Japan May Increase Visa and Residency Fees Tenfold Amid Rising Foreign Population – Apply Now!

Japan has proposed a major increase in the legal cap on immigration-related residence fees for foreign nationals. The government plans to raise the maximum fee for changing residence status or extending the period of stay to ¥100,000, compared to the current legal cap of ¥10,000. Similarly, the ceiling for permanent residence applications may increase to ¥300,000 from ¥10,000. The proposal was approved by the Cabinet as part of a bill to amend the immigration law. If implemented, it would be the first major revision to the statutory cap on residence-related fees since 1982.

The Japanese government plans to increase visa and residency fee caps mainly due to rising administrative costs associated with managing a growing foreign resident population. Immigration authorities stated that fees have historically been calculated based on the cost of residence examinations, including staff and operational expenses. However, with the number of foreign residents increasing significantly in recent years, the current fee ceiling is no longer sufficient to cover broader immigration management costs. These include digitalisation, data sharing systems, and services designed to support foreign nationals living and working in Japan.

Under the proposed changes, the legal cap for changing residence status or extending the period of stay could increase to ¥100,000, which is ten times higher than the current cap of ¥10,000. For permanent residence applications, the maximum fee could rise to ¥300,000 from the current ¥10,000 ceiling. While the proposal raises the legal cap, the government will still determine the actual fees within this limit. The goal of increasing the cap is to give authorities flexibility to adjust fees in line with administrative costs and future immigration management requirements.

The Japanese government plans to implement the revised immigration fee framework before the end of the next fiscal year, which ends on March 31, 2027. The Cabinet has already approved the bill proposing these changes, but the legislation still needs to go through the necessary legal procedures before it comes into effect. Once approved and implemented, the new system will allow the government to revise residence-related fees within the newly proposed legal limits. Authorities aim to gradually align the fee structure with the actual costs of managing immigration and residence procedures.

The proposed change would mark the first major revision to the legal cap on immigration-related residence fees in Japan since 1982. Although the statutory ceiling has remained unchanged for more than four decades, the government has occasionally increased the actual fees within that limit. For example, in April last year, Japan raised the fee for changing residence status or extending a stay from ¥4,000 to ¥6,000, while the fee for permanent residence applications increased from ¥8,000 to ¥10,000. The new proposal aims to modernise the fee structure to reflect current immigration management costs.

Japan’s foreign resident population has been steadily increasing over the years and reached a record 4.13 million by the end of 2025. This growth is one of the key reasons behind the government’s decision to review the immigration fee structure. A larger foreign population requires expanded administrative resources for immigration procedures, residence monitoring, and support services. Authorities say the new fee framework will help cover the broader costs associated with managing a diverse and growing foreign resident community while ensuring that immigration services remain efficient and sustainable.

The proposed immigration fee changes will mainly affect foreign nationals applying to change their residence status, extend their period of stay, or obtain permanent residence in Japan. These procedures are common for international workers, students, and long-term residents who need to update or renew their immigration status. However, the government has indicated that the final fee structure will be decided within the new legal limits after evaluating administrative costs and other policy considerations. The proposal focuses on adjusting the fee caps rather than immediately setting new fixed charges.

Yes, the proposed framework includes provisions that allow fee reductions or exemptions for individuals who require humanitarian consideration. According to immigration authorities, people facing severe financial hardship may be eligible for relief. This may include victims of human trafficking or individuals who are unable to return to their home country due to exceptional circumstances. The government stated that the aim of these exemptions is to ensure that vulnerable individuals are not unfairly burdened by immigration-related fees while maintaining a fair and balanced immigration management system.

Japan is planning to introduce an electronic travel authorisation system known as JESTA. The system will require visa-exempt short-term travellers to obtain travel authorisation before entering Japan. It will apply to certain visa-free visitors, some cruise passengers, and certain transit travellers. Authorities plan to implement JESTA by March 31, 2029. Under the system, airlines and ship operators must submit passenger information in advance. Travellers who are denied authorisation will not be allowed to board their flights or ships bound for Japan, strengthening immigration screening procedures.