Japan has planned to increase the visa renewal and permanent residency fees which will significantly impact the immigrants’ community in Japan. This move by the Japanese government will raise the cost of living for the foreigners living in Japan.
Japan Raises Immigration Fees for the First Time in Decades
Japan’s visa renewal and PR fees have remained the same for decades since 1982. The government is now planning a major shift in the immigration fee system by revising the fee framework under the Immigration Control Act. The bill was approved by the Cabinet on March 10, 2026 and will likely change the pricings of the immigration services for the foreigners in Japan.
Soichiro Naito, the deputy commissioner at Japan’s Immigration Services Agency gave testimony in the Parliament that the proposed immigration fee changes will sharply increase the cost across multiple categories.
Under the proposal, the following fees are set for a hike:
- Five year visa renewal will likely rise from 6,000 Yen to 70,000 Yen
- Short Term Renewals of 3 months or less will cost around 10,000 Yen
- Permanent residency fees will significantly rise to 200,000 Yen, compared to its current rate 10,000 Yen
Higher Fee Ceiling for the Immigrants
The amendments to the Immigration Control Act have been submitted to raise the limit of immigration charges. The legislative amendment has raised the statutory ceilings for the fees so that the authorities can calibrate the charges later without having to change the laws.
The revised upper limits will be:
- For permanent residency permits the proposed caps will be 300,000 Yen which was 10,000 Yen earlier.
- For visa extensions or changes in residence status, the fees will rise up to 100,000 Yen as compared to its earlier price 10,000 Yen.
The final pricing has not been decided yet by the Cabinet and will be notified once the law has been enacted in late 2026 or early 2027.
Reasons Behind Japan’s Fee Hike
Nikkei Asia has reported that the authorities are set to increase the immigration rates based on three grounds:
1. Higher Administrative costs: The number of applications for visa renewals and residency applications has increased over the years and require more staff, time and resources.
2. System needs modernization: Japan is set to modernize its immigration system by digitalizing the application procedures.
3. Outdated Fee Structure: Officials want Japan’s fee system to match the current conditions and immigration norms in other developed countries.
The government has also indicated that the applicants facing financial difficulties will get fee waiver or reductions.
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How will this impact the foreigners?
The surge in immigration price cap will mainly affect the foreign nationals living in Japan in the long run. Japan relies on its foreign population for skilled and technical jobs. Most of these professionals stay on work visas that can be renewed for varying periods.
A hike from 6,000 Yen to 70,000 Yen for five year renewal is massive. Similarly, the sharp increase in the permanent residency permits will make it more expensive for the foreign nationals to settle in Japan in the long run. The workers and families living in Japan will likely get greater burden due to the rise.
Before the new fees take effect
The government has only passed the bill as of now and the final pricing is yet to be decided. The final fee system will be updated after the bill is passed in the parliament and the government officially announces the new fee system. This means there is still a transition time until the new system is introduced.
For foreign residents living in Japan, it would be a smart decision to get advance applications for visa renewals or permanent residency. Applicants should review their situation carefully before moving ahead.
What Foreign Nationals should do next?
Foreign residents should plan their documentation during the transition period.
- Keep track of official updates.
- Review the renewal timelines.
- Check eligibility for early filling.
- Prepare for higher costs in case of long-term stays or PR.
- Consult a licensed immigration specialist if needed.
