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Japan is preparing to increase fees for visa renewals and permanent residency as part of proposed amendments to its Immigration Control Act. The move is expected to raise costs for foreign residents, including long-term visa holders and those planning to settle permanently.

According to several reports, the Japanese government wants more flexibility in setting visa-related charges, allowing authorities to adjust fees within newly proposed limits.

Five-Year Visa Renewal Could Rise to 70,000 Yen

Travellers and foreign residents in Japan may soon pay significantly more when renewing long-term visas. Under the proposal:

• A five-year visa renewal may cost around 70,000 yen (about $440).
• Renewals for short stays of three months or less could cost about 10,000 yen.
• Currently, in-person visa renewals cost 6,000 yen, regardless of visa duration.

This means long-term residents could see a noticeable jump in renewal costs if the changes are approved.

Japan Permanent Residency Fee May Increase Sharply

One of the biggest proposed changes involves permanent residency permits. The fee could rise to about 200,000 yen, compared to the current 10,000 yen charge.

Authorities have also suggested setting a maximum cap of 300,000 yen for permanent residency applications, giving the government room to adjust fees in the future if needed.

Flexibility in Setting Visa Fees

The proposed amendments would introduce higher fee ceilings:

• Up to 100,000 yen for most visa categories
• Up to 300,000 yen for permanent residency permits

Final fees will be set later through government directives. Officials said people facing financial difficulties may still qualify for reduced fees or exemptions, although details are yet to be clarified.

Also Read: Work in Japan! Visa Program Opens Doors for Over 800,000 Skilled Workers

New Citizenship Requirement

Along with higher fees, Japan has also tightened its citizenship rules from April 1, 2026. Most foreign nationals will now need 10 years of continuous residence, double the previous five-year requirement, before they can apply for Japanese citizenship.

What This Means for Travellers and Foreign Residents

Japan has been gradually updating its immigration policies to respond to changing economic and administrative needs. Higher visa fees could affect:

• Expats planning long-term stays
• Skilled workers considering relocation
• Students transitioning to work visas
• Foreign residents planning permanent settlement

Travellers considering Japan for work or long-term residence may want to monitor updates, as final pricing and timelines will depend on the progress of the proposed law amendments.

Final Thoughts

Japan’s proposed visa fee increases signal a shift in how the country manages immigration-related administrative costs. While the final fees are not yet confirmed, long-term residents and future applicants should prepare for higher application expenses in the coming years.