The Japanese government is considering a major revision of its immigration fee structure, with potential implementation as early as April 2026 and no later than March 2027. While the plan remains in draft form, a proposal published on the Liberal Democratic Party’s official website indicates sharp increases across a range of immigration-related fees.
Key Proposed Changes
Under the draft proposal, three major categories of immigration and travel-related fees are expected to rise substantially:
International Tourist Tax
Currently set at ¥1,000 per departure, the tax could increase to ¥3,000. This would apply to all individuals leaving Japan, regardless of nationality.
Visa Application Fees
The fee for a single-entry visa—typically submitted at Japanese embassies or consulates abroad—is proposed to increase from ¥3,000 to ¥15,000. This change, if implemented, would significantly impact short-term visitors and business travelers.
Residency-Related Application Fees
These are among the most dramatically affected:
- Change or Renewal of Status of Residence: Currently ¥6,000, this could increase to as much as ¥40,000 depending on the length of stay.
- Permanent Residency Applications: Currently ¥10,000, with projections estimating an increase to over ¥100,000.
These estimates are preliminary and have not been formally announced by the Immigration Services Agency of Japan. Legislative amendments and political developments, including a general election, may influence the scope and timing of the changes.
Context and Rationale
Japan’s immigration-related fees are generally lower than those of most Western countries. The proposed increases are positioned as part of a broader initiative to align with global standards and support evolving immigration and tourism policies.
Although the plan is not yet finalized, its progression signals Japan’s growing emphasis on immigration policy reform as a mechanism for revenue generation and system modernization.
What Global Mobility Stakeholders Should Know
Organizations managing workforce travel to Japan should be aware that:
- Fee increases could affect both corporate mobility budgets and individual applicants.
- Forward planning will be critical, especially for permanent residence and long-term visa renewals.
- Companies may need to review budgeting, internal approval workflows, and cost-recovery models in anticipation of higher immigration-related expenses.
Newland Chase will continue to monitor developments and provide updates as official information becomes available. At present, all figures should be considered indicative and not final.
Recommendation
Clients with personnel planning to change visa status, renew residence permits, or apply for permanent residency in Japan in 2026–2027 should consider advancing application timelines where feasible. This may allow applicants to benefit from current, lower fees.
For further guidance on navigating Japanese immigration procedures or for personalized support, please contact your Newland Chase advisor.
This immigration update is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal or scenario-specific advice. Furthermore, it is important to note that immigration announcements are subject to sudden and unexpected changes. Readers are encouraged to reach out to Newland Chase for any case- or company-specific assessments.
