(Image source from: Canva.com)

Japan is getting ready for one of its biggest changes in immigration rules in many years. Reports say that starting from the fiscal year 2026, which will go from April 2026 to March 2027, the Immigration Services Agency of the country will greatly raise fees for many visa and residency processes, sometimes increasing them five to ten times. Under this new system, the cost to apply for extending or changing residence status will jump from the current 6,000 Yen to between 30,000 Yen (about 17,180 Rupees) and 40,000 Yen (about 23,000 Rupees). The biggest increase will be for permanent residency, where fees will increase from 10,000 Yen to over 100,000 Yen. Although these changes mainly impact foreign residents like students and workers, officials have mentioned that charges for tourist visas could also see adjustments. Right now, a single-entry tourist visa costs 3,000 Yen, and a multiple-entry visa costs 6,000 Yen, but this could be raised to meet international standards similar to those of the G7 countries such as the US (28,000 Yen), the UK (27,000 Yen), or the Schengen area (15,000 Yen) as Japan experiences a huge boom in tourism.

One of the key reasons for this change is that Japan's immigration fees have become very out of date. Most costs have hardly changed since the 1970s and early 1980s, making them much lower than global averages. For instance, the UK charges £127 for a visa, Schengen countries charge €90, and the US requires more than $420 for some renewals. At the same time, Japan is facing record levels of foreign arrivals. In 2025, there were 3.96 million foreign residents in the country, the highest number ever. Tourism has also increased rapidly, with 21.5 million international visitors arriving in just the first half of the year. This recovery after the pandemic has put a lot of strain on immigration offices, border control systems, and enforcement efforts, including managing more than 70,000 people who have overstayed their visas. Officials claim that rising costs for staffing and administration made the first major fee update in over 40 years necessary.

Short-term visitors might only see small fee increases at first, but those planning to stay longer will feel the financial impact much more. International students renewing their visas, workers changing their status, and families applying for permanent residency will all face much higher costs. There are also broader effects to consider. Companies looking to hire foreign workers might pass on the increased administrative costs, which could make Japan a less appealing option for skilled employees. For many, the fee increase adds to already growing frustrations related to overtourism, especially in cities like Tokyo and Kyoto, where overcrowding, environmental issues, and resident complaints are significant problems. This change also comes after a recent rise in Japan's departure tax, which increased from 1,000 Yen to about 3,000 Yen, which further tightens traveling budgets for both tourists and expatriates.

Japanese officials claim that the adjustments focus on fairness and long-term stability. The extra funds, estimated to be in the tens of billions of yen, will help improve immigration facilities. Planned expenditures include digital technology like the JESTA pre-screening system, which is anticipated by 2028, enhanced Japanese language teaching, airport renovations, and more support for diverse cultures, such as free high school tuition. By matching fees with those in Western nations, the government aims to finance these improvements without placing a strain on Japanese taxpayers and to relieve the pressure on systems overwhelmed by the high number of visitors. With the new fees approaching in a few months, specialists say that early preparation could greatly impact. Anyone who wishes to prolong their stay, change their visa type, or apply for permanent residency should submit their applications before April 2026 if possible. In prior changes, Japan permitted applications submitted before the changes took effect to be processed at the previous rates, even if approvals were granted later.

You can also choose longer-term visas if you qualify. Opting for visas that last multiple years or allow for extended stays can lessen the number of renewals needed, which may help manage costs and avoid paying fees repeatedly. Online submissions, when possible, offer a convenient option, as digital processing is anticipated to be less expensive and quicker than in-person applications as Japan enhances its systems. For individuals still intending to enter Japan, the visa application process remains fairly simple compared to many other nations. Applicants usually need a valid passport, a filled-out application form, photographs, accommodation proof, financial evidence, and a travel plan. Importantly, Japan does not require fully paid airline tickets. Reservations that are canceled or on hold are generally accepted during the visa application stage, allowing travelers to modify their plans later without risking money if dates or routes need to change.

This adaptability has made Japan a desirable destination, particularly for newcomers and students, as travel plans can be adjusted after getting a visa. Refundable or cancellable hotel bookings are also frequently accepted as long as the overall travel itinerary is clearly provided. For employees and students, visas sponsored by employers or educational institutions are one of the most reliable ways to handle increasing expenses. Sponsorship often pays for part of the application process and can assist applicants in obtaining longer validity periods. Those who qualify for permanent residency should start the application process early since finishing it before the new fee schedule begins could result in significant savings.