary of Future Schedule

Here is a chronological list of dated matters explicitly stated in the Second Immigration and Residence Management Basic Plan.

Timing	Content	Current Status
October 1, 2026	Increase in Immigration Services Fee	Cabinet order promulgated; enforcement on October 1, 2026 confirmed.
2027	Start of My Number information sharing utilizing public service mesh	Scheduled
April 2027	Limiting support outsourcing for Specified Skilled Worker (i) to Registered Support Organizations	Scheduled
April 2027	Stricter registration requirements for Registered Support Organizations / Addition of Japanese proficiency requirement for Specified Skilled Worker (ii)	Scheduled
April 2027	Start of Employment for Skill Development (ESD) Program operation	Scheduled
By FY2028	Introduction of JESTA (Electronic Travel Authorization System)	System development for introduction is being promoted
End of 2030	Halve the number of foreign nationals whose deportation has been finalized	Target
Undetermined	Review of the nature and requirements for Permanent Residency	Under consideration
Undetermined	Review of annual income standards and point allocation for Highly Skilled Professional	Under consideration
Undetermined	Mechanism to utilize tax payment information, etc., for Landing examination and Immigration review	Under consideration

11. Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. If the Basic Plan is decided, will something change immediately?
A. The Basic Plan itself does not change application requirements; it will be materialized through future Law Revisions, ministerial ordinance revisions, and operational changes. However, it is meaningful to prepare for matters with specified timings as those dates approach.

Q2. If I have unpaid taxes or social insurance premiums from 2027, will I be unable to obtain an Extension of Period of Stay?
A. What is stated in the plan is that information sharing is scheduled to begin operation from 2027, and that a mechanism to utilize that information for Immigration review and payment recommendations will be considered. It is not stipulated that “Denial will definitely occur if there are unpaid amounts.” However, fulfilling public obligations has traditionally been a matter considered during Immigration review, so we recommend resolving any unpaid amounts early.

Q3. Will JESTA be necessary for me, even though I have a Residence Card?
A. JESTA applies to those who are exempt from Visa requirements and engage in Temporary Visitor activities such as tourism, cruise ship passengers, and some individuals temporarily entering for transit. It is a separate system from the daily residence procedures for Mid- to long-term residents who have been issued a Residence Card.

Q4. When will the Japanese language requirements for Specified Skilled Worker (ii) come into effect, and which tests will be accepted?
A. The plan indicates that Japanese language requirements will be added “from April 2027,” but the required level and target tests will be determined by future public notices and other official announcements. We will provide further explanation once they are published.

Q5. What will the final fee be?
A. The amount is determined by Cabinet Order, and that order has been promulgated with enforcement on October 1, 2026 confirmed. A change of status or extension of period of stay is charged according to the period of stay granted (10,000–75,000 yen at the counter), and permanent residence permission costs 200,000 yen. Applications accepted by September 30, 2026 are charged the pre-revision amount.

Q6. Is it more advantageous to apply for Permanent Residency now or to wait?
A. A definitive answer cannot be given. However, the plan explicitly states that a review of the requirements is being considered, and public comments have been solicited since August 2026. This is a situation where those who meet the current requirements have a reasonable basis to proceed with preparations promptly. As it depends on individual circumstances, please consult us if you are unsure.

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Summary

The Second Basic Plan for Immigration and Residence Management, formulated by the Ministry of Justice in July 2026, is the first revision in approximately seven years. Under six basic policies, it outlines changes with specified timelines: My Number information integration in 2027, optimization of Specified Skilled Worker and commencement of Nurturing and Work operations in April 2027, introduction of JESTA in fiscal year 2028, and an increase in Immigration Services Fees.

Rather than following individual news updates, prioritizing the dates outlined in this plan will make it easier to plan for yourself, your family, and your employees. In particular, the fact that a system is being established for social insurance premiums and tax payment status to be reported to the Immigration Services Agency is an item that can be addressed starting today.

On the other hand, the plan contains a mix of “scheduled” and “under consideration” items. When encountering definitive information, it is crucial to discern whether it is an established system or a policy still under consideration. If you are unsure, please consult an expert promptly.

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This article is written based on publicly available information as of September 2026. Details of the system and implementation dates may change in the future. For actual applications, please refer to the official information from the Immigration Services Agency or contact our office.

Author of this article: Administrative Scrivener Authorized to File Applications, Satoshi Nakayama
Representative, Administrative Scrivener Corporation Miyazaki International Legal Office
Location: Miyazaki City, Miyazaki Prefecture