If you’re planning to study, work, or live in Japan, you may have heard that the Japan visa application fees are changing. In 2025, Japan began reviewing and adjusting several immigration-related fees, including application, renewal, and status change fees.
These changes affect international students, workers, long-term residents, and anyone planning to apply for a Japanese visa in the near future. In this guide, we break down what’s happening, why these price changes matter, and how you should prepare before submitting your visa application.
Japan is increasing its visa application fee on a broad scale
Japan is currently updating several parts of its immigration cost structure. While exact fee amounts vary depending on the visa type and the implementation timeline, Japan is raising multiple immigration service fees from 25% to 50%, including new visa application, visa renewals, change of status, long-term residency applications, and permanent residency applications.
These adjustments apply to applications made in Japan, at immigration offices, and to visa applicants at Japanese embassies and consulates abroad.
Price changes apply to multiple visa categories
The fee revisions affect common visa types such as:
- Student visa
- Work visa (engineer, instructor, business manager, etc.)
- Dependent visa
- Designated activities visa
- Spouse of a Japanese national
- Permanent residency
- Tourist Visa
In some cases, the changes may be minor; in others, the increase may be more significant depending on the service.
Starting July 1, for example, travelers who require a visa to go to Japan will need to pay ¥15,000 for a single-entry visa, which is five times more than the original ¥3,000. This price had been unchanged since 1978. Meanwhile, a multiple-entry visa will now cost ¥30,000, from ¥6,000.
Japanese government said visa fees are now being increased “in order to respond to the current price increases and fluctuations in exchange rates.”
The Japanese yen has hovered near multi-decade lows in recent months, despite government intervention aimed at supporting the currency. Rather than changing all fees at once, Japan is adjusting costs incrementally. Some categories may have already changed, while others are expected to follow later this year or next.
Why is Japan increasing its visa application fee?
According to government statements, the fee increase is intended to address several long-term challenges. Officials note that the number of foreign residents in Japan has grown rapidly in recent years, placing greater pressure on immigration services, which are currently understaffed. They also argue that immigration fees should be updated to better reflect international standards, especially since the maximum fee levels have remained largely unchanged since 1981. Prime Minister Takaichi has stated that these changes are part of a broader effort to create a more “orderly and harmonious society” through stricter enforcement of immigration rules.
These fee adjustments are part of a broader effort to streamline immigration procedures and strengthen the overall system.
5. What does this mean for applicants?
If you’re planning to apply for a Japanese visa this year, it’s important to prepare for the higher application costs. Before submitting your application, check the latest fees, as they may vary depending on your visa type and where you apply. Be sure to budget for the increased administrative costs and prepare all required documents well in advance to avoid unnecessary delays. Finally, confirm the applicable fees directly with the Japanese embassy, consulate, or immigration office handling your application, as requirements and payment methods may differ by country. Always rely on official sources for the most accurate fee amounts, as changes may vary by location and date.
Old Japan Visa Application Fees vs New Fees
Below is a clear, factual comparison of current and proposed fees.
1. Permanent Residency Application Fee
Japan currently charges one of the lowest permanent residency fees in the world.
| Service | Current Fee | Proposed Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Permanent Residency Application | ¥10,000 | Up to ¥300,000 | A ×30 increase; meant to align Japan with Western countries (U.S. ~$470, Germany ~€93–98). |
This is the largest proposed increase and clearly reflects Japan’s plan to upgrade its immigration screening systems and staffing.
2. Visa Renewal & Change of Status Fees
The cost to renew a visa or change residence status has been extremely low for decades, capped by law since 1981.
| Service | Current Fee | Proposed Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visa Renewal | ¥6,000 | ¥100,000 | Increase driven by need to modernize immigration processing. |
| Change of Status | ¥6,000 | ¥100,000 | Same fee for both services; part of 2026 revisions. |
The government must amend the existing law (which caps fees at ¥10,000) to implement these increases.
3. Naturalization Requirements (Non-Financial Change)
Although not a fee, there is a major policy tightening planned:
| Requirement | Current Rule | Proposed Change | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Years of residence before naturalization | 5 years | 10 years | Would make naturalization significantly harder. |
| Permanent residency is required before naturalization | Not required | Under discussion | Aligning with other countries. |
This change reflects the government’s intention to make naturalization more restrictive.
