Japan's Diet has approved the most significant visa fee reform since 1982. Permanent residence applications will cost up to ¥300,000 (from ¥8,000), and work visa renewals will rise from a flat ¥4,000 to a duration-based system costing up to ¥70,000. Here's everything you need to know.
| Visa Type | Current Fee | New Range | Expected | Increase |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Permanent Residence永住 | ¥8,000 | ¥100,000–¥300,000 | ¥200,000 | 25x |
| Status Change在留資格変更 | ¥4,000 | ¥40,000–¥100,000 | ¥70,000 | 18x |
| Work Visa Renewal (1yr)就労ビザ更新 | ¥4,000 | ¥20,000–¥30,000 | ¥25,000 | 6x |
| Work Visa Renewal (5yr)就労ビザ更新(5年) | ¥4,000 | ¥50,000–¥70,000 | ¥60,000 | 15x |
| Spouse Visa Renewal配偶者ビザ更新 | ¥4,000 | ¥10,000–¥70,000 | ¥30,000 | 8x |
| Student Visa Extension留学ビザ更新 | ¥4,000 | ¥10,000–¥70,000 | ¥20,000 | 5x |
| Specified Skilled Worker特定技能更新 | ¥4,000 | ¥10,000–¥70,000 | ¥30,000 | 8x |
| Departure Tax (per person)出国税 | ¥1,000 | ¥3,000–¥3,000 | ¥3,000 | 3x |
* "Expected" estimates based on Diet discussions and international comparisons. Final amounts will be set by Cabinet Order.
If you meet the requirements (typically 10 years residency, or 1-3 years for Highly Skilled Professionals), apply now at the current ¥8,000 fee. This could save you ¥192,000+.
You can renew your visa up to 3 months before it expires. If your visa expires in mid-2026, consider renewing early at the current ¥4,000 rate.
If you're planning to move to Japan, factor these higher fees into your budget. Use our Visa Cost Calculator for a personalized estimate.
Starting June 2027, unpaid health insurance and pension premiums will be grounds for visa renewal denial. Read the full 2027 NHI/Pension rule guide →
| Country | PR/Green Card Fee | Work Visa Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Japan (current) | ¥8,000 (~$53) | ¥4,000 (~$27) |
| Japan (2026 est.) | ¥200,000 (~$1,333) | ¥30,000 (~$200) |
| United States | $1,225 (I-485) | $460 (H-1B) |
| United Kingdom | £2,404 (~$3,000) | £719 (~$900) |
| Australia | AUD 4,765 (~$3,000) | AUD 330 (~$210) |
| Canada | CAD 1,365 (~$1,000) | CAD 230 (~$170) |
Even after the increase, Japan's PR fee remains lower than most developed nations. However, the percentage increase is unprecedented.
See the full cost breakdown for your specific visa type, including the 2026 fee reform impact.
Visa Cost Calculator →The Diet raised the statutory fee ceiling from ¥10,000 to ¥300,000. The actual fee will be set by Cabinet Order, but is expected to be around ¥200,000 — a 25x increase from the current ¥8,000.
The bill was passed by the Diet in 2025. Exact fees will be determined by Cabinet Order, expected to take effect in 2026. Specific dates have not been announced yet.
Yes. Work visa renewal fees will vary by duration: approximately ¥10,000 for 3-month extensions, ¥20,000-30,000 for 1-year renewals, and up to ¥70,000 for 5-year renewals. The current flat fee of ¥4,000 is being replaced.
Yes. Student visa extensions will also use a duration-based fee structure, with fees ranging from ¥10,000 to ¥70,000. However, student fees may be set lower than work visa fees.
If you are eligible, applying before the new fees take effect could save you ¥192,000 or more. The current PR application fee is ¥8,000. However, ensure you meet all requirements — a rushed, incomplete application will be rejected regardless of timing.
Japan's visa fees have not been revised since 1982. The government cites increased processing costs and the need to fund expanded immigration services. The new fees also aim to align with international standards — many countries charge $200-$500+ for permanent residence applications.