Japan to raise visa fees for foreign residents in 2026: reports
The Japanese government is planning to implement a price hike in visa issuance for foreign residents starting next year, marking the first price increase in 45 years.
According to local outlet Kyodo News, the fee for changing visa status or renewing a visa for one year or more could rise by about 40,000 yen (~P17,500) from the current 6,000 yen (~P2,300).
Meanwhile, the cost for a permanent residency visa may increase to over 100,000 yen (~P38,000) from the current 10,000 yen (~P3,800).
The increase in fees came amid the growing number of foreign residents in Japan, per the outlet.
The Japanese government plans to align immigration fees with Western countries, following the order of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi.
Japan News reported that visa-related costs are significantly different in other major countries: In the United States, changing or renewing a work permit costs between $420 to $470 (P24,774 to P27,723). In the United Kingdom, the cost is around £827 (P65,302). Meanwhile, in Germany, changing or renewing one’s residence permit costs substantially less, ranging from €93 to €98 (P6,424 to P6,770).
In April, the Immigration Services Agency raised visa fees to account for inflation, increasing the cost from 4,000 yen to 6,000 yen for renewals or status changes, and from 8,000 yen to 10,000 yen for permanent residency applications.
The agency said that as of the end of June, the number of foreign residents in Japan reached a record high of 3,956,619.
The additional revenue is intended to be used to strengthen policies supporting multiculturalism, the outlet said.
