Introduction
On June 24, 2026, the Immigration Services Agency of Japan presented a comprehensive fee reform proposal to the joint meeting of the Liberal Democratic Party’s legal affairs committee. This reform, based on the revised Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act passed in May 2025, is scheduled for implementation in October 2026.
The reform introduces significant changes to the fee structure for immigration procedures. The current flat fee of ¥6,000 for status of residence renewal or change will be restructured into a tiered system ranging from ¥10,000 to ¥75,000 depending on the period of stay. The permanent residence application fee will increase from ¥10,000 to ¥200,000.
This article provides a detailed analysis of the fee reform from the perspective of an immigration specialist (administrative scrivener), addressing the concerns of foreign residents in Japan and employers of foreign nationals.
1. Details of the Fee Reform
1-1. Status of Residence Change and Renewal Fees
Under the current system, the fee for changing or renewing a status of residence is a flat ¥6,000, regardless of the period of stay granted. The new system introduces a tiered fee structure based on the duration of stay.
Proposed New Fees:
- 3 months or less: ¥10,000
- 1 year: ¥33,000
- 3 years to less than 5 years: ¥64,000
- 5 years or more: ¥75,000
For example, renewing a 5-year status of residence will increase from ¥6,000 to ¥75,000—a 12.5-fold increase.
1-2. Permanent Residence Application Fee
The permanent residence application fee will increase from ¥10,000 to ¥200,000—a 20-fold increase.
Permanent residence is the most stable status of residence in Japan, with no period limitation and no activity restrictions. While it remains a goal for many foreign residents, the financial threshold for application will significantly increase.
1-3. Online Application Discount
As a cost-mitigation measure, the reform includes a discount of up to ¥10,000 for applications submitted online.
This discount applies to all applications except those for periods of 3 months or less:
- 1-year application: ¥33,000 → ¥23,000 (online)
- 3–5 years: ¥64,000 → ¥54,000 (online)
- 5 years or more: ¥75,000 → ¥65,000 (online)
By utilizing online applications, applicants can achieve meaningful cost savings.
However, permanent residence applications will continue to require in-person submission at immigration offices, with no online option available.
2. Background and Purpose of the Reform
2-1. Legal Basis
The fee reform is mandated by the revised Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act passed in May 2026.
The revised law establishes the following maximum fees:
- Status of residence change/renewal: maximum ¥100,000
- Permanent residence: maximum ¥300,000
Specific amounts are to be determined by the Immigration Services Agency through cabinet order. The proposed fees fall within these statutory limits.
2-2. Use of Fee Revenue
The government has indicated that increased fee revenue will be allocated to “enhancement of Japanese language education” and related support services.
Specific initiatives include:
- Expansion of Japanese language education programs
- Strengthening of support systems for foreign residents
- Digitalization of immigration management systems
- Enhancement of multilingual services
In essence, fee revenue will be reinvested into measures that help foreign residents live more comfortably in Japan and integrate into Japanese society.
2-3. International Comparison
Compared to other developed countries, Japan’s immigration fees have been relatively low. For reference:
- United States permanent residence (Green Card): approximately $1,200 (about ¥168,000)
- United Kingdom indefinite leave to remain: approximately £2,400 (about ¥432,000)
- Canada permanent residence: approximately CAD $500 (about ¥55,000) plus additional fees
This reform brings Japan’s fee structure closer to international standards.
3. Impact on Foreign Residents and Response Strategies
3-1. Increased Financial Burden
The most direct impact is the increased financial burden.
For example, for someone renewing their status every 5 years:
- Before reform: ¥6,000/5 years = ¥1,200 per year
- After reform: ¥75,000/5 years = ¥15,000 per year (in-person)
- After reform: ¥65,000/5 years = ¥13,000 per year (online)
Even on an annualized basis, this represents more than a tenfold increase in cost.
3-2. Consider Applying Before Implementation
For individuals whose status expires after October 2026 and whose renewal period is approaching, it may be worthwhile to consider applying before the reform takes effect.
Applications to renew status of residence can be submitted up to 3 months before the expiration date. For example:
- If your status expires in December 2026 → you can apply from September 2026
- If your status expires in January 2027 → you can apply from October 2026
By applying before the October implementation, you may be able to pay the current fee of ¥6,000.
3-3. Reconsider Timing of Permanent Residence Application
For those considering applying for permanent residence, this reform has particularly significant implications.
The increase from ¥10,000 to ¥200,000 represents a difference of ¥190,000. If you currently meet or will soon meet the requirements for permanent residence, you should seriously consider applying before the reform takes effect.
However, permanent residence applications require the following:
- Continuous residence in Japan for at least 10 years (including at least 5 years with work or long-term residence status)
- Currently holding the longest period of stay available for your status
- Good conduct
- Sufficient assets or skills to support yourself independently
- Your permanent residence is recognized as contributing to Japan’s interests
Rushing to apply before meeting these requirements increases the risk of rejection, so we recommend seeking professional advice.
