What Just Happened?
In March 2026, news spread on social media that visa renewal fees could jump to hundreds of thousands of yen. For those of us building a life in Japan, this was a story that hit close to home — and many readers probably remember the buzz it created.
The story originated from the Amended Immigration Control Act bill (a revision to the law governing residence procedures for international residents in Japan) that the government submitted to the Diet. The bill was approved by the Cabinet on March 10, passed the House of Representatives in April, and was passed by the House of Councillors on May 29, officially becoming law. This formally raised the “legal cap” on visa-related fees.
That said, “enacted” does not mean “fees go up tomorrow.” What the law established is just the “upper ceiling” — actual amounts will be set by a Cabinet Order (seirei, the specific rules the government issues to implement a law). Implementation is planned for FY2026 (by March 2027).
This article walks through three key questions, in order:
- What was decided: the new legal caps for visa fees
- What you’ll actually pay: reported estimates by length of stay
- What to do now: 5 practical steps to take before fees change
(Source: Jiji Press — "Amended Immigration Law Enacted: PR Fee Cap Raised 30-fold")
TL;DR (What You Need to Know)
- The amended Immigration Control Act passed the Diet on May 29, 2026
- The legal cap for fees has been raised: up to ¥100,000 for renewals/changes and ¥300,000 for permanent residency
- Actual fees will vary by length of stay: 3 months ≈ ¥10,000, 5 years ≈ ¥70,000, PR ≈ ¥200,000
- A fee reduction/exemption system for those facing financial hardship is included in the law
- JESTA (Japan Electronic System for Travel Authorization) has been established — an electronic pre-screening system for short-term visitors (launching FY2028 or later)
- New fees are expected to take effect during FY2026 (by March 2027)
Disclaimer: This article is based on reporting by Jiji Press, Nikkei, and Tokyo Shimbun, as well as announcements from the Immigration Services Agency. Information is current as of June 1, 2026. Actual fee amounts may change when the Cabinet Order is issued.
Timeline: The Fee Revision in 4 Steps
The fee changes didn’t happen all at once. They’ve progressed in stages.
Step 1: April 1, 2025 (Already in Effect)
The first round of increases is already underway. Since April 1, 2025, counter fees changed as follows:
| Application Type | Before | After (Counter) | Online |
|---|---|---|---|
| Change of Status | ¥4,000 | ¥6,000 | ¥5,500 |
| Extension of Stay | ¥4,000 | ¥6,000 | ¥5,500 |
| Permanent Residency | ¥8,000 | ¥10,000 | — |
Online applications save you ¥500.
(Source: Immigration Services Agency — "Revision of Fees for Residence Procedures")
Step 2: January 2026 — Government Policy Announcement
The government released its comprehensive policy for accepting international residents, including a goal to raise visa-related fees during FY2026. The plan also covers digitization of immigration systems and expanded support services.
(Source: Prime Minister’s Office — "Comprehensive Measures for Accepting International Residents and Orderly Coexistence (Cabinet Ministers’ Meeting Decision, January 23, 2026)")
Step 3: March 10, 2026 — Cabinet Decision & Diet Submission
The government finalized the amendment bill and submitted it to the Diet.
| Application Type | Previous Legal Cap | New Legal Cap |
|---|---|---|
| Change/Extension of Status | ¥10,000 | ¥100,000 |
| Permanent Residency | ¥10,000 | ¥300,000 |
The key point here: the proposal raises the “legal ceiling (upper limit),” not the actual amount you pay. Until now, the legal cap was ¥10,000, but the real out-of-pocket cost was always ¥4,000 or ¥6,000. “Raising the ceiling” and “how much you actually pay” are two different things. The true fee amounts will be set by a Cabinet Order after the law takes effect.
(Source: Jiji Press — "Cabinet Approves Immigration Law Amendment")
Step 4: May 29, 2026 — Passed by the House of Councillors
After passing the House of Representatives in April, the bill was approved by the House of Councillors on May 29 and officially became law. The ruling coalition (LDP, Komeito), Nippon Ishin, and the Democratic Party for the People voted in favor. The Constitutional Democratic Party voted against.
