Japan to Implement Substantial Visa and Residency Fee Hikes from April 2026

Significant Fee Increases Announced

Japan has confirmed plans to implement substantial increases in various visa and residency fees, with changes expected to take effect from April 2026, marking the start of the fiscal year. These hikes, some reaching up to a tenfold increase, will affect a broad spectrum of foreign nationals, including tourists, workers, and those seeking permanent residency in the country.

The Japanese government announced it will substantially raise visa issuance fees for foreign residents by 500% to 900% in fiscal year 2026. For instance, the cost of a single-entry tourist visa, currently at ¥3,000, is projected to rise to as much as ¥15,000. Fees for changing visa status, extending periods of stay, or renewing work permits are expected to jump from ¥6,000 to between ¥30,000 and ¥40,000. The most significant increase is anticipated for permanent residency applications, which are set to surge from ¥10,000 to over ¥100,000.

Reasons Behind the Policy Shift

The decision to raise these fees is attributed to several factors. A primary driver is the record increase in Japan's foreign resident population, which reached nearly four million people by June 2025. This growth has led to increased workloads for immigration offices, necessitating greater resources for screening, processing, and renewal procedures.

Officials have stated that the current fee structure, which has seen some rates unchanged since 1981, is insufficient to cover rising administrative and personnel costs. The government aims to align its immigration fees with those charged by Western nations, such as the United States, the United Kingdom, and Germany. The additional revenue generated from these increases is intended to fund policy initiatives related to foreign residents, improve conditions, and potentially combat overtourism through tourist visa fees.

Legislative Changes and Impact on Foreign Nationals

To implement these proposed fee increases, the Japanese government must amend the Immigration Control Act, which currently imposes a cap of ¥10,000 on certain immigration fees. A bill for this revision is expected to be submitted during the next ordinary parliamentary session.

The impending changes are expected to have a considerable impact on various groups. Companies employing foreign workers may face significantly higher HR and immigration costs, potentially influencing hiring and budgeting plans. Foreign students may also feel the financial strain at renewal times, with some education consultants anticipating a potential drop in enrollments. Immigration lawyers are advising eligible applicants, particularly those seeking permanent residency, to consider applying before the new fees take effect to avoid the increased financial burden and potential processing delays due to a surge in applications.