What Exactly is Happening? — An Overview of the Fee Increase
In March 2026, news that visa renewal fees could jump to hundreds of thousands of yen spread rapidly across social media. Since this is a matter that directly affects those of us living in Japan, many people must have felt anxious upon hearing these reports.
To get straight to the point: No, the fees are not jumping to ¥100,000 or ¥300,000 right now. However, it is highly likely that visa-related fees will see a significant increase within the next few years.
To prevent confusion, we’ve broken down this guide into three clear sections: “What has already been decided,” “What is about to be decided,” and “What you should do right now.”
TL;DR (What You Need to Know)
- Already in effect (April 2025): Fees for Visa Renewal/Change increased from ¥4,000 → ¥6,000, and Permanent Residency (PR) from ¥8,000 → ¥10,000.
- March 2026 Government Proposal: A bill was submitted to the Diet proposing to raise the legal maximum cap to ¥100,000 for Renewal/Change and ¥300,000 for PR.
- “Upper Limit” ≠ “Actual Fee”: You will NOT be paying ¥300,000 immediately. The actual fees will be determined later.
- The government aims to implement these new fee rules during fiscal year 2026 (by March 2027).
- If you have family members living with you, the combined renewal costs could heavily impact your household budget—early preparation is key.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is current as of April 9, 2026. The actual fee amounts and implementation dates may change pending parliamentary discussions. Always verify with official sources such as the Immigration Services Agency (ISA) website. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
Understanding the Timeline: The 3 Steps of the Fee Revision
This fee hike wasn’t decided overnight. It has been progressing step by step. Let’s look at the three phases to understand the full picture.
Step 1: April 1, 2025 — The Fee Hike Already in Effect
First, let’s look at the fee increases that have already started. As of April 1, 2025, the fees paid at immigration counters were updated as follows:
| Type of Application | Previous Fee | New Fee (Counter) | Online Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| Change of Status of Residence | ¥4,000 | ¥6,000 | ¥5,500 |
| Extension of Period of Stay (Renewal) | ¥4,000 | ¥6,000 | ¥5,500 |
| Permanent Residence (PR) | ¥8,000 | ¥10,000 | — |
These new amounts are currently in effect. Keep in mind that applying online offers a ¥500 discount, bringing the fee down to ¥5,500!
(Reference: Immigration Services Agency "Revision of Fees Related to Residence Procedures")
Step 2: January 2026 — The Government’s New Policy Announcement
Next, in January 2026, the Japanese government announced a comprehensive policy for accepting international workers and residents. Within this document, they outlined a goal to “review and raise residence permission fees during the 2026 fiscal year (by March 2027).”
This announcement wasn’t just about fees; it also covered strengthening the immigration system and introducing an electronic travel authorization system (JESTA). In other words, Japan is looking to completely rebuild the overall system and support rules for international residents.
(Reference: Prime Minister’s Office "Comprehensive Measures for the Acceptance and Coexistence of Foreign Nationals")
Step 3: March 10, 2026 — The New Bill Goes to the Diet
This is the step that made headlines. On March 10, 2026, the government drafted an amendment to the Immigration Control Act and submitted it to the Diet (Japan’s parliament).
The proposed contents are as follows:
| Type of Application | Current Legal Upper Limit | Proposed New Legal Upper Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Change / Renewal of Residence Status | ¥10,000 | ¥100,000 |
| Permanent Residence (PR) | ¥10,000 | ¥300,000 |
The most crucial point you need to understand here is that the proposal is to raise the “legal ceiling (upper limit),” NOT to immediately set the actual amount we have to pay.
Until now, the legal upper limit was ¥10,000, but our actual out-of-pocket costs were always ¥4,000 or ¥6,000. “Raising the ceiling” and “how much we actually pay” are two different things. The true fee amounts will be finalized by a “Cabinet Order (政令)” after this law is passed.
(Reference: FNN Prime Online "Approval of Immigration Law Amendment Bill")
Future Outlook: When and How Much Will It Actually Be?
“So, how much is it actually going to be?” — This is what everyone wants to know.
Current Status in the Diet
As of April 2026, the new bill is being debated in the Diet. Bar associations and support groups have raised concerns, urging careful consideration because a sudden fee hike would place a heavy burden on international residents. Therefore, the exact date of approval is not yet set.
However, the government aims to pass this bill during the current Diet session, and if successful, the new rules are expected to kick in during fiscal year 2026 (by the end of March 2027).
(Reference: Japan Federation of Bar Associations "Statement on the Proposed Amendment to the Immigration Act")
What Will the Actual Fees Look Like?
Will we end up paying the maximum ¥100,000 or ¥300,000? Based on current news reports and expert predictions, it is highly likely to look something like this:
| Type of Application | Current Fee | Protected New Fee Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Visa Renewal / Change | ¥6,000 | Tens of thousands of yen (e.g., ¥30k–¥70k) |
| Permanent Residence (PR) | ¥10,000 | Approx. ¥200,000 |
Please note that these are simply “predictions” at this stage. The exact amounts won’t be known until the law passes and the detailed rules are published.
(Reference: The Japan Times "Japan eyes hike in visa renewal fees")
Potential for Tiered Fees Based on Visa Length
There are also proposals suggesting that the fee might vary depending on the length of the visa granted. For example, the fee for a 1-year visa and a 5-year visa might be different. If this becomes reality, the financial benefit of securing a 5-year visa will be greater than ever before.
Support Systems for Fee Reductions
For those facing financial difficulties and unable to pay the fees, there are plans to introduce systems for fee reductions or exemptions. However, the specific rules regarding who qualifies for this support will also be decided later.
