Japan is preparing to significantly increase the cost of legally staying in the country, with proposed hikes in visa renewal and residency fees.
According to reports, the Immigration Services Agency of Japan has informed parliament about plans to raise visa renewal charges across categories. Deputy Commissioner Soichiro Naito stated that renewal fees for five-year visas could go up to around 70,000 yen (approximately ₹41,000), while short-term stays of three months or less may cost about 10,000 yen (around ₹6,000). Currently, visa renewal carries a flat fee of 6,000 yen regardless of duration.
The most significant change is proposed for permanent residency. The fee is expected to jump from 10,000 yen to nearly 200,000 yen (around ₹1.17 lakh), marking a steep 20-fold increase.
The Japanese cabinet has also introduced amendments to the Immigration Control Act, which would set upper limits on these charges—up to 300,000 yen for permanent residency and 100,000 yen for other visa types. Final fees will be determined within these caps through government directives.
There is some relief in the proposal, as applicants facing financial hardship may be eligible for fee reductions or exemptions, although details are yet to be clarified.
This move reflects a broader tightening of Japan’s immigration fee structure, even as the country continues to welcome foreign workers to tackle its growing labour shortage.
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