If you’re planning to study, work, or live in Japan, you may have heard that Japan visa application fees are changing. In 2025, Japan began reviewing and adjusting several immigration-related fees, including applications, renewals, and changes of status.
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.
What Are The Japan Visa Changes in 2025?
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, here is what you need to know:
1. Japan Visa application fees are increasing
Japan is raising multiple immigration service fees from 25% to 50%, including:
- New visa application fees
- Visa renewal fees
- Change of status fees
- Long-term residency fees
- Permanent residency application fees
These adjustments apply to applications made in Japan, at immigration offices, and to visa applicants at Japanese embassies and consulates abroad.
2. 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
In some cases, the changes may be minor; in others, the increase may be more significant depending on the service.
3. Implementation is being rolled out gradually
Rather than changing all fees at once, Japan is adjusting costs step by step.
Some categories may have already changed, while others are expected to follow later in the year or next year.
4. Why are the fees increasing?
The Japanese government cites several reasons:
- Updating a system whose fees had not changed for many years
- Rising administrative and processing costs
- Modernization of immigration services
- Increased volume of applications from foreign residents
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 visa this year, you should:
- Check the latest fee before applying
- Budget for higher administrative costs
- Prepare documents early to avoid unexpected delays
- Confirm fees directly with the embassy or immigration office
💡 Tip: Always rely on official sources for the most accurate fee amounts, as changes may vary by location and date.
Section 3 – Old Fees vs New Fees (Visual Comparison)
Japan is preparing to implement major visa and residency fee increases as part of a broader immigration reform scheduled for fiscal 2026. These changes reflect Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s direction for tightening immigration oversight, modernizing administrative systems, and aligning Japan’s fees with those of Western countries.
Below is a clear, factual comparison showing the current fees versus the proposed new 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 increase proposed and clearly reflects Japan’s plan to upgrade 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 |
5. Why Are These Visa Changes Happening?
According to government statements:
- The number of foreign residents in Japan has increased rapidly.
- Immigration systems are under-staffed.
- Costs must be updated to match international standards.
- The last fee cap update was in 1981.
- PM Takaichi aims to create a more “orderly, harmonious society” with stricter rule enforcement.
How to Prepare for These New Japan Visa Application Fee Changes (Step-by-Step Guide)
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 falls close to 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 renewals and status changes will affect:
- students renewing their status,
- dependents extending their stay,
- workers changing employers,
- language school graduates switching to a work visa,
- residents applying for long-term status.
Build these costs into your financial planning now.
3. Prepare Your Documents Early
Higher fees will also mean stricter documentation reviews.
Begin collecting:
- tax records (including 住民税)
- proof of stable income
- employer contracts
- residence records
- previous visa copies
- COE (if applicable)
- academic transcripts (for students)
Processing times may increase once the new rules start — good documentation helps avoid delays.
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 fee increasing from ¥10,000 → ¥300,000, it’s wise to:
- Check if you already meet PR requirements
- Gather documents early
- Apply before fiscal 2026 if eligible
- Review your tax and income history for compliance
- Avoid gaps in insurance or residence card validity
A ¥300,000 fee will make PR a much more significant investment — early action saves money.
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 immigration fee changes are significant, but with proper preparation, you can reduce stress and avoid paying more than necessary. Start early, maintain clean documentation, and keep a close eye on updates from Japan’s immigration authorities.
If you would like to become a student in Japan, we recommend that you act fast! 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.