How Will This Impact Your Wallet? (Simulations)
If hearing “tens of thousands of yen” doesn’t quite paint a clear picture, let’s run some quick calculations.
Case 1: A Single Professional Working in Japan
If you are stuck renewing your visa every single year, and the new renewal fee becomes ¥50,000:
| Item | Current Cost | Post-Hike Cost (if ¥50,000) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Renewal Fee | ¥6,000 | ¥50,000 |
| Total over 5 Years | ¥30,000 | ¥250,000 |
That is a significant expense. But, if you manage to secure a 5-year visa, your total cost over 5 years is just that single ¥50,000 payment.
Case 2: A Family Living Together (Spouse + 1 Child)
| Item | Current Cost (for 3 people) | Post-Hike Cost (if ¥50,000 per person) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Renewal Fee Total | ¥18,000 | ¥150,000 |
| Total over 5 Years | ¥90,000 | ¥750,000 |
For larger families, the annual application costs quickly multiply, posing a massive impact on the household budget.
Case 3: Hoping to Apply for PR (Permanent Residency)
If the Permanent Residency fee becomes ¥200,000:
- Applying right now: ¥10,000
- Applying after the hike: ¥200,000 (a 20x increase)
For those who already meet the criteria for PR, applying early before the new system takes effect makes a lot of financial sense.
Why the Sudden Increase? Understanding the Reasons
You might be wondering, “Why raise the prices so drastically out of nowhere?” Understanding the logic behind this gives us insight into Japan’s future direction.
1. A Surge in the International Population
At the end of 2025, the number of non-Japanese residents living in Japan reached a record high of approximately 4.13 million. The workload for immigration screening has skyrocketed, and maintaining/upgrading the system and securing staff costs money.
2. Shifting to a “User-Pays” Principle
The current fees—which were essentially designed to cover basic administrative and printing costs—have remained largely unchanged at their legal upper limit since 1982. The government is attempting to shift the costs of running the IT immigration systems more directly onto the applicants themselves.
3. Upgrading Support for International Residents
This revision isn’t just about “raising prices.” The extra funds are also reportedly meant to speed up immigration screening through IT upgrades, create better consultation desks for expats and international residents struggling with life in Japan, and fund Japanese language learning support programs. We, as the international community, will need to watch closely to see if this increased fee genuinely leads to better, more accessible support.
5 Actions You Can Take Right Now
Rather than just waiting for the exact amounts to be finalized, here are actionable steps you can start taking today.
Action 1: Check Your Visa Renewal Schedule
Take out your Residence Card (Zairyu Card). What is the exact expiration date? How many more renewals will you need? Set an alarm on your phone calendar for “3 months before the card expires.”
Action 2: Stay Flawless on Taxes, Pension, and Health Insurance
The most critical factor in visa renewals and PR applications is your payment record for taxes (like Residence Tax), National Pension, and Health Insurance. If you have any unpaid bills, check with your city hall and pay them immediately. As fees rise, the financial penalty of getting a rejection and having to reapply becomes far too high.
Action 3: Set Yourself Up to Get a “5-Year Visa”
If the fee varies depending on the length of the visa granted, aiming for a 3-year or 5-year visa instead of a 1-year visa is your best financial move.
- Work at the same company for a longer period (ideally 3+ years)
- Maintain a stable income (roughly ¥3,000,000+ per year as a baseline)
- Have a perfect record of tax and social insurance payments
Building this track record is the fastest shortcut to scoring a longer visa.
Action 4: Never Forget to Report Changes
Whether you move to a new apartment, change jobs, get married, or divorce, you must follow the rules and report it to immigration or the city hall within 14 days. Forgetting these notifications flags you as someone who “doesn’t follow the rules,” making it harder to get favorable visas.
Action 5: Time Your PR Application Wisely
Once you get Permanent Residency, you never have to pay visa renewal fees again. If you have lived in Japan for over 10 years, or if you qualify for the fast-track under the Highly-Skilled Professional (HSP) points system, start preparing your PR application as soon as possible!
(Reference: Immigration Services Agency "Permanent Residence Application")
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are renewal fees going up to ¥100,000 right now?
A: No. The ¥100,000 figure is the proposed “statutory upper limit” (the maximum the law will allow the government to charge). For now, the actual fees remain the same (¥6,000 for renewal/change). The true, new amounts will be negotiated in the Diet in the coming months.
Q: What happens if I can’t afford the new fees?
A: An exemption or reduction system is planned for individuals facing severe financial hardship. Once the detailed rules are released, you will be able to consult with your local ward office or an immigration lawyer (Gyoseishoshi).
Q: Does this fee increase apply to Dependent (Family) visas too?
A: Yes. The upper limit increase for change/renewal fees is expected to apply to all visa types. If you have a large family, it is highly recommended to start setting aside a bit of extra savings now.
Q: Should I rush my PR application before the prices go up?
A: If you currently meet all the strict requirements for Permanent Residency (years lived in Japan, flawless tax records, stable income), applying early is a great financial move. However, if you don’t fully meet the requirements yet, rushing won’t help—you’ll just get rejected. Verify your eligibility status first.
Conclusion: Don’t Panic, Just Prepare
The news of skyrocketing visa fees is undoubtedly stressful. But rather than worrying excessively, the best approach is to focus on what you can control right now.
- ✅ Understand the gap between the current fees (¥6,000/¥10,000) and the “estimated future fees.”
- ✅ Ensure you have absolutely ZERO unpaid taxes, pension, or health insurance.
- ✅ Maintain stable employment and living conditions to qualify for a “5-Year Visa.”
- ✅ If you are eligible for PR, start preparing your application ASAP.
Always remember to check the official Immigration Services Agency website yourself for legal updates. We will also update this article as soon as the final rules are officially announced!
