The Japanese government is considering a significant increase in the fees required for foreign residents to renew or change their residence status.
The current renewal fee of 6,000 yen may be raised to the 30,000-yen range—five to six times higher, with the aim of implementing the new system in fiscal year 2026.
Background
- Number of foreign residents growing (3.95 million, +10% annually)
- Rising personnel costs for screening
- Increased expenses for system upgrades
- Additional costs related to digitalization
The current fee structure is no longer sufficient to cover these expenses.
Possible Changes
Residence renewal (at the counter)
6,000 yen → Five to six times higher (potentially in the 30,000-yen range)
Fee changes based on length of stay
Longer stays may incur higher fees.
First-stage fee hike already implemented in April 2025
- Renewal: 4,000 yen → 6,000 yen
- Permanent residency: 8,000 yen → 10,000 yen
- (Online applications remain cheaper)
The upcoming fiscal-2026 revision would represent a “second stage” following the 2025 fee increase.
Policy Intentions
- Strengthening measures against overstaying and rule violations
- Reducing perceived unfairness by ensuring appropriate cost-sharing
- Reflecting the real costs of screening and system maintenance
The government is also considering raising
visa fees for short-term visitors (tourists and business travelers).
Source: Nikkei (November 21, 2025)
Reference: LDP Launches Foreign Policy Headquarters to Discuss Land Ownership and Visa Rules for Foreigners
Next Read
You can find a clear overview of the core structure of Japan’s foreign-resident system here:
Inside Japan’s New ESDP: What the Government’s Basic Policy Reveals
