Japan raises PR, residency fee caps
Japan has increased the maximum fees that foreign nationals may be charged for renewing or changing their residency status, with the new cap set at 100,000 yen ($630) for standard residency permits and 300,000 yen for permanent residency applications. according to a report by Nikkei Asia.
The measure was approved by the Japanese parliament on Friday as the country prepares for a growing foreign resident population and plans new integration programmes.
The previous upper limit for residency renewal or status-change fees was 10,000 yen.
According to Japan's Immigration Services Agency, the revised fee structure reflects services provided to foreign residents.
While the law sets the maximum amounts, the actual fees will be decided later through a cabinet order.
Under the proposed structure, fees for standard residency permits will vary depending on the length of stay.
A three-month residency period is expected to cost about 10,000 yen, while a five-year permit could cost around 70,000 yen.
The current fee for in-person renewal applications is 6,000 yen regardless of the duration of stay.
Additional revenue to fund integration measures The fee for permanent residency applications is expected to rise to about 200,000 yen.
The government said reductions or exemptions will be available for applicants facing financial hardship, and the Immigration Services Agency plans to issue guidelines on eligibility for such relief.
The higher fees could generate up to 90 billion yen in additional revenue.
Japan's foreign resident population exceeded 4 million at the end of 2025, and the government said the funds will be used to strengthen measures that help foreign residents adapt to life in the country.
Planned initiatives include expanding consultation services offered by local governments, improving Japanese-language education and supporting programmes that teach daily-life rules and customs.
The government intends to introduce these educational programmes in phases beginning in fiscal 2028.
The revenue will also help cover the costs of addressing illegal residency cases.
Previously, fees collected were limited to covering administrative expenses such as personnel costs.
Faster rollout of JESTA screening system The legal revisions also include changes affecting short-term visitors.
Japan will introduce the Japan Electronic System for Travel Authorization (JESTA) as early as fiscal 2028, two years earlier than originally planned, as per Nikkei Asia report.
Under the system, travellers from visa-exempt countries will need to submit information online before departure, including their travel purpose, occupation and accommodation details.
Authorities will use the information to screen travellers before arrival.
Airlines will be required to deny boarding to passengers who do not obtain authorization.
The government said the system is expected to help prevent illegal stays while simplifying immigration procedures and reducing waiting times at airports.
The legislation faced opposition from the Constitutional Democratic Party and the Japanese Communist Party, which argued that the fee increases would place an excessive burden on foreign residents.
However, the measure was passed by parliament and is set to take effect as Japan continues to adjust its immigration and residency policies amid rising foreign arrivals and residency numbers. ...