Residence Status Renewal Fees to Rise Significantly in Japan

What Foreign Residents Need to Know About the 2025 and 2027 Revisions

Japan is in the process of revising immigration-related fees, and the changes will have a direct financial impact on foreign residents living and working in the country.

Some fee increases have already taken effect in 2025, and according to recent media reports, much larger increases are planned for fiscal year 2027. This article explains the current situation, what has already changed, and what may happen next.

1. Overview of the Residence Status Fee Revisions

(2025 Revision and Policy Direction from 2027 Onward)

First, let us review the current flow of fee revisions based on official announcements and media reports.

Fee Revision Effective from April 1, 2025

As of April 1, 2025, the following fee increases have already been implemented:

• Residence Status Renewal Fee¥4,000 → ¥6,000

• Permanent Residency Application Fee¥8,000 → ¥10,000

These new fees apply to all applications submitted on or after April 1, 2025, and are already in effect nationwide.

Planned Major Increase Targeted for FY2027

According to reports published on November 20, 2025, the Japanese government has decided on a policy to significantly raise fees related to residence status procedures, with implementation targeted during fiscal year 2027.

Although the final amounts and exact timing will be determined through future amendments to immigration law and economic policy measures, the following levels are currently being discussed:

• Residence Status Renewal Application Fee:approximately ¥30,000–¥40,000

• Permanent Residency Application Fee:approximately ¥100,000

Compared to the current fees of ¥6,000 for renewal and ¥10,000 for permanent residency, this would represent a dramatic increase—about five to seven times higher for renewal applications.

2. Who Will Be Affected by These Changes?

These fee increases may affect a wide range of people, including:

• Foreign employees renewing work visas

• International students extending their stay in Japan

• Spouses of Japanese nationals or permanent residents

• Long-term residents planning to apply for permanent residency

  
  

In addition, companies that sponsor foreign workers may also face higher administrative and financial burdens.

3. What Foreign Residents Should Do Now

Even though the 2027 fee increase has not yet been finalized, preparation is important.

• Stay informed

  Always check the latest updates from the Immigration Services Agency of Japan.

• Plan ahead financially

  If you expect to renew your residence status or apply for permanent residency, consider future costs when planning your budget.

• Prepare applications carefully

  Mistakes or reapplications could become much more costly if fees increase as expected.

• Improve practical Japanese skills

  Understanding official documents and procedures in Japanese can help avoid delays and unnecessary expenses.

  
  

4. How Japanese Language Skills Can Help

Immigration procedures in Japan are closely connected to the country’s administrative systems and the use of formal Japanese.

At our Japanese language school, we support foreign residents by focusing on:

• Understanding the basic structure of Japan’s administrative system

• Learning Japanese used in official and formal situations

  
  

It is also important to understand that staff at city halls and ward offices are not always able to communicate in foreign languages. For this reason, developing your own Japanese language skills can be a significant advantage when living in Japan.

Improving your Japanese skills is not only about daily conversation. It is an essential tool for living and working smoothly in Japan, especially when dealing with public offices and important procedures.

Conclusion

Japan’s immigration fee structure is clearly moving toward higher costs, with modest increases already in place in 2025 and much larger revisions under consideration for 2027.

While the final details are still subject to legal changes, foreign residents and employers alike should be aware that the cost of maintaining legal residence in Japan is likely to rise significantly.

Staying informed, preparing early, and strengthening your Japanese skills will help you navigate these changes with confidence.

Final Message

In Yuki-sensei’s classes, I go beyond Japanese language lessons. I also teach about daily life in Japan, social systems, and practical knowledge needed for living Japan.

Each lesson is designed to match your individual goals and needs, and we build the class together step by step.

I look forward to seeing you in our next lesson!