- Introduction: A Major Policy Change Affecting Your Life and Business
- 1. Fee Increase Details: How Much Will You Pay?
- 2. The Government’s “User-Pays Principle” Logic and Its Contradictions
- 3. The Fact That Foreign Nationals Already Pay Taxes
- 4. What Business Owners and HR Managers Need to Know
- 5. What Foreign Residents Should Check Immediately
- 6. International Comparisons: Are “Western Standards” an Appropriate Benchmark?
- 7. Future Outlook and What We Can Do
- 8. Conclusion: Toward Building a Multicultural Society
Introduction: A Major Policy Change Affecting Your Life and Business
In April 2026, the Japanese government finalized plans to significantly increase fees for immigration procedures affecting foreign residents. This reform impacts not only foreign nationals living in Japan but also businesses that employ them.
This article explains the details of this fee increase and what you need to know right now, based on expertise in visa applications and immigration procedures.
1. Fee Increase Details: How Much Will You Pay?
1-1. Comparison with Current Fee Structure
The Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act amendment bill submitted to the Diet proposes the following substantial increases:
Change or Renewal of Status of Residence
- Current: ¥6,000
- After Reform: Up to approximately ¥70,000 (legal maximum: ¥100,000)
Permanent Residence Application
- Current: ¥10,000
- After Reform: Approximately ¥200,000 (legal maximum: ¥300,000)
Since the specific amounts will be determined by cabinet order, the final figures have not yet been finalized. However, the fees are expected to increase more than tenfold.
1-2. Different Impacts Based on Period of Stay
The period of stay authorized under different status of residence categories varies: 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, 3 years, or 5 years. Notably, lower-income individuals tend to receive shorter periods of stay.
In practice:
- Higher income with stable employment typically results in a 5-year period of stay
- Lower income typically results in a 1-year or 3-year period of stay
This means those with lower incomes must renew their status more frequently, resulting in a disproportionately heavy financial burden from the fee increases.
2. The Government’s “User-Pays Principle” Logic and Its Contradictions
2-1. What Is the “User-Pays Principle”?
In its basic policy on foreign nationals announced in January 2026, the government stated: “From the perspective of beneficiary payment, it is necessary to require foreign nationals to bear appropriate costs.”
This approach suggests that “costs related to foreign national policies should be borne by the foreign nationals who benefit from them.” While this may sound reasonable at first glance, reality is far more complex.
2-2. The Reality: Japanese Society as a Whole Is the Beneficiary
Currently, approximately 4.13 million foreign nationals reside in Japan—nearly double the number from ten years ago. They play vital roles across Japanese society.
Industries Dependent on Foreign Workers
- Manufacturing: Supporting production lines in factories
- Food service: Cooking and customer service in restaurants, izakayas, and cafes
- Nursing care: Providing eldercare in an aging society
- Agriculture: Addressing severe labor shortages in farming
- Construction: Providing essential labor on construction sites
- Retail: Working in convenience stores and other retail establishments
In these sectors, many businesses cannot continue operations without foreign workers. In other words, the “beneficiaries” of foreign national policies are not just the foreign nationals themselves, but also the companies that employ them and Japanese society as a whole that benefits from their services.
2-3. De Facto Tax Increases Under the Guise of “User-Pays”
A particularly noteworthy point appears in documents released by the Ministry of Finance when deciding the FY2026 budget proposal. The following three revenue sources were identified:
- Increase in residence procedure fees
- Increase in visa issuance fees
- Increase in International Tourist Tax (departure tax)
According to these documents, approximately 40% (about ¥93 billion) of the increased revenue from these three sources will be allocated to policies other than those for foreign nationals.
In other words, while the stated purpose is securing funding for foreign national policies, a significant portion will actually be used for general revenue. The propriety of effectively imposing tax increases on foreign nationals who lack voting rights deserves serious scrutiny.
3. The Fact That Foreign Nationals Already Pay Taxes
3-1. Taxes Paid by Foreign Nationals
In discussions about “requiring foreign nationals to bear costs,” it is often overlooked that foreign nationals already pay substantial taxes in Japan.
Major Taxes Paid by Foreign Nationals
- Income Tax: Levied on employment income
- Resident Tax: Paid to local municipalities
- Consumption Tax: Paid when purchasing goods and services
- Social Insurance Premiums: Health insurance, employees’ pension insurance, etc.
In short, foreign nationals already contribute to Japan’s public finances. They are not just “beneficiaries” but also “contributors.”
3-2. Balancing Residence Fees and Tax Burden
While funding is needed to enhance Japanese language education and strengthen consultation and support systems, who should bear these costs and to what extent requires careful examination from a fairness perspective.
