Legal News by Sakura Central Law Office
We regularly share the latest regulatory changes, practical guidance,
and important notices on Residence Status, Specified Skilled Workers, and Succession & Wills.
On May 22, 2026, the Immigration Services Agency announced its enhanced "Zero Illegal Residents Plan." The plan proposes adding illegal employment assistance as a disqualification for business licenses in construction, food service, lodging, and other sectors. Penalties also rise from June 14: up to 5 years imprisonment or ¥5 million fine.
Applications for the new Specified Residence Card open at immigration counters on June 15 (Mon). Here is a complete checklist of required documents and a step-by-step guide to the application process, including FAQs on timing and the My Number Card return requirement.
As of April 15, 2026, screening standards for the Technology, Humanities & International Business residence status have been tightened. Applicants in client-facing roles must now submit proof of CEFR B2 Japanese proficiency. The changes apply to new applications, changes, and renewals.
The new Specified Residence Card launches June 14. Key cautions: online applications not accepted (counter only), issuance takes ~10 extra days, loss or theft requires dual procedures. Find out who should and should not rush to apply.
The amended Immigration Control Act passed the Upper House on May 29, 2026 and is now law. The fee ceiling for residence status change/renewal rises to ¥100,000 (up to ¥70,000 per government ordinance draft), and permanent residency to ¥300,000 (¥200,000 planned). Applying before the April 2027 implementation means lower current fees.
New acceptance of SSW Type 1 in the food service sector has been suspended since April 13, with no reopening date announced. We explain the conditions for resumption, why it may take time, and practical alternatives including Ikusei Shuro transition.
The January 23, 2026 Cabinet Decision set the combined acceptance cap for Specified Skilled Worker Type 1 (approx. 806,000 across 19 sectors) and Ikusei Shuro (approx. 426,200 across 17 sectors) at 1.23 million by the end of FY2028. An integrated pathway from Ikusei Shuro to SSW is also formalized.
The January 23, 2026 Cabinet Decision officially expanded the Specified Skilled Worker program from 16 to 19 sectors. The three newly added sectors — linen supply, logistics warehousing, and resource recycling — are expected to begin accepting workers around 2027 after skills test preparations are completed.
New acceptance of Specified Skilled Worker Type 1 in the food service sector has been suspended from April 13, 2026. Applications for Certificate of Eligibility and status changes are affected. Renewals for existing residents and job changes within the same sector remain possible.
Periodic reporting for accepting organizations and registered support organizations has changed from quarterly to once a year. The first report covering activities from April 2026 onward is due between April and the end of May 2027. Failure to report risks penalties.
The construction sector has unique rules not found in other sectors: mandatory JAC membership, acceptance fees, and CCUS (Construction Career Up System) registration. This article provides the latest details in plain language.
The gift tax exemption for lump-sum education funds (up to ¥15 million from grandparents to children/grandchildren) ended on March 31, 2026 with no extension. New contributions from April 1 onward are fully taxable. Funds already deposited remain usable tax-free under existing withdrawal rules.
The 2026 tax reform extends the deadline for submitting the special business succession plan for unlisted shares by 18 months (to September 2027). The individual business asset deferral deadline is extended by 30 months. Business owners considering succession should review the revised timeline.
The 2026 tax reform closes inheritance tax planning through fractional real estate products, regardless of acquisition date, effective from January 1, 2027. Unlike the "5-year rule" for rental properties, this applies to all existing holdings. Reviewing your estate plan is urgent.
The inheritance tax reform effective January 2024 extended the period for adding pre-death gifts to the taxable estate from 3 to 7 years. Full application begins from January 2027. Those making annual ¥1.1M gifts or receiving gifts from elderly parents must urgently review their plans.
Under the 2026 tax reform, rental properties acquired or built within 5 years of succession can no longer be valued at the lower assessed road value. This applies to inheritances on or after January 1, 2027. Existing tax-saving schemes need prompt review.
From April 1, 2026, property owners who change their address must apply for a change of registration within 2 years or face a fine of up to ¥50,000. The article also covers the new Certificate of Owned Real Property Records system implemented in February 2026.
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