Every rule change for long stay in Asia, dated and linked to its source. tag:stayingasia.org,2026:wire 2027-01-28T09:00:00Z StayingAsia https://stayingasia.com tag:stayingasia.org,2027-01-28:singapore-tech-pass-closes-and-is-replaced-by-a-on 2027-01-28T09:00:00Z

Applications for new and renewal Tech.Passes stop on 27 January 2027. From 28 January the route is replaced by an AI and Tech track under the Overseas Networks and Expertise Pass, which recognises vested equity such as ESOP and ESOW against the salary bar. Existing holders stay until expiry.

<p><strong>Singapore</strong> · Closing · 2027-01-28</p><p>Applications for new and renewal Tech.Passes stop on 27 January 2027. From 28 January the route is replaced by an AI and Tech track under the Overseas Networks and Expertise Pass, which recognises vested equity such as ESOP and ESOW against the salary bar. Existing holders stay until expiry.</p><p><a href="https://www.edb.gov.sg/en/how-we-help/incentives-and-facilitation/tech-pass">Source: Economic Development Board, Tech.Pass, and MOM ONE Pass eligibility</a></p><p><em>Linked to the route operator, not the legal instrument.</em></p><p><a href="https://stayingasia.com/digest/2027-01/">January 2027 digest</a></p> tag:stayingasia.org,2026-12-31:thailand-privilege-card-bronze-tier-closes 2026-12-31T09:00:00Z

The THB 650,000 five year entry tier is a limited promotion ending 31 December 2026. The cheapest ongoing tier becomes Gold at THB 900,000.

<p><strong>Thailand</strong> · Closing · 2026-12-31</p><p>The THB 650,000 five year entry tier is a limited promotion ending 31 December 2026. The cheapest ongoing tier becomes Gold at THB 900,000.</p><p><a href="https://thailandprivilege.co.th/">Source: Thailand Privilege Card, 2026 membership terms</a></p><p><em>Linked to the route operator, not the legal instrument.</em></p><p><a href="https://stayingasia.com/digest/2026-12/">December 2026 digest</a></p> tag:stayingasia.org,2026-11-01:armenia-residence-cards-now-require-minimum-comp 2026-11-01T09:00:00Z

From 1 November, business owners applying for a temporary residence card must show AMD 2,000,000 in company capital, or AMD 1,000,000 as a sole trader. Renewal is annual, and permanent residence now requires three years of temporary status inside the last five. Applications filed before that date are read against the old test.

<p><strong>Armenia</strong> · Tightened · 2026-11-01</p><p>From 1 November, business owners applying for a temporary residence card must show AMD 2,000,000 in company capital, or AMD 1,000,000 as a sole trader. Renewal is annual, and permanent residence now requires three years of temporary status inside the last five. Applications filed before that date are read against the old test.</p><p><a href="https://www.arlis.am/">Source: ARLIS, official publication of legal acts</a></p><p><em>Linked to the legal instrument. Armenian language.</em></p><p><a href="https://stayingasia.com/digest/2026-11/">November 2026 digest</a></p> tag:stayingasia.org,2026-10-01:sri-lanka-sri-lanka-tourist-stay-is-30-days-on-arr 2026-10-01T09:00:00Z

The ETA grants 30 days on arrival, double entry, and the second entry only uses the balance of the same 30 days. Extensions are filed in Colombo and take the total to six months on a tourist visa. This item was first written as a 180 day tourist visa. That figure is what the total reaches with extensions, not what the officer stamps at the airport.

<p><strong>Sri Lanka</strong> · Restated · 2026-10-01</p><p>The ETA grants 30 days on arrival, double entry, and the second entry only uses the balance of the same 30 days. Extensions are filed in Colombo and take the total to six months on a tourist visa. This item was first written as a 180 day tourist visa. That figure is what the total reaches with extensions, not what the officer stamps at the airport.</p><p><a href="https://www.eta.gov.lk/slvisa/visainfo/fees.jsp?locale=en_US">Source: Sri Lanka ETA, fees and permitted stay</a></p><p><em>Linked to the authority notice, not the legal instrument.</em></p><p><a href="https://stayingasia.com/digest/2026-10/">October 2026 digest</a></p> tag:stayingasia.org,2026-10-01:japan-permanent-residence-rebuilt-around-incom 2026-10-01T09:00:00Z

The revised guidelines test income against average household income, require pension contributions equivalent to thirty years of employee payments, and look for Japanese ability around N3 to B1. Revocation is now explicit for deliberate non payment of tax or pension. The guideline was published in October 2026 and applies to applications filed from 1 April 2027.