3-4. Prepare for Online Application
Given the ¥10,000 discount available for online applications, adapting to digital processes is an important cost-saving measure.
Online application requires:
- Registration with the Immigration Services Agency electronic filing system
- Obtaining electronic certification
- Skills to digitize required documents
By preparing now, you can ensure a smooth transition when the reform takes effect.
4. Impact on Employers of Foreign Nationals and Response Strategies
4-1. Changes to Cost Structure
Many companies bear the cost of obtaining and renewing status of residence for their foreign employees.
What was previously a few thousand yen per person annually will expand to tens of thousands of yen. For companies employing multiple foreign nationals, this represents a non-negligible cost increase.
4-2. Clarify Cost-Sharing Rules
Companies should use this reform as an opportunity to clarify their policies regarding immigration-related costs.
Options include:
- Full company coverage
- Full employee coverage
- 50/50 split between company and employee
- Company pays for initial status, employee pays for renewals
- Variable cost-sharing based on period of stay
Whichever approach is adopted, it should be clearly documented in work rules or employment contracts and communicated to employees in advance.
4-3. Reflect in Budget Planning
HR departments need to incorporate increased immigration renewal costs into budget planning for fiscal year 2026 and beyond.
For example, if you have 10 foreign employees with 5-year status:
- Before reform: ¥6,000 × 10 = ¥60,000/5 years
- After reform (in-person): ¥75,000 × 10 = ¥750,000/5 years
- After reform (online): ¥65,000 × 10 = ¥650,000/5 years
On an annual basis, this increases from ¥12,000 to ¥130,000–¥150,000.
4-4. Strategic Period-of-Stay Selection
Previously, since the fee was flat regardless of period, there was little economic incentive to pursue longer periods of stay.
After the reform, obtaining longer periods of stay can reduce total costs significantly.
For example, over a 10-year period:
- 1-year renewals (10 times): ¥33,000 × 10 = ¥330,000
- 5-year renewals (2 times): ¥75,000 × 2 = ¥150,000
The 5-year renewal option saves ¥180,000 (and even more with online applications).
However, obtaining longer periods of stay requires meeting certain requirements (good conduct, tax compliance, employment stability, etc.).
4-5. Employee Communication
It is important to communicate information about the fee reform to foreign employees early.
Key points to clarify:
- When the new fees will take effect
- The company’s cost-sharing policy
- Support for transitioning to online applications
- Procedures for employees wishing to apply before implementation
Clear communication reduces employee anxiety and maintains trust.
5. The Growing Importance of Professional Support
5-1. “One-Shot Approval” Becomes More Critical
With the significant fee increase, obtaining approval on the first application becomes more important than ever.
If an application is denied, not only does the applicant face additional fees for reapplication, but there is also the risk of a gap in legal status.
Immigration specialists (administrative scriveners) can:
- Conduct detailed interviews to understand the applicant’s situation
- Check for missing required documents
- Assist in preparing application statements
- Assess and mitigate risk of denial
These services maximize the likelihood of approval.
5-2. Strategic Timing Advice
Whether to apply before or after the reform depends on individual circumstances.
Specialists can:
- Confirm status expiration dates and application windows
- Evaluate current eligibility against requirements
- Analyze the pros and cons of pre-implementation application
- Estimate preparation time needed
This comprehensive assessment enables optimal timing recommendations.
5-3. Corporate Compliance Support
For employers of foreign nationals, specialists can provide:
- Support for reviewing work rules
- Advice on establishing cost-sharing policies
- Assistance in building status-of-residence management systems
- Conduct employee information sessions
These services ensure comprehensive compliance and smooth operations.
6. Conclusion: Embracing Change Positively
While this immigration fee reform certainly means increased financial burden, it also represents Japan’s serious commitment to welcoming and integrating foreign residents, backed by dedicated funding.
The allocation of fee revenue to Japanese language education and enhanced support systems should, in the long term, create a more comfortable living environment for foreign residents.
For Foreign Residents:
Change brings uncertainty, but with accurate information and proper preparation, you can navigate it successfully. Use the time before implementation to determine the best course of action for your situation.
For Employers:
Foreign talent is a valuable resource for the Japanese economy. Rather than scaling back hiring due to cost increases, focus on proper cost management and building support systems to attract and retain excellent foreign talent.
Our Role as Immigration Specialists:
Precisely because we are in a period of regulatory transition, accurate information and individualized advice are essential. We are here as your partners to help you navigate this change successfully.
If you have concerns or questions, please do not hesitate to consult with an immigration specialist.
Source:
https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/7eedb9f87734469410f41ec7e31f3ce98a874c75
