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Japan to increase foreign residency and permanent visa fees
The Japanese government has approved an ordinance to significantly increase fees for foreign nationals renewing or changing their residency status, effective October 1, 2026. The most substantial hike affects permanent residency applications, which will rise from ¥10,000 to ¥200,000, a twenty-fold increase.
For other residency procedures, the current flat fee of ¥6,000 will be replaced by a tiered structure based on the length of the period granted. For example, a one-year extension will cost ¥33,000, while an extension of five years or more will cost ¥75,000. Online applications for renewals and changes of status will receive a slight discount compared to in-person counter requests, though permanent residency applications must still be filed in person.
The Immigration Services Agency stated the adjustments aim to align fees with the actual administrative costs of processing and to ensure the sustainability of the immigration system. Justice Minister Hiroshi Hiraguchi noted the measure is intended to fund an “orderly society coexisting with foreign nationals.”
To mitigate the impact, the government has expanded the scope for fee reductions for those facing severe financial hardship or requiring humanitarian consideration. This includes recognized refugees, asylum seekers, and certain single parents. However, refugee support groups have criticized the guidelines, arguing the eligibility criteria remain too narrow.
Entities
Hiroshi Hiraguchi · Immigration Services Agency · Immigration Services Agency of Japan · Japan · Sanae Takaichi
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [DISPUTED] Permanent residency application fees will increase from ¥10,000 to ¥200,000. www.japantimes.co.jp
- [● 2 SOURCES] The scope of individuals eligible for fee reductions has been expanded to include those with humanitarian needs, such as single parents of Japanese nationals or special permanent foreign residents. www.japantimes.co.jp
- [DISPUTED] The revised law sets maximum fee caps of ¥100,000 for temporary residency and ¥300,000 for permanent residency. www.japantimes.co.jp
- [● 3 SOURCES] The new fee structure will take effect on October 1. www.japantimes.co.jp
- [DISPUTED] Residency renewal and status change fees will rise from a uniform ¥6,000 to a tiered system reaching up to ¥75,000. www.japantimes.co.jp
- [● 3 SOURCES] The Japanese government adopted an ordinance to increase residency fees for foreign nationals. www.japantimes.co.jp