<p><strong>Japan</strong> · Tightened · 2026-10-01</p><p>The revised guidelines test income against average household income, require pension contributions equivalent to thirty years of employee payments, and look for Japanese ability around N3 to B1. Revocation is now explicit for deliberate non payment of tax or pension. The guideline was published in October 2026 and applies to applications filed from 1 April 2027.</p><p><a href="https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/">Source: Immigration Services Agency, permanent residence guideline revision</a></p><p><em>Linked to the authority notice, not the legal instrument.</em></p><p><a href="https://stayingasia.com/digest/2026-10/">October 2026 digest</a></p> tag:stayingasia.org,2026-10-01:japan-permanent-residence-application-fee-rise 2026-10-01T09:00:00Z

The fee for a permanent residence application rises from JPY 10,000 to JPY 200,000, a twentyfold increase, reported from 1 October 2026.

<p><strong>Japan</strong> · Fee · 2026-10-01</p><p>The fee for a permanent residence application rises from JPY 10,000 to JPY 200,000, a twentyfold increase, reported from 1 October 2026.</p><p><a href="https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/">Source: Immigration Services Agency, fee revision notice</a></p><p><em>Linked to the authority notice, not the legal instrument. Fee schedule page did not open for automated reading.</em></p><p><a href="https://stayingasia.com/digest/2026-10/">October 2026 digest</a></p> tag:stayingasia.org,2026-09-15:thailand-visa-free-entry-halved-to-30-days-and-sh 2026-09-15T09:00:00Z

The 60 day exemption for 93 countries was repealed and replaced by 30 days for 60 nationalities, gazetted on 31 August 2026 and effective 15 September. One 30 day extension remains at THB 1,900, land border entries are capped at two per calendar year, and visa on arrival was cut from 31 nationalities to three.

<p><strong>Thailand</strong> · Tightened · 2026-09-15</p><p>The 60 day exemption for 93 countries was repealed and replaced by 30 days for 60 nationalities, gazetted on 31 August 2026 and effective 15 September. One 30 day extension remains at THB 1,900, land border entries are capped at two per calendar year, and visa on arrival was cut from 31 nationalities to three.</p><p><a href="https://ratchakitcha.soc.go.th/documents/128703.pdf">Source: Royal Gazette, Ministry of Interior exemption regulations</a></p><p><em>Linked to the legal instrument. Thai language, Volume 143, Special Issue 207 Ngor.</em></p><p><a href="https://stayingasia.com/digest/2026-09/">September 2026 digest</a></p> tag:stayingasia.org,2026-09-15:philippines-srrv-restructured-smile-tier-abolished-a 2026-09-15T09:00:00Z

The Special Resident Retiree Visa was rebuilt in September 2026. The Smile tier is gone. Minimum age is 40. Applicants aged 40 to 49 need USD 50,000 without a pension, or USD 25,000 with one. Age 50 and over remains USD 30,000 without a pension, or USD 15,000 with a pension of USD 800 to 1,000 a month.

<p><strong>Philippines</strong> · Restructured · 2026-09-15</p><p>The Special Resident Retiree Visa was rebuilt in September 2026. The Smile tier is gone. Minimum age is 40. Applicants aged 40 to 49 need USD 50,000 without a pension, or USD 25,000 with one. Age 50 and over remains USD 30,000 without a pension, or USD 15,000 with a pension of USD 800 to 1,000 a month.</p><p><a href="https://www.pra.gov.ph/SRRVisa">Source: Philippine Retirement Authority, SRRV guidelines</a></p><p><em>Linked to the route operator, not the legal instrument.</em></p><p><a href="https://stayingasia.com/digest/2026-09/">September 2026 digest</a></p> tag:stayingasia.org,2026-08-31:thailand-dtv-applications-now-need-police-clearan 2026-08-31T09:00:00Z

Police clearance issued within three months is now mandatory, and applications can no longer be filed from a neighbouring or third country. Both changes bite at renewal as well as at first issue. Thai language schools were also removed from the eligible soft power activities.

<p><strong>Thailand</strong> · Tightened · 2026-08-31</p><p>Police clearance issued within three months is now mandatory, and applications can no longer be filed from a neighbouring or third country. Both changes bite at renewal as well as at first issue. Thai language schools were also removed from the eligible soft power activities.</p><p><a href="https://thaievisa.go.th/visa/dtv-visa">Source: Thai e-Visa, Destination Thailand Visa requirements</a></p><p><em>Linked to the authority notice, not the legal instrument.</em></p><p><a href="https://stayingasia.com/digest/2026-08/">August 2026 digest</a></p> tag:stayingasia.org,2026-06-30:south-korea-digital-nomad-visa-made-permanent-with-r 2026-06-30T09:00:00Z

The F-1-D workation visa moved from pilot to permanent status. Income thresholds are now one to two times per capita GNI depending on age and region. In Seoul, applicants aged 18 to 34 need 1.5 times GNI, about KRW 78.6 million. Applicants 35 and over need two times, about KRW 104.8 million. Non metro areas are discounted.

