Japan's Immigration Services Agency has announced a significant increase in fees for foreign residents, with some charges rising by as much as 1,150% starting October 2026. The move is part of a broader revision of the immigration fee structure, which aims to reflect the actual cost of administrative services and improve the overall management of foreign residents in the country.
New Fee Structure Details
According to the Immigration Services Agency, the fee for a change of status of residence will increase from 4,000 yen to 15,000 yen, a rise of 275%. The fee for extension of period of stay will also jump from 4,000 yen to 15,000 yen. However, the most dramatic increase is for re-entry permits: the single re-entry permit fee will rise from 3,000 yen to 15,000 yen (a 400% increase), while the multiple re-entry permit fee will soar from 6,000 yen to 75,000 yen, an increase of 1,150%.
Other fees that will be affected include the certificate of eligibility, which will go from 4,000 yen to 15,000 yen, and the fee for a certificate of residence, which will increase from 1,000 yen to 5,000 yen. The new fees will apply to applications submitted on or after October 1, 2026.
Reasons for the Increase
The agency said the fee revision is necessary to cover the rising costs of processing applications, including system maintenance and personnel expenses. It also noted that the current fees have not been updated since 1981, despite significant increases in administrative costs over the past four decades.
In a statement, the agency said: "The new fee structure reflects the actual cost of services and will help ensure the sustainability and efficiency of the immigration system." The agency also said that the increase is part of a broader effort to strengthen border control and improve the management of foreign residents, which has become a priority as Japan faces a declining population and increasing reliance on foreign workers.
Impact on Foreign Residents
The fee increase is expected to affect a large number of foreign residents in Japan, which stood at over 3.3 million as of the end of 2025, according to the Immigration Services Agency. The higher fees could place an additional financial burden on foreign workers, students, and their families, who are already grappling with the rising cost of living in Japan.
Some foreign residents have expressed concerns about the steep increase, particularly the 1,150% rise for multiple re-entry permits, which are commonly used by those who travel frequently for work or family reasons. However, the agency has defended the increase, stating that the new fees are still lower than those in many other developed countries.
Implementation and Next Steps
The new fees will be officially implemented on October 1, 2026. Foreign residents are advised to plan their applications accordingly, as fees for applications submitted before this date will remain at the current rates. The Immigration Services Agency has also said that it will provide updated guidance on its website and at regional immigration offices to help applicants understand the new fee structure.
This fee revision marks the first major change to Japan's immigration fees in over four decades and is expected to generate additional revenue for the government, which will be used to enhance the efficiency and security of the immigration system.
