Japan's Foreigner Crackdown: New Rules for Visas, PR, Real Estate & Tourism | What You MUST Know

The new Takaichi government in Japan is following through on promises to "crack down" on what they call "foreigner problems" (gaikokujin mondai). But what do the new proposals actually involve, and how will they affect law-abiding foreign residents, permanent residents (PR), and future tourists? In this video, we break down the specific policies being proposed across three main areas: Visas & Permanent Residency (PR): Starting in April 2027, visa renewals and PR status will be conditional on being up-to-date with taxes, national health insurance, and pension payments. We detail the new (and high bar for) PR revocation criteria. Real Estate Purchases: Learn about the government's concerns regarding speculative city purchases, land near defense sites, and natural resources (water/farmland), and what potential new restrictions might look like. Tourism: Proposals to make tourism more profitable for Japan, including a possible end to tax-free shopping and the introduction of a new entry fee system (J-ESTA) coming in 2029. Is this a xenophobic crackdown, or a reasonable effort to ensure a "well-ordered and harmonious coexistence" with foreign nationals? Join the discussion in the comments! 00:00 New laws and rules in Japan 01:48 Policy Area 1: Visas & Permanent Residency 02:32 PR Revocation: When is it effective (April 2027) and how hard is it? 03:41 The PR loophole: Maintaining PR without living in Japan 05:04 Policy Area 2: Foreign Real Estate Ownership 06:15 Policy Area 3: Tourism and Overtourism Measures 06:48 J-ESTA: Japan's new pre-arrival system (2029) 07:30 Other Potential Changes: Naturalization & PR Approval Rates