<p><strong>South Korea</strong> · Loosened · 2026-06-30</p><p>The F-1-D workation visa moved from pilot to permanent status. Income thresholds are now one to two times per capita GNI depending on age and region. In Seoul, applicants aged 18 to 34 need 1.5 times GNI, about KRW 78.6 million. Applicants 35 and over need two times, about KRW 104.8 million. Non metro areas are discounted.</p><p><a href="https://www.immigration.go.kr/immigration_eng/index.do">Source: Korea Immigration Service, F-1-D programme</a></p><p><em>Linked to the authority notice, not the legal instrument.</em></p><p><a href="https://stayingasia.com/digest/2026-06/">June 2026 digest</a></p> tag:stayingasia.org,2026-06-25:uae-uae-ties-visa-on-arrival-for-six-asian-c 2026-06-25T09:00:00Z

Nationals of Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines, Kenya and South Africa now get a UAE visa on arrival only if they hold a residence permit from the United States, the United Kingdom, an EU state, Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand or Canada. Two tiers: AED 100 for 14 days, extendable once, or AED 250 for 60 days, not extendable.

<p><strong>UAE</strong> · Tightened · 2026-06-25</p><p>Nationals of Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines, Kenya and South Africa now get a UAE visa on arrival only if they hold a residence permit from the United States, the United Kingdom, an EU state, Singapore, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand or Canada. Two tiers: AED 100 for 14 days, extendable once, or AED 250 for 60 days, not extendable.</p><p><a href="https://www.mofa.gov.ae/en/mediahub/news/2026/6/25/uae-grants-visa-on-arrival">Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs, visa on arrival for six countries residing abroad</a></p><p><em>Linked to the authority notice, not the legal instrument.</em></p><p><a href="https://stayingasia.com/digest/2026-06/">June 2026 digest</a></p> tag:stayingasia.org,2026-06-01:malaysia-employment-pass-salary-bands-doubled 2026-06-01T09:00:00Z

The minimum monthly salary for Employment Pass categories rose to RM 20,000 for EP I, RM 10,000 to 19,999 for EP II, and RM 5,000 to 9,999 for EP III. The new bands apply to renewals as well as new applications.

<p><strong>Malaysia</strong> · Tightened · 2026-06-01</p><p>The minimum monthly salary for Employment Pass categories rose to RM 20,000 for EP I, RM 10,000 to 19,999 for EP II, and RM 5,000 to 9,999 for EP III. The new bands apply to renewals as well as new applications.</p><p><a href="https://esd.imi.gov.my/portal/latest-news/">Source: Malaysia Expatriate Services Division, EP salary policy</a></p><p><em>Linked to the authority notice, not the legal instrument.</em></p><p><a href="https://stayingasia.com/digest/2026-06/">June 2026 digest</a></p> tag:stayingasia.org,2026-05-25:sri-lanka-sri-lanka-makes-the-eta-free-for-40-coun 2026-05-25T09:00:00Z

The ETA became free for 40 named nationalities plus Singapore, Seychelles and the Maldives, and the Maldives gets 90 days rather than 30. Bangladesh, Bhutan and Afghanistan pay the SAARC rate, USD 20 online or USD 25 on arrival. Everyone else pays USD 50 online or USD 60 on arrival. The scheme took effect on 25 May 2026 and replaced the paid scheme it had run since 2024.

<p><strong>Sri Lanka</strong> · Loosened · 2026-05-25</p><p>The ETA became free for 40 named nationalities plus Singapore, Seychelles and the Maldives, and the Maldives gets 90 days rather than 30. Bangladesh, Bhutan and Afghanistan pay the SAARC rate, USD 20 online or USD 25 on arrival. Everyone else pays USD 50 online or USD 60 on arrival. The scheme took effect on 25 May 2026 and replaced the paid scheme it had run since 2024.</p><p><a href="https://www.eta.gov.lk/slvisa/visainfo/fees.jsp?locale=en_US">Source: Sri Lanka ETA, fees and the free country list</a></p><p><em>Linked to the authority notice, not the legal instrument.</em></p><p><a href="https://stayingasia.com/digest/2026-05/">May 2026 digest</a></p> tag:stayingasia.org,2026-04-01:japan-citizenship-screening-standard-raised-to 2026-04-01T09:00:00Z

The Nationality Act still states five years of domicile. From April 2026 the practical screening standard is ten consecutive years, applied at the discretion stage rather than in the statute.

<p><strong>Japan</strong> · Tightened · 2026-04-01</p><p>The Nationality Act still states five years of domicile. From April 2026 the practical screening standard is ten consecutive years, applied at the discretion stage rather than in the statute.</p><p><a href="https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/">Source: Immigration Services Agency, naturalisation practice</a></p><p><em>Linked to the authority notice, not the legal instrument.</em></p><p><a href="https://stayingasia.com/digest/2026-04/">April 2026 digest</a></p> tag:stayingasia.org,2026-01-01:georgia-permanent-residence-clock-extended-to-te 2026-01-01T09:00:00Z

The qualifying period for permanent residence rose to ten years of continuous legal residence. From 1 January 2026 tourists also need health and accident insurance of at least 30,000 GEL covering the whole stay, now stated on the consular portal rather than only in guidance.

