■ Introduction

Starting in October 2026, residence status fees for foreign nationals in Japan are expected to undergo significant revisions. The Immigration Services Agency of Japan (ISA) released detailed guideline proposals on July 3rd, clarifying the specific changes ahead.

This reform will impact not only foreign residents in Japan but also companies employing foreign talent. From an immigration lawyer’s perspective, this article provides an in-depth analysis of the amendment details, the reality of the fee reduction system, and recommended corporate responses.

■ 1. Complete Overview of Residence Fee Revision

Comparison with Current System

Currently, fees for changing status of residence or extending the period of stay are uniformly 6,000 yen at the application window. However, the proposed revision introduces seven categories based on the period of stay, with substantial fee increases across the board.

【Specific Fee Structure】

  • 3 months or less: 10,000 yen (currently 6,000 yen)
  • 1 year: 33,000 yen (currently 6,000 yen)
  • 5 years or more: 75,000 yen (currently 6,000 yen)
  • Permanent residence permit: 200,000 yen (currently 10,000 yen)

For the most common one-year renewal, this represents a 5.5-fold increase; for five-year renewals, a 12.5-fold increase; and for permanent residence permits, an unprecedented 20-fold increase.

Background and Legal Basis for the Amendment

This fee revision is based on the amended Immigration Control Act passed in May 2024. The reform’s background includes the government’s policy direction toward: increasingly complex residence management operations, strengthened examination systems, and thorough implementation of the beneficiary-pays principle.

However, during parliamentary deliberations, opposition parties raised concerns about whether this might “obstruct the acceptance of foreign talent” and questioned whether “humanitarian considerations are insufficient,” leading to vigorous debate.

■ 2. Details and Reality of the Fee Reduction System

Requirements for Fee Reduction

The amended law stipulates that fees may be reduced or exempted in cases of “economic hardship or other special reasons.” At first glance, this appears to be a system designed to support struggling foreign nationals. However, the actual guideline proposal establishes extremely strict requirements.

【Two Requirements for Fee Reduction】

  1. Living in poverty comparable to those designated as “persons requiring protection” under the Public Assistance Act
  2. Requiring humanitarian consideration

Both of these requirements must be satisfied, making the practical scope of application extremely limited.

Impact on Asylum Seekers

Particularly noteworthy is the treatment of asylum seekers. According to the guideline proposal, those eligible for fee reductions are limited to individuals meeting the following conditions:

  • Those who have received protection allowances and changed to “Designated Activities” status of residence
  • Those who clearly fall under persecution as defined by the Refugee Convention
  • Those not deemed to have reapplied for refugee recognition without legitimate reason

The critical factor here is receipt of “protection allowances.” Unlike public assistance, protection allowances are support payments provided by the government to impoverished individuals making their first asylum application, in principle.

【Statistical Data】

  • Asylum applicants in 2025: 11,298 persons
  • Protection allowance recipients in the same year: 518 persons
  • Receipt rate: Approximately 4.6% (less than 10%)

In other words, over 90% of asylum seekers do not meet the protection allowance requirement and will be excluded from fee reductions.

Relationship with Parliamentary Supplementary Resolution

In response to such strict requirement settings, concerns were repeatedly raised during parliamentary deliberations. As a result, a supplementary resolution was attached to the amended law, calling for “consideration to ensure requirements do not become narrower.”

Depending on the results of the currently ongoing public comment period, modifications to the final guidelines remain possible.

■ 3. Regarding the Fee Exemption System

Separate from reductions, a complete “exemption” system has also been established. However, this too is extremely limited in scope, applying to changes to “Diplomat” or “Official” status of residence.

Exemptions do not apply to common statuses of residence such as work visas, dependent visas, or student visas.

■ 4. Impact on Companies Employing Foreign Talent

Financial Impact

For companies employing foreign nationals, this fee revision brings non-negligible consequences.

【Case Study】
For example, consider a company employing 10 employees on Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services visas:

  • Previously: 6,000 yen × 10 persons = 60,000 yen/year
  • After revision (1-year renewal): 33,000 yen × 10 persons = 330,000 yen/year
  • Difference: Increase of 270,000 yen

For five-year renewals, the burden increases further to 75,000 yen × 10 persons = 750,000 yen.

Impact on Talent Acquisition and Retention

Substantial fee increases may also affect foreign nationals’ willingness to work in Japan. The following concerns are particularly relevant:

  1. Difficulties in New Recruitment: Rising costs of working in Japan may reduce competitiveness compared to other countries
  2. Declining Morale Among Current Employees: Psychological stress from increased procedural burdens
  3. Barriers to Family Accompaniment: Fee burdens for entire families placing pressure on household budgets
  4. Decline in Permanent Residence Aspirants: The 200,000 yen permanent residence fee represents a significant psychological and financial hurdle

Response Strategies Companies Should Consider

Under these circumstances, companies should consider the following response strategies:

1. Fee Support as Employee Benefits
Consider implementing a system where the company bears part or all of residence procedure fees. Position this as an investment in securing and retaining excellent foreign talent.

