Japan is set to implement the most dramatic increase in immigration fees in over 40 years, with the cost of applying for permanent residency potentially rising from ¥10,000 to approximately ¥200,000—a twentyfold increase. The government approved the bill on March 10, 2026, and it is currently making its way through the Diet.
These changes are part of a broader effort to overhaul Japan’s immigration system, alongside the introduction of the Japan Electronic System for Travel Authorization (JESTA), a new pre-travel screening system set to launch in 2028. This guide provides a comprehensive breakdown of the proposed fee changes, explains the reasoning behind them, and offers practical advice for foreign residents and prospective applicants.
Summary of Key Fee Changes
Major Fee Increases for Foreign Residents
The most significant changes will affect foreign nationals already living in Japan, particularly those seeking permanent residency. Under the proposal, the fee for a permanent residency permit would increase from the current ¥10,000 to around ¥200,000.
For those renewing or changing their residency status, fees will now depend on the length of stay. A renewal for a five-year visa is proposed to cost approximately ¥70,000, while a short-term renewal of three months or less would be around ¥10,000. Previously, these renewals cost a flat fee of ¥6,000 regardless of duration.
It is important to note that these proposed changes would raise the legal ceiling for these fees for the first time since 1981. The current law caps status renewal fees at ¥10,000 and permanent residency fees at ¥10,000. The new bill would raise these caps to ¥100,000 and ¥300,000 respectively. The final fees will be set by Cabinet order within these new limits.
Tourist Visa Fees Set for First Increase Since 1978
Foreign tourists will also face higher costs. The single-entry tourist visa fee, unchanged since 1978, is expected to increase from ¥3,000 to approximately ¥15,000—a fivefold increase. The multiple-entry visa fee is also expected to rise to around ¥30,000. This marks the first time the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has raised visa issuance fees since records began in 1978.
Why Is Japan Raising Visa Fees So Dramatically?
The Japanese government has cited several reasons for the steep fee increases. Primarily, officials argue that Japan’s current fees are far lower than those in other major countries. For example, updating a work permit in the US costs around ¥73,000, and in the UK, approximately ¥169,000—significantly higher than Japan’s current rates.
Additionally, the number of foreign residents in Japan has reached a record high of approximately 4.13 million at the end of 2025, nearly double the figure from a decade ago. The government states that higher fees are needed to cover the rising costs of visa processing, digital infrastructure, and support services for this growing population.
Beneficiary-Pays Principle
The government is applying a “beneficiary-pays principle” to justify the fee increases for foreign residents. A senior Immigration Services Agency official explained that JESTA revenue, which will be collected mainly from tourists, would be used for policies supporting foreign residents. Therefore, the government decided that international residents, as the direct recipients of services like Japanese language education, should contribute through higher residence fees.
Introduction of JESTA: Japan’s Electronic Travel Authorization
Alongside the fee increases, the government is introducing the Japan Electronic System for Travel Authorization (JESTA). This system, similar to the US ESTA, will require visitors from the 74 countries and territories currently exempt from short-stay visas to register online before traveling to Japan.
The system is designed to prevent terrorism and illegal employment, with airlines and shipping companies required to deny boarding to travelers without authorization. The government aims to launch JESTA in fiscal year 2028, with full mandatory rollout by March 31, 2029. A processing fee will be charged for each application.
Who Is Exempt or Eligible for Reduced Fees?
A reduction and exemption system will be introduced for humanitarian cases and financial hardship. However, eligibility for permanent residency fee relief will be limited primarily to spouses and children of Japanese nationals, permanent residents, and special permanent residents. Provisions will also remain for applicants facing financial hardship, who may be eligible for reduced fees or exemptions.
For context, the current fees were only recently raised in April 2025. At that time, permanent residency applications increased from ¥8,000 to ¥10,000, and renewals from ¥4,000 to ¥6,000, all within the existing legal cap.
How Do Japan’s Fees Compare to Other Countries?
The government argues that Japan’s current visa fees are much lower than international standards. For context:
As the table shows, even with the proposed increases, Japan’s fees would remain lower than or comparable to those in many Western nations.