<p><strong>Georgia</strong> · Tightened · 2026-01-01</p><p>The qualifying period for permanent residence rose to ten years of continuous legal residence. From 1 January 2026 tourists also need health and accident insurance of at least 30,000 GEL covering the whole stay, now stated on the consular portal rather than only in guidance.</p><p><a href="https://www.geoconsul.gov.ge/en/entering-georgia">Source: Georgian consular portal, entering Georgia</a></p><p><em>Linked to the authority notice, not the legal instrument.</em></p><p><a href="https://stayingasia.com/digest/2026-01/">January 2026 digest</a></p> tag:stayingasia.org,2025-11-01:hong-kong-quality-migrant-admission-scheme-rewritt 2025-11-01T09:00:00Z

The 245 point system with an 80 point pass mark was replaced by a twelve criterion assessment where applicants meet at least six. The annual quota was removed, and an Assessment Panel chaired by the Secretary for Labour and Welfare now reviews cases.

<p><strong>Hong Kong</strong> · Loosened · 2025-11-01</p><p>The 245 point system with an 80 point pass mark was replaced by a twelve criterion assessment where applicants meet at least six. The annual quota was removed, and an Assessment Panel chaired by the Secretary for Labour and Welfare now reviews cases.</p><p><a href="https://www.immd.gov.hk/eng/services/visas/QMAS.html">Source: Hong Kong Immigration Department, QMAS</a></p><p><em>Linked to the authority notice, not the legal instrument.</em></p><p><a href="https://stayingasia.com/digest/2025-11/">November 2025 digest</a></p> tag:stayingasia.org,2025-10-10:japan-business-manager-visa-capital-raised-fro 2025-10-10T09:00:00Z

Capital rose sixfold to JPY 30,000,000, and the test became cumulative: at least one Japanese or permanent resident employee, plus three years of management experience or a masters degree, plus expert review of the business plan. Existing holders have a three year transition running to 16 October 2028.

<p><strong>Japan</strong> · Tightened · 2025-10-10</p><p>Capital rose sixfold to JPY 30,000,000, and the test became cumulative: at least one Japanese or permanent resident employee, plus three years of management experience or a masters degree, plus expert review of the business plan. Existing holders have a three year transition running to 16 October 2028.</p><p><a href="https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/">Source: Immigration Services Agency, Business Manager ministerial ordinance</a></p><p><em>Linked to the authority notice, not the legal instrument.</em></p><p><a href="https://stayingasia.com/digest/2025-10/">October 2025 digest</a></p> tag:stayingasia.org,2025-10-01:china-k-visa-takes-effect-in-law-but-is-not-pr 2025-10-01T09:00:00Z

The K visa for STEM graduates and researchers was announced in August 2025 and took effect on 1 October 2025. It was still absent from the official visa application portal in January 2026, and no official confirmation of live processing has appeared since.

<p><strong>China</strong> · Not open · 2025-10-01</p><p>The K visa for STEM graduates and researchers was announced in August 2025 and took effect on 1 October 2025. It was still absent from the official visa application portal in January 2026, and no official confirmation of live processing has appeared since.</p><p><a href="https://en.nia.gov.cn/">Source: National Immigration Administration, visa categories</a></p><p><em>Linked to the authority notice, not the legal instrument. Announcement of August 2025; no live application channel published.</em></p><p><a href="https://stayingasia.com/digest/2025-10/">October 2025 digest</a></p> tag:stayingasia.org,2025-09-01:sri-lanka-sri-lanka-launches-a-digital-nomad-visa 2025-09-01T09:00:00Z

One year, renewable, USD 2,000 a month of foreign income remitted monthly, plus USD 500 a month per dependant. Needs a recommendation letter from the Ministry of Digital Economy, police clearance under three months old, and local health insurance. Income must be earned entirely abroad.

<p><strong>Sri Lanka</strong> · New route · 2025-09-01</p><p>One year, renewable, USD 2,000 a month of foreign income remitted monthly, plus USD 500 a month per dependant. Needs a recommendation letter from the Ministry of Digital Economy, police clearance under three months old, and local health insurance. Income must be earned entirely abroad.</p><p><a href="https://www.immigration.gov.lk/index_e.php">Source: Department of Immigration and Emigration, nomad visa category</a></p><p><em>Linked to the authority notice, not the legal instrument.</em></p><p><a href="https://stayingasia.com/digest/2025-09/">September 2025 digest</a></p>