The Japanese government has tightened the screening process for the Intra-Company Transfer visa, which is used when foreign employees are transferred to Japan. The revised measures came into effect in April 2026.
Previously, the screening process was relatively simple. However, under the new rules, applicants are now required to submit additional documents to verify their actual employment status before arriving in Japan, including:
- Proof of social insurance enrollment in their home country
- Corporate registration and tax records of the overseas office
- Registration documents and photos of the office in Japan
Tax compliance checks will also be strengthened. Some foreign employees have claimed to be paid from overseas while failing to properly declare taxes in Japan. Under the new policy, visa renewals may be denied if improper tax procedures are identified.
In addition, the review of the period of stay will become stricter. For longer stays, especially beyond the maximum five-year period, the Immigration Services Agency will carefully assess whether the extension is justified.
The Intra-Company Transfer visa has been considered relatively easy to obtain due to the lack of academic requirements. However, the latest revision aims to prevent cases where individuals without actual employment are granted residence as transferees.
These changes are part of the government’s broader effort to tighten foreign worker policies, and further stricter screening across residence statuses is expected in the future.
By Hajime Saito
X: @hajimesaitoYJC
Source:
Nikkei (April 7, 2026)