4. Additional Rules Being Considered (Non-fee, but impactful)
These proposals accompany the fee changes and reflect a broader immigration tightening:
| Issue | Current Rule | Proposed Rule |
|---|---|---|
| Unpaid medical bills | Ban on re-entry above ¥200,000 | Lower threshold to ¥10,000 and apply to residents too |
| Foreign purchase of land | Allowed with minimal restrictions | Under review for stricter regulations |
| Immigration oversight | Existing controls | Plans for stricter checks & penalties |
How to Prepare for These New Japan Visa Application Fee Changes
The upcoming fee increases — especially the jump from ¥10,000 to up to ¥300,000 for permanent residency and ¥6,000 to ¥100,000 for renewals and status changes — mean that foreign residents should start preparing now.
Here’s a practical roadmap to help you avoid surprises and stay ahead of the changes.
1. Check Your Current Visa Timeline Carefully
Before anything else, review:
- your visa expiration date,
- your current status, and
- whether you need to renew or change in 2025–2026.
If your renewal date is approaching the 2026 fee increase, consider renewing as early as possible to secure the lower fee.
Renewals can often be submitted up to 3 months before your expiration date.
2. Budget for Higher Administrative Costs
Even if you are not applying for permanent residency, the proposed ¥100,000 fee for visa renewals and status changes may affect a wide range of foreign residents in Japan. This includes students renewing their residence status, dependents extending their stay, workers changing employers, language school graduates transitioning to a work visa, and residents applying for long-term residency statuses.
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4. Follow Official Government Announcements
Because these fee changes require a legal amendment, timelines may shift. Keep checking:
- Immigration Services Agency website
- Your local immigration office
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA)
- Your Japanese embassy/consulate (if applying abroad)
Do not rely on old online articles — visa information changes often.
5. Consult Your Employer or School (If Applicable)
If you’re sponsored by a company or school:
- Confirm who pays the visa fee
- Ask whether the organization plans to cover the new costs
- Check if they can start your application earlier
- Ensure HR is aware of the upcoming policy changes
Many companies traditionally pay visa fees for employees, but the new amounts may change internal policies.
6. If You Are Considering Permanent Residency — Act Now
With the proposed permanent residency (PR) application fee increasing from ¥10,000 to ¥300,000, eligible applicants may want to consider taking action early. It is recommended to check whether you already meet the PR requirements, begin gathering the necessary documents in advance, and consider applying before fiscal 2026 if you are eligible. Applicants should also review their tax and income records to ensure compliance and avoid any gaps in health insurance coverage or residence card validity.
With a ¥300,000 application fee, obtaining permanent residency would become a much larger financial commitment. Preparing early and applying when eligible could help reduce the impact of these additional costs.
7. Avoid Any Issues With Unpaid Bills or Legal Violations
Since the government plans to:
- Penalize unpaid medical bills above ¥10,000
- Tighten immigration screening
- Enforce stricter rule compliance
You should:
- Pay all municipal taxes on time
- Settle any outstanding medical bills
- Keep copies of all receipts
- Avoid overstaying or late renewals
These issues will matter more than ever under the new system.
8. Stay Informed — Especially If You’re a Student
International students will be among the most affected by:
- The jump in renewal fees
- Stricter documentation requirements
- Possible longer processing times
Students changing from language school → university → work visa should track each step’s cost and timeline.
Summary: Prepare Early, Stay Informed, and Protect Your Budget
The upcoming changes to immigration fees are significant, but with proper preparation, you can reduce stress and avoid paying more than necessary. Start early, maintain clean documentation, and monitor updates from Japan’s immigration authorities closely.
If you plan to study in Japan, we recommend you act quickly. Please inquire with us for more details about studying Japanese in Japan!
FAQ
When will the new visa fees in Japan take effect?
The proposed fee increases are planned for fiscal 2026, but the exact implementation date depends on amendments to the law that currently caps visa-related fees. Updates will be announced through official government channels.
How much will visa renewals and changes of status cost?
The government proposes raising the current ¥6,000 fee to ¥100,000 for both renewals and changes of residence status. This is a major increase, so applicants should plan ahead.
How much will permanent residency cost under the new proposal?
The permanent residency application fee may rise from ¥10,000 to as high as ¥300,000, aligning Japan with fees charged by Western countries. Applicants who qualify may save money by applying before the change.
Will international students be affected by the new prices?
Yes. Students who need to renew their visa, extend their stay, or change their status (for example, switching from a student visa to a work visa) will be directly affected by the increased fees.
Do the new rules affect naturalization or long-term residency?
Yes. Besides fee increases, the government is considering raising the required years of residence for naturalization from 5 to 10 years, and tightening screening for long-term residency. These changes reflect a broader shift toward stricter immigration controls.