Eos Global Expansion

Japan Statutory Updates 2026

We’ve outlined Japan statutory updates for 2026

Effective April 2026

Japan to Increase Visa Issuance Fees in Fiscal Year 2026

The Japanese government has announced it will raise visa issuance fees beginning in April 2026 to align with global standards and cover increased administrative costs.

Key Updates:

  • The fee increase will apply to a range of visas, including short-term and long-term categories.
  • Revised visa fees are expected to be announced closer to the implementation date.
  • The change will take effect from April 2026, coinciding with the start of Japan’s 2026 fiscal year.
  • The Ministry of Foreign Affairs states that the adjustment is aimed at improving consular services and reflecting current operating costs.
  • Employers and foreign nationals planning to apply for visas in Japan after March 2026 should factor in potential cost increases.

Source: BAL

 

Effective Fiscal Year Ending March 2026

Voluntary Adoption of Sustainability Disclosure Standards for Large Listed Companies

The Sustainability Standards Board of Japan (SSBJ) announced on March 3, 2025, the country’s first sustainability disclosure standards, aligned with the ISSB’s IFRS Sustainability Disclosure Standards. These standards cover Governance, Strategy, Risk Management, and Metrics & Targets, focusing on core sustainability risks and climate-related disclosures. For the fiscal year ending March 2026, adoption of the SSBJ standards is voluntary, but companies are encouraged to begin reporting in preparation for future mandatory requirements.

Key Updates:

  • Voluntary application of the SSBJ Standards begins for large listed companies in the fiscal year ending March 31, 2026.
  • Mandatory application for companies with a market capitalisation of JPY3 trillion or more (69 companies) will begin in the fiscal year ending March 31, 2027.
  • Subsequent mandatory application phases:
    • JPY1 trillion+ market cap (179 companies) in FY ending March 31, 2028.
    • JPY500 billion+ market cap (294 companies) in FY ending March 31, 2029.
  • Reporting must include governance structures, strategy, risk management practices, and metrics/targets related to sustainability and climate.
  • Companies are advised to start preparing internal data collection and reporting processes in FY 2026 to ensure readiness for mandatory disclosure.

Source: Japan Financial Services Agency

Author

eosadmin

Eos Global Expansion is the one-stop shop for global expansion and provides global HR services. Hire staff quickly & compliantly, without the cost, delays, or resource drain of setting up a foreign subsidiary.

Reviewer

Chris Alderson MBE

Chris Alderson is a seasoned CEO with over 25 years of experience, holding an honours degree from Durham University. As the founder and CEO of various multinational corporations across sectors such as Manufacturing, Research & Development, Engineering, Consulting, Professional Services, and Human Resources, Chris has established a significant presence in the industry. He has served as an advisor to the British, Irish, and Japanese governments, contributing his expertise to international trade missions, particularly focusing on global expansion and international relations. His distinguished service to the industry was recognised with an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) awarded by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

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