Latest Analysis Report on Status of Residence in Japan for Foreign Nationals (2025 Edition) - Overview
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Overview and Trends of Residence Statuses in Japan
As of 2025, the number of foreign residents in Japan continues to increase. The Japanese government is actively promoting the acceptance of foreign nationals as part of its strategy for securing human resources and economic growth. There is a growing demand, especially for business-related residence statuses such as Business Manager, Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services, and Highly Skilled Professionals.
This article provides a clear and concise summary of the current status of Japan's residence status system based on statistics and policy trends from 2020 to 2024.
1. Trends in Foreign Resident Numbers and Nationality Composition
Annual Trends in Total Foreign Residents
| Year | Total Foreign Residents | Year-on-Year Change |
|---|---|---|
| End of 2020 | 2,886,199 | -4.1% (COVID-19 Impact) |
| End of 2021 | 2,820,000 | -2.3% |
| End of 2022 | 3,075,213 | +9.0% |
| End of 2023 | 3,410,992 | +10.9% |
| End of 2024 | 3,768,977 | +10.5% |
Source: Immigration Services Agency of Japan, "Statistics on Foreign Residents"
Top Nationalities of Foreign Residents (End of 2024)
| Rank | Country/Region | Population | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | China | 873,286 | 23.2% |
| 2nd | Vietnam | 634,361 | 16.8% |
| 3rd | South Korea | 409,238 | 10.9% |
| 4th | Philippines | 311,484 | 8.3% |
| 5th | Nepal | 142,329 | 3.8% |
2. Number of Residents by Visa Type and Their Characteristics (End of 2024)
| Residence Status | Holders | Year-on-Year | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Permanent Resident | 918,116 | +3.2% | Largest category |
| Technical Intern Training | 456,595 | +12.7% | Transition to Specified Skilled Worker |
| Engineer/Humanities/International Services | 418,706 | +15.5% | Mainly corporate employees |
| Student | 402,134 | +18.0% | Significant post-COVID recovery |
| Dependent | 305,598 | +9.1% | Families of workers/students |
| Specified Skilled Worker | Approx. 250,000 (est.) | +20% or more | Rapidly growing category |
| Business Manager | 39,616 | +8.8% | High requirements and discretion |
3. Comparison of Business and Work-related Residence Statuses
| Status | Main Target | Duration | Family Accompaniment | Difficulty | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business Manager | Entrepreneurs/Investors | 1–5 years (renewable) | Allowed | High | Requirements for office, capital, and continuity |
| Engineer/Humanities/International Services | White-collar foreign employees | 1–5 years (renewable) | Allowed | Medium | Consistency between education and job role required |
| Highly Skilled Professional | Researchers, Engineers, etc. | Up to 5 years → Path to Permanent Residency | Allowed | Medium–High | Point-based preferential treatment, fast-track permanent residency |
| Specified Skilled Worker (Type 1) | Workers in labor-shortage sectors | Up to 5 years | Not Allowed | Low–Medium | Skill and Japanese language tests required |
| Permanent Resident | Long-term residents | Unlimited | Allowed | High | Thorough screening on tax, conduct, residency |
4. Trend Analysis and Future Outlook
- Entrepreneurial and investment activities are rebounding with economic reopening, particularly from China, Vietnam, and Taiwan.
- Increased scrutiny by immigration authorities, especially against paper companies or shell businesses
- Startup visa expansion and new permanent residency pathways through Specified Activities are gaining attention
5. Conclusion
The number of foreign residents in Japan reached approximately 3.77 million by the end of 2024, reflecting a rapid post-COVID recovery.
Business-related residence statuses are becoming more diversified and advanced. The integration of the Specified Skilled Worker program and entrepreneurship support schemes is expected to further enhance flexibility.
Ongoing observation of system reforms and strategic preparation for suitable visa categories are essential for prospective applicants.
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- Latest Analysis Report on Status of Residence in Japan for Foreign Nationals (2025 Edition) - Overview
Easy-to-understand summary of the latest statistical data and trends regarding foreign nationals' status to stay in Japan. - 2025: Japan Business Visa Statistics Report for Foreign Nationals
this report focuses on Japanese Business Visa statuses for staying in Japan for business purposes, particularly the "Business Manager Visa".