The “cap” is not the same as the “actual fee.” Even with a ¥100,000 cap, actual renewal fees are expected to range from ¥10,000 to ¥70,000 depending on your length of stay.
(Source: Nikkei — "Amended Immigration Law Enacted, Fee Cap Raised to ¥100,000")
What Will the Actual Fees Be?
The law sets the ceiling. The actual amounts you pay at the counter will be determined by Cabinet Order. Here’s what has been reported so far.
Renewal/Change Fees (by Length of Stay)
| Length of Stay | Current Fee | Expected New Fee |
|---|---|---|
| 3 months | ¥6,000 | ≈ ¥10,000 |
| 1 year | ¥6,000 | Tens of thousands |
| 3 years | ¥6,000 | Tens of thousands |
| 5 years | ¥6,000 | ≈ ¥70,000 |
(Source: Nikkei — "5-Year Renewal Fee Expected at ¥70,000, PR at ¥200,000")
Permanent Residency Fee
| Current | Expected New Fee | |
|---|---|---|
| PR Application | ¥10,000 | ≈ ¥200,000 |
These amounts are still estimates. Official fees will not be confirmed until the Cabinet Order is published. We will update this article when they are.
Fee Reduction & Exemption
To prevent people from being unable to renew their visas due to financial hardship, a fee reduction and exemption system is included in the law. Specific eligibility conditions will be set by Cabinet Order.
(Source: Tokyo Shimbun — "Pre-entry Screening System Approved by Upper House Committee")
How This Affects Your Household Budget
Case 1: Living Alone, Working in Japan
If you renew every year and the new fee is around ¥30,000:
| Current Cost | After Increase | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 renewal | ¥6,000 | ¥30,000 |
| 5 years (1-year × 5) | ¥30,000 | ¥150,000 |
| 5 years (5-year × 1) | — | ¥70,000 |
Getting a 5-year visa saves significantly more than it used to.
Case 2: Family (Spouse + 1 Child)
| Current (3 people) | After Increase (3 people) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 renewal | ¥18,000 | ¥90,000 |
| 5 years (1-year × 5) | ¥90,000 | ¥450,000 |
The impact grows with family size. Start budgeting now.
Case 3: Applying for Permanent Residency
| Current | After Increase | |
|---|---|---|
| PR Application | ¥10,000 | ≈ ¥200,000 |
If you already meet the PR requirements, applying before the new fees take effect could save a significant amount.
What Is JESTA?
The amended law also creates JESTA — a new electronic pre-screening system similar to America’s ESTA or Europe’s ETIAS.
Travelers from visa-exempt countries will need to register information online (name, travel purpose, accommodation, etc.) before departure. Without JESTA authorization, boarding may be denied.
JESTA is for short-term visitors (tourists, etc.) and does not directly affect people already living in Japan with a residence status. However, if family or friends from visa-exempt countries plan to visit Japan, they will need it. Launch is planned for FY2028 or later.
(Source: Jiji Press — "Amended Immigration Law Enacted")
Why Are Fees Going Up?
1. Rapid Growth in International Residents
As of the end of June 2025, approximately 3.96 million international residents lived in Japan (a 5.0% increase from the previous year-end) — a record high. The workload at immigration offices has surged, and maintaining the screening system costs more.
(Source: Immigration Services Agency — "Number of International Residents in Japan as of End-June 2025")
2. A Fee Cap Unchanged Since 1982
The legal cap of ¥10,000 was set in 1982 and never updated. The government wants applicants to bear a larger share of the processing costs.
3. Funding for Broader Support Services
The increased revenue is earmarked for digitizing immigration processing, establishing consultation services for international residents, and supporting Japanese language education. Whether higher fees actually translate into better services is something we all need to watch.