2. Optimization of Residence Periods
Provide appropriate documentation preparation and application support to obtain the longest possible residence periods (three or five years). This leads to long-term cost reduction.

3. Planned Support for Permanent Residence Acquisition
Support employees who meet the requirements in obtaining permanent residence. Permanent residents no longer need to renew their period of stay, reducing long-term costs and administrative burden.

4. Strengthened Collaboration with Specialists
Partner with immigration specialists such as administrative scriveners to stay informed about the latest legal amendments and develop appropriate application strategies.

5. Careful Explanation to Employees
Provide accurate information to employees about system changes to alleviate anxiety. Hold explanatory sessions as needed.

■ 5. Advice for Foreign Residents in Japan

Preparations You Can Make Now

Although several months remain until the October implementation, preparations can begin now:

1. Confirm Your Renewal Timing
Check your residence period expiration date. If your renewal falls after October, anticipate applying under the new fee structure and begin preparations.

2. Organize Your Economic Situation
If considering use of the fee reduction system, consult a specialist about whether you meet the requirements and what supporting documents are necessary.

3. Consider Residence Period Options
When planning your next renewal, consider whether to select a one-year, three-year, or five-year residence period, balancing cost and stability.

4. Consider Permanent Residence
If you currently meet or will soon meet the requirements for permanent residence, applying before the fee revision may be an option. However, thorough preparation is essential.

Importance of Consulting Specialists

Residence status procedures are complex, and a single misjudgment can have significant consequences. Particularly during major system changes like this, specialist support is valuable in the following ways:

  • Accurate understanding of the latest legal amendments
  • Development of optimal application strategies tailored to individual circumstances
  • Assessment of eligibility for reduction/exemption systems
  • Appropriate preparation of required documents and application representation
  • Minimization of rejection risks

■ 6. Public Comments and Future Developments

What is the Public Comment System?

The ISA is currently soliciting public comments on these guideline proposals. Public comments are a system whereby government agencies solicit opinions widely from the public before finalizing policies.

Submitted opinions are reviewed and may, in some cases, be reflected in the final guidelines.

Key Points to Watch

The following points warrant attention regarding future developments:

  1. Content and Volume of Public Comments: If numerous concerns are submitted, possibility of modifications such as requirement relaxation
  2. Implementation of Supplementary Resolution: How the Diet’s call for “consideration to ensure requirements do not become narrower” will be reflected
  3. Refugee Support Organization Actions: Responses from human rights organizations and NGOs, and government reactions
  4. International Assessment: International community responses to Japan’s asylum acceptance posture

Schedule Toward October Implementation

  • July: Guideline proposal publication, public comment solicitation
  • August-September: Opinion aggregation and review, final guideline formulation
  • October: New system implementation

Time remaining until implementation is limited. Both companies and individuals should prioritize early information gathering and preparation.

■ 7. International Comparative Perspective

Residence Fees in Other Countries

For reference, residence fees in major countries include:

  • United States: I-129 (work visa change) approximately $460; green card application approximately $1,000+
  • Canada: Work permit approximately CAD 155; permanent residence application approximately CAD 500+
  • Australia: Work visa approximately AUD 310+; permanent visa approximately AUD 4,000+
  • United Kingdom: Work visa approximately £610+; permanent residence approximately £2,400

Japan’s revised fees are not particularly high by international standards. However, the magnitude of the increase is shocking given the previously low fees.

■ 8. Conclusion

Reconfirmation of Key Points

  • Substantial residence fee increases starting October (5.5x for 1-year renewal, 20x for permanent residence)
  • Fee reduction system established but with strict requirements and limited scope of application
  • Over 90% of asylum seekers expected to be excluded from fee reductions
  • Impact on companies employing foreign talent in both cost and human resource strategy dimensions
  • Possibility of changes to final guidelines depending on public comment results

Necessary Actions Going Forward

For Foreign Residents in Japan

  • Confirm your residence period expiration and renewal timing
  • Organize your economic situation and consider eligibility for the reduction system
  • Consult specialists to develop optimal application strategies
  • Continuously monitor the latest information

For Corporate HR and Management

  • Understand the residence status and renewal timing of foreign employees
  • Consider and formulate internal policies regarding fee burdens
  • Consider support systems as employee benefits
  • Review recruitment and retention strategies
  • Establish collaborative relationships with specialists

Final Thoughts

This residence fee revision may represent a major turning point for the foreign resident community in Japan and companies accepting foreign talent.

However, system changes do not necessarily have only negative aspects. By preparing appropriately and acting based on accurate information, risks can be minimized and opportunities created.

Residence status procedures form the foundation of your life and work in Japan. If you have concerns or questions, I recommend not struggling alone but consulting a specialist.

As administrative scriveners and immigration specialists, we have a mission to support you so that you can live and work in Japan with peace of mind. Please feel free to consult us about anything, no matter how small.

I hope this article serves as a helpful resource for your understanding and preparation.

Reference article: https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/1d05d423a6ec19c4357c8bf46b197d354d246d53

【Note】This article is based on information as of July 3, 2024. Final guidelines may be subject to change; please confirm the latest information through official announcements from the Immigration Services Agency of Japan.

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