The Japanese government plans to require foreign applicants for certain work visa categories to prove Japanese language proficiency, Kyodo News Agency reports, citing informed sources.

The changes will affect applicants for the "Engineer," "Humanities," and "International Services Specialist" visa categories. In addition to the current educational and professional experience requirements, they will be required to demonstrate Japanese language proficiency at the B2 level, which corresponds to the N2 level of the Japanese Language Certification System. An official decision on this matter may be made in mid-April 2026.

The changes will apply to new applicants entering Japan for work requiring language skills. An exception will be made for international students applying for a work visa after completing their studies in the country.

According to the Japanese Immigration Service, the number of foreign residents in Japan will reach 4,13 million by the end of 2025. Of these, 475 thousand are holders of the three aforementioned visa categories—the second-largest group after permanent resident permit holders (947 thousand).

The tightening of requirements is due to the increasing number of cases where foreign citizens enter the country on visas for skilled workers, but are actually employed in low-skilled positions.