(Source: Nikkei — "Amended Immigration Law Enacted")
5 Things You Can Do Right Now
The law has passed, but there’s still time before the new fees take effect.
Action 1: Check Your Renewal Schedule
Look at your residence card. When does it expire? Set a calendar reminder for 3 months before the expiration date.
Action 2: Stay Current on Taxes, Pension, and Health Insurance
The most important factor for visa renewals and PR applications is your payment record for resident tax, pension, and health insurance. If you have any unpaid balances, visit your local ward office and settle them. With higher fees, getting denied and having to reapply becomes even more costly.
Action 3: Aim for a Longer Visa
With fees likely scaled by length of stay, securing a 3-year or 5-year visa becomes even more valuable.
- Stay at the same company for 3+ years
- Maintain stable, continuous income (the official PR guideline requires you to be “not a public burden” with “a stable life expected in the future”)
- Keep all tax and social insurance payments up to date
(Source: Immigration Services Agency — "Guidelines on Permanent Residence Permission")
Action 4: Don’t Forget to File Notifications
When you move, change jobs, or go through a marriage or divorce, you must notify immigration or your local ward office within 14 days. Missing these can hurt your chances of getting a longer visa.
Action 5: Consider the Timing for Permanent Residency
Once you have PR, you never need to renew or pay renewal fees again. If you’ve lived in Japan for 10+ years or qualify under the Highly Skilled Professional visa, start preparing your PR application before the new fees kick in.
(Source: Immigration Services Agency — "Permanent Residency Application")
FAQ
Q: Will my renewal fee jump to ¥100,000 right away?
A: No. ¥100,000 is the legal maximum cap. Actual fees will be set by Cabinet Order and are expected to range from ¥10,000 to ¥70,000 depending on your length of stay. Current counter fees (¥6,000 for renewal) have not changed yet.
Q: When do the new fees start?
A: The government is targeting implementation during FY2026 (by March 2027). The exact date will be announced when the Cabinet Order is issued.
Q: What if I can’t afford the new fees?
A: The law includes a fee reduction and exemption system for people facing financial hardship. Specific eligibility criteria will be determined later.
Q: Will my family’s visas also cost more?
A: Yes. The fee increase applies to all types of residence status changes and renewals. If you have multiple family members, start calculating the total cost now.
Q: Should I rush to apply for PR before fees go up?
A: If you already meet the requirements (years of residence, tax payment record, etc.), applying sooner is a reasonable choice. But applying before you’re eligible will only result in denial. Check your qualifications first.
Q: Does JESTA affect me if I already live in Japan?
A: No. JESTA is for short-term visitors from visa-exempt countries. If you already hold a residence status, it doesn’t apply to you directly. But family or friends visiting from visa-exempt countries will need it after it launches in FY2028 or later.
Summary
Up to ¥100,000 for visa renewals, up to ¥300,000 for permanent residency. The amended Immigration Control Act enacted on May 29 formally set these new legal caps. That said, these amounts won’t kick in tomorrow. Actual fees will be determined by Cabinet Order, with implementation planned for FY2026 (by March 2027).
In other words, for now you can still act under the “current fees.” There’s roughly 10 months left, and the things worth doing are surprisingly unglamorous. Start by checking the expiration date on your residence card. If you have any unpaid resident tax or pension, settle them at your local ward office early. And start building the work history and income that lead to longer visas.
Article Recap
- The amended Immigration Control Act passed on May 29. Legal caps are now ¥100,000 for renewals and ¥300,000 for PR
- Actual fees will vary by length of stay (3 months ≈ ¥10,000, 5 years ≈ ¥70,000, PR ≈ ¥200,000)
- Implementation is during FY2026. You have about 10 months left to act at current rates (¥6,000 / ¥10,000)
- The advantage of aiming for a longer 3- or 5-year visa grows even larger
- If you already meet PR requirements, applying before the increase is worth considering
We’ll update this article as new Cabinet Orders and implementation dates are announced.
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