Criticism and Concerns
The proposed fee hikes have drawn criticism from various quarters. Critics argue that the increases could discourage foreign workers and international students, potentially worsening Japan’s labor shortages. Japan faces an estimated shortage of 11 million workers by 2040 due to its rapidly aging population and declining birthrate.
One long-term resident in Tokyo expressed concern that high renewal fees could become an added burden for students and workers already managing tight budgets. A French national living in Tokyo noted that raising visa fees would only make labor shortages worse and deter prospective university students from coming to Japan.
Others argue that only about 60% of the projected ¥225 billion in additional annual revenue from the fee hikes is earmarked for programs related to foreign residents, such as Japanese-language education and consultation services. The remaining 40% will fund unrelated domestic policies, including free high school tuition and the elimination of the provisional gasoline tax rate.
Impact Assessment: What These Changes Mean
For foreign residents:
- A twentyfold increase in permanent residency fees, from ¥10,000 to approximately ¥200,000
- Variable renewal fees based on length of stay, with longer stays costing significantly more
- Potential financial burden, especially for those on lower wages or holding one-year visas requiring annual renewal
- Reduced exemption eligibility limited primarily to spouses and children of Japanese nationals
For tourists:
- Single-entry visa fees increasing fivefold from ¥3,000 to approximately ¥15,000
- Multiple-entry visa fees also expected to rise to around ¥30,000
- New JESTA system requiring pre-travel registration for visa-exempt travelers
For employers:
- Potential difficulty attracting foreign talent due to higher costs
- Need to budget for increased visa fees for current and prospective employees
- Concerns about worsening labor shortages in sectors like construction, nursing, agriculture, and food services
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: When will these fee changes take effect?
A: The bill was approved by the Cabinet on March 10, 2026, and is currently being considered by the Diet. The final fees will be set by Cabinet order within fiscal year 2026. The government aims to start charging new tourist visa fees as early as July 2026.
Q: Will the fees be the same for all applicants?
A: No. For status renewals and changes, fees will vary depending on the length of stay, with shorter stays charged lower amounts and longer stays higher amounts.
Q: I already have permanent residency. Will I be affected?
A: These fee changes apply to new applications and renewals. If you already hold permanent residency, you will not be affected unless you need to renew or reapply.
Q: What is JESTA and who needs it?
A: JESTA (Japan Electronic System for Travel Authorization) is a new pre-travel screening system for visitors from the 74 countries and territories currently exempt from short-stay visas. It will require online registration before traveling to Japan and is set to launch in fiscal year 2028.
Q: Will students be exempt from the fee increases?
A: Student visa fees are also expected to increase, though specific proposed rates for student visas have not been detailed. Current student visa fees range from approximately ¥3,000 to ¥6,000, depending on the type of visa.
Q: How much revenue will these fee increases generate?
A: The fee increases, along with increases in visa charges and the international tourist tax, are expected to generate about ¥225 billion in additional annual revenue.
Additional Changes to Be Aware Of
Beyond the fee increases, foreign residents should be aware of other upcoming changes to Japan’s immigration policies. Starting in 2027, individuals behind on mandatory national health insurance or pension payments may be barred from renewing or changing their visa status. This represents a significant tightening of compliance requirements for foreign residents.
Final Advice for Foreign Residents and Applicants
The proposed fee increases represent the most significant change to Japan’s immigration fee structure in over four decades. Foreign residents should plan ahead, particularly those considering applying for permanent residency or renewing long-term visas. Applying before the new fees take effect could result in substantial savings.
For prospective students and workers, the higher costs may require additional financial planning. However, even with the proposed increases, Japan’s fees would remain lower than or comparable to those in many Western countries, and the country continues to offer significant opportunities for those willing to contribute to its economy and society.
The key takeaway is to stay informed. Monitor official government announcements for the exact fee amounts and implementation dates once the bill passes the Diet and Cabinet orders are issued.
Disclaimer: Immigration laws and policies are subject to change. This information is based on proposed legislation as of April 2026 and is for educational purposes only. Always consult with a qualified immigration attorney or official government sources for guidance specific to your situation.
