Japan is planning a significant overhaul of its immigration fee structure, with proposals that could sharply increase the cost of visa extensions and permanent residency applications. The move is aimed at addressing the rising administrative burden linked to the country’s growing foreign resident population.
Proposed Amendments to Immigration Law
On March 10, 2026, the Cabinet of Japan approved a Bill to amend the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act. The amendment seeks to revise the statutory ceiling for immigration-related charges, marking the first such revision since 1982.
Under the proposal, the legal cap for visa status changes or extensions could increase from ¥10,000 to ¥100,000, while the ceiling for permanent residency applications may rise from ¥10,000 to ¥300,000.
Possible Fee Structure Under Consideration
While the law would only raise the maximum allowable charges, the government is reportedly considering setting the actual fees lower than the new caps.
Current discussions suggest:
- Around ¥70,000 for visa status changes or extensions
- Approximately ¥200,000 for permanent residency applications
At present, applicants typically pay ¥6,000 for visa status changes or extensions and ¥10,000 for permanent residency requests.
Reason for the Fee Increase
The government has cited rising administrative expenses as the main reason behind the proposed changes.
The statutory cap has remained unchanged for over four decades, even as the number of foreign residents has grown significantly. By the end of 2025, the foreign population in Japan had reached approximately 4.13 million.
Authorities say the additional revenue will help cover personnel costs, application reviews, digital infrastructure upgrades, and programmes supporting foreign residents.
Introduction of JESTA Screening System
The Bill also includes plans to introduce the Japan Electronic System for Travel Authorization (JESTA).
Expected to be operational by March 31, 2029, the system will require travellers from visa-exempt countries to obtain pre-arrival travel authorisation before entering Japan.
Airlines and shipping companies will need to submit passenger information in advance and may be required to deny boarding to travellers who do not have valid authorisation.
Potential Impact on Foreign Professionals
The proposed fee changes could increase immigration costs for foreign workers and their families. This is particularly relevant as Japan continues to strengthen labour mobility partnerships with countries such as India.
If approved, the government aims to implement the revised fee structure by March 31, 2027.
Summary
- Japan plans to increase immigration-related visa fees through amendments to the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act.
- The legal cap for visa extensions could rise 10 times, while the cap for permanent residency applications may increase 30 times.
- Proposed actual fees could reach ¥70,000 for visa extensions and ¥200,000 for permanent residency.
- The changes aim to cover rising administrative and digital infrastructure costs amid a growing foreign population.
- The Bill also proposes the Japan Electronic System for Travel Authorization (JESTA) for visa-exempt travellers.
- The revised framework could take effect by March 31, 2027.
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