Japan to Raise Immigration Procedure Fees to Western Levels by FY2026

What Foreign Residents Need to Know About the Upcoming Fee Increases

As Japan welcomes a record number of foreign residents, the Immigration Services Agency (ISA) has announced that major fee increases for immigration procedures are planned for fiscal year 2026. The revisions are expected to bring Japan’s fees closer to those charged in the U.S., U.K., and EU member states.

The proposal—scheduled to be submitted to the ordinary Diet session next year—would require amending the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act, since the current legal upper limit for fees has been unchanged for more than 40 years.

This article explains what changes are being discussed, why these increases are happening, and how foreign nationals living in Japan should prepare.

📈 Why Are the Fees Increasing?

Japan’s foreign resident population reached approximately 3.96 million as of June 2025, the highest number ever recorded (ISA).
With more foreign workers, students, and long-term residents, the government faces rising administrative costs, such as:

• Faster immigration screening and digital processing

• Expansion of Japanese language education and support programs

• Strengthening enforcement against visa overstays

• Improving infrastructure for international residents

To secure budget for these initiatives, the government plans to raise application fees to international standards.

💰 Proposed New Fees (Under Consideration)

While final numbers have not yet been confirmed, the government is considering the following major increases:

1. Change of Status of Residence (在留資格変更)

Current: 6,000 yen
Proposed: 30,000 – 40,000 yen

2. Extension of Period of Stay (在留期間更新, 1 year or longer)

Current: 6,000 yen
Proposed: 30,000 – 40,000 yen

3. Permanent Residency Application (永住許可)

Current: 10,000 yen
Proposed: 100,000 yen or more

These changes would require revising the Immigration Act, as current law caps fees at 10,000 yen.
If passed, this will be the first fee ceiling revision since 1981.

🌍 How Do Japan’s Fees Compare Internationally?

Japan has historically maintained some of the lowest immigration-related fees among developed countries.
By comparison:

The new Japanese fee levels would still be lower than those in the U.K. or U.S., but significantly higher than the current rates.

🛂 Visa (Consular) Fees Also Expected to Increase

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is also preparing to raise visa issuance fees for foreign visitors, such as:

• Single-entry visa (currently ¥3,000)

• Multiple-entry visa (currently ¥6,000)

Reference levels abroad include:

• U.S.: USD 185 (¥28,000)

• U.K.: GBP 127 (¥25,000)

The additional revenue will be allocated to addressing overtourism, improving consular operations, and modernizing visa processing.

📅 When Will the New Fees Take Effect?

• Legislative proposal: Submitted in 2026 ordinary Diet session

• Implementation targeted: FY2026 (sometime between April 2026–March 2027)

Foreign nationals planning status changes or renewals in 2026 may benefit from applying before the new fee structure goes into effect.

🧭 How Foreign Residents Should Prepare

✔ 1. Review your visa expiration date

If your renewal window opens before the fee increase, you may save tens of thousands of yen.

✔ 2. Consider permanent residency timing

If you are planning to apply, doing so before the fee revision may reduce your application cost dramatically.

✔ 3. Budget for future applications

For families, costs may multiply quickly—especially if several members need visa extensions.

✔ 4. Consult an immigration specialist

Because legal changes will affect procedures and budgeting, early consultation is recommended.

🏢 About Trust Administrative Scrivener Office

As an administrative scrivener (Gyoseishoshi) specializing in foreign resident support, our office provides:

• Visa extension and change applications

• Permanent residency applications

• Naturalization procedures

• Company establishment for foreign entrepreneurs

• Business Manager Visa & Startup Visa support

We monitor all legal changes and ensure your application meets the latest Immigration Services Agency requirements.

If you have questions about the upcoming fee revisions or need help planning your visa applications:

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