If you’re living in Japan as a foreign resident, there’s important news you need to hear about visa fees. The Japanese government has announced significant increases to visa-related fees, with the first hike already implemented in April 2025 and a much larger increase planned for 2027. Here’s everything you need to know about these changes and how they might affect you.
April 2025: First Round of Increases Already in Effect
The Immigration Services Agency raised visa fees on April 1, 2025, marking the first adjustment in decades. Visa renewal and status change fees increased from ¥4,000 to ¥6,000. If you apply online through the digital application system, you can save ¥500, bringing the cost down to ¥5,500.
Permanent residency application fees also went up from ¥8,000 to ¥10,000. Unlike other visa procedures, permanent residency applications can only be submitted in person at immigration offices, so the online discount doesn’t apply. Additionally, fees for residence card reissuance rose from ¥2,200 to ¥4,000, and certificate of authorized employment fees increased from ¥1,200 to ¥2,000 (¥1,600 for online applications).
2027: Major Fee Hikes on the Horizon
On November 20, 2025, multiple news sources reported that the Japanese government plans to dramatically increase immigration fees by fiscal year 2027. These increases will require amendments to the Immigration Control Act, as current law caps such fees at ¥10,000.
The proposed changes are substantial: visa renewal and status change fees for stays of one year or longer will rise to approximately ¥30,000-¥40,000 (around $190-$260). This represents a five- to seven-fold increase from the current ¥6,000 fee. For foreign residents on annual visas, this means paying this amount every single year to maintain legal status in Japan.
Even more striking is the permanent residency fee increase: the current ¥10,000 fee is expected to jump to ¥100,000 or more (approximately $640+). That’s a tenfold increase from current rates. Some sources suggest fees may be charged proportionally to the visa validity period.
Why Is Japan Raising These Fees?
The Japanese government has cited several reasons for these increases. First, they want to bring Japan’s immigration fees in line with those charged by the United States and European countries. Currently, U.S. business and tourist visa applications cost $185, while Japan’s fees have been significantly lower.
Second, the additional revenue will fund enhanced immigration services and foreign resident support programs. This includes strengthening enforcement against illegal overstays, improving refugee screening processes, and developing better support systems for legal foreign residents. As of June 2025, Japan’s foreign resident population reached a record high of 3,956,619 people, creating greater demand for immigration services.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi directed the fee increases during a November ministerial meeting on foreign resident policies, emphasizing the need to align with international standards.
What This Means for You
These fee increases will have real financial impacts, especially for those on shorter-term visas. If you’re on a one-year visa, you’ll need to budget ¥30,000-¥40,000 annually just for renewal fees starting in 2027. For families with multiple members requiring visa renewals, these costs multiply quickly.
The timing also matters for those considering permanent residency. If you’re eligible or close to eligibility, applying before the 2027 increase could save you approximately ¥90,000 or more. However, permanent residency applications require meeting strict criteria, so this shouldn’t be rushed without proper preparation.
Some immigration law experts predict the final fees might be moderated during the legislative process, potentially landing somewhere between current proposals and final implementation. However, it’s prudent to prepare for fees in the announced range.
Steps You Can Take Now
While these increases are concerning, there are practical steps you can take to prepare:
- Check your visa expiration date: If renewal is possible before 2027, consider whether early renewal makes financial sense for your situation
- Use online application systems: Take advantage of the ¥500 discount when available by applying digitally
- Review permanent residency eligibility: If you’re close to qualifying for PR, calculate whether applying before the major fee hike is worthwhile
- Budget accordingly: Start factoring these higher costs into your financial planning, especially if you’re on annual visas
- Stay informed: Follow official Immigration Services Agency announcements for confirmed fee amounts and implementation dates
The legislation to enable these increases is expected to be proposed during Japan’s next ordinary parliamentary session. While the exact amounts and timeline may still change pending legal amendments, foreign residents should prepare for significantly higher visa-related costs in the coming years.