Japan has significantly increased the cost of long-term stay procedures following a major immigration law revision passed by Parliament on Friday. The new changes will raise visa renewal fees to as high as 100,000 yen (approximately Rs 59,500) and permanent residency application fees to 300,000 yen (around Rs 1.78 lakh), according to Japan Today. This marks a steep increase from the earlier ceiling of just 10,000 yen.
The revised fee structure represents nearly a 30-fold hike compared to the current rates. At present, extending or changing residence status costs around 6,000 yen, while applying for permanent residency is priced at 10,000 yen. The updated limits will be implemented later this fiscal year through a cabinet order, following a public consultation process.
While the government has justified the move by citing rising administrative costs, it has also indicated that exemptions may be provided on humanitarian grounds or in cases of financial hardship. However, lawmakers have noted that the eligibility criteria for such relief have not yet been clearly defined. The Immigration Services Agency is expected to release detailed guidelines in the coming months.
In a parallel development, Japan is preparing to launch the Japan Electronic System for Travel Authorization in fiscal 2028. The system will apply to travelers from 74 visa-exempt countries and is designed to strengthen border security by screening visitors for terrorism risks and illegal employment before departure.
Under the new system, applicants will be required to submit personal details, including their name, travel purpose, and destination, online several days before arrival. This data will be cross-checked against criminal and immigration databases, with authorities empowered to deny boarding to individuals flagged for prior violations.
These measures come as Japan’s foreign resident population reached a record 4.13 million at the end of 2025, reflecting the country’s evolving immigration landscape.
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