The online system used for residence applications in Japan has been updated as of January.

Several aspects that were previously considered inconvenient have been improved, making the system more user-friendly. We recommend reviewing the official document titled “Online Residence Application System from January 2026 (Reiwa 8)” for details.

Key updates include:

Increased File Upload Capacity
Applicants can now attach multiple documents with a total capacity of up to 25MB. This is generally sufficient for submitting required documents and photographs.

Temporary Save Function
Application data can now be saved midway through input, which is particularly useful when interruptions occur.

Unified Currency Input (Yen Only)
Previously, monetary amounts were entered in inconsistent units (e.g., tens of thousands of yen or in units of 10,000). All amounts are now entered uniformly in yen, reducing input errors.

Post-Submission Review Screen
Applicants can now review submitted information, and error messages have become clearer and easier to understand. This improvement may help reduce correction requests during examination.

Online Submission of Usage Notifications and Periodic Reports
Procedures that previously required postal submission or in-person visits can now be completed online. This is particularly beneficial for companies accepting foreign nationals under programs such as the Specified Skilled Worker status.

For additional updates, please refer to the official website of the Immigration Services Agency of Japan.