Is it truly fair to impose substantial additional fee increases on foreign nationals who already pay taxes? If Japanese society as a whole benefits, should not society as a whole share these costs?
4. What Business Owners and HR Managers Need to Know
4-1. Impact on Employee Retention
Significant fee increases may affect the motivation and retention rates of foreign employees.
Potential Risks
- Increased financial burden causing financial insecurity
- Doubts and dissatisfaction about continuing to work in Japan
- Employees may consider relocating to countries with better conditions
- Loss of talented personnel
4-2. Reviewing Recruitment Costs and HR Strategies
Some companies already cover residence procedure costs for their foreign employees. If fees increase more than tenfold, these costs will rise proportionally.
Items Requiring Review
- Policy on bearing residence procedure costs (company vs. employee)
- Impact on recruitment plans
- Response policies for existing employees
- Review of employee benefit systems
4-3. International Competitiveness in Securing Foreign Talent
Competition for global talent is intensifying. If Japan imposes high fees compared to other countries, this could negatively affect our ability to attract talented foreign professionals.
5. What Foreign Residents Should Check Immediately
5-1. Your Residence Period and Renewal Timing
First, check your residence card and confirm the following information:
- Your current status of residence category
- Your residence period expiration date
- Your next renewal timing
Depending on when the fee increase takes effect, proceeding with applications earlier may allow you to apply under current fees.
5-2. For Those Considering Permanent Residence Applications
Permanent residence application fees are expected to rise from the current ¥10,000 to approximately ¥200,000—a twentyfold increase.
If you are considering obtaining permanent residence, I recommend checking whether you meet the requirements as soon as possible and, if eligible, considering application before the fee increase.
5-3. When to Consult a Specialist
Immigration procedures are complex, and if your application is rejected, reapplication becomes necessary, incurring additional costs and time. After the fee increase, obtaining approval on the first attempt becomes even more critical.
Cases Requiring Professional Consultation
- Considering changing your status of residence
- Seeking permanent residence
- Concerns about renewing your period of stay
- Planning to bring family members to Japan
- Considering a job change
6. International Comparisons: Are “Western Standards” an Appropriate Benchmark?
6-1. “Other Countries’ Fees” Referenced by the Government
The government states it will consider fees charged by other countries for similar procedures when determining amounts. Indeed, some Western countries charge higher fees than Japan.
However, simple numerical comparisons should not be the sole basis for decisions.
6-2. Factors to Consider
Points to Examine When Comparing with Other Countries
- Quality of foreign national policies (language education, vocational training, life support, etc.)
- Average income levels of foreign workers in those countries
- Social security system contents
- Support systems after obtaining status of residence
Simply matching fees to “Western standards” without corresponding service quality and support systems would be counterproductive.
7. Future Outlook and What We Can Do
7-1. Legislative Reform Timeline
The Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act amendment bill is currently under deliberation in the Diet. If passed, implementation is expected within FY2026.
Since specific fee amounts will be determined by cabinet order, final figures have not yet been finalized. Close attention to future Diet deliberations and cabinet order contents is necessary.
7-2. The Importance of Making Your Voice Heard
This issue affects not only foreign nationals but also companies employing foreign workers and Japanese society as a whole.
- Foreign nationals: Communicate your concerns
- Companies: Express opinions through industry associations
- Citizens: Consider what multicultural coexistence means
7-3. The Role of Immigration Specialists
As specialists in visa applications and immigration procedures, we fulfill the following roles:
- Providing accurate information
- Supporting proper procedures
- Offering careful advice to foreign nationals and businesses
- Disseminating up-to-date information on policy reforms
8. Conclusion: Toward Building a Multicultural Society
While the substantial residence fee increase may appear on the surface to be merely a “fee” issue, it fundamentally raises the question: “How will Japan welcome foreign nationals?” and “How will we build a multicultural society?”
Key Points to Remember
- Fee increases may exceed tenfold current rates
- The “user-pays principle” logic contains contradictions
- Foreign nationals already pay taxes
- Significant impact on corporate HR strategies
- Early information gathering and professional consultation crucial
We must not send foreign nationals the message that “if you cannot pay high fees, you do not have to stay in Japan.” Foreign nationals, like us, are valuable members who support and contribute to Japanese society.
Each person taking an interest in and thinking about this issue represents the first step toward a truly multicultural society.
Consultation & Inquiries
If you have questions or concerns about status of residence matters, please do not hesitate to contact us. We will provide optimal advice tailored to your specific situation.
Reference Article: Asahi Shimbun Digital “Careful Consideration Needed for Residence Fee Increases”
