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THE JAPANESE government is currently considering an increase in fees related to foreign residents and visa issuance fees to match those of Western countries in the next fiscal year. If implemented, this would be the first increase since 1978.
Japan will raise the single-entry visa fee from 3,000 yen (approximately IDR317,000) to 15,000 yen (IDR1.5 million). The government aims to implement the new fee in July, as reported by NHK News on Wednesday (12/17), 2025.
In comparison to Japan, Western countries generally have higher fees. For comparison, a short-stay visa in the United States (US) costs around 28,000 yen (IDR2.9 million) and in the UK around 25,000 yen (IDR2.6 million). Japan will use these figures as a benchmark in determining the amount of the fee increase.
1. Japan Increases Fees for Changing Status of Residence and Extending Stay Permits
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi instructed the visa fee increase during a ministerial meeting on foreign resident policy earlier last month.
Japan is also considering plans to increase fees for changing status of residence and extending stays for one year or more. These fees are set at 30,000 yen (IDR3.1 million) and 40,000 yen (IDR4.2 million), respectively.
Additionally, the fee for permanent residence permits will be increased to 100,000 yen (IDR10.5 million) or more. Currently, the law sets a maximum limit of 10,000 yen for such fees, and an amendment will be required. This would be the first legal revision to increase such fees since 1981, according to a report by the Yomiuri Shimbun.
2. The Japanese government plans to revise the Immigration Control Law next year
In April, Japan increased visa issuance fees, due to inflation, from 4,000 yen (IDR423,000) to 6,000 yen (IDR635,000) for changes of residence status and extensions of stay permits. Individuals seeking permanent residency will incur fees ranging from 8,000 yen (IDR847,000) to 10,000 yen (IDR1 million), as reported by Kyodo News.
In the US, the cost to change or renew a work permit ranges from US$420 (IDR7 million) to US$470 (IDR7.8 million). In the UK, the cost is £827 (IDR18.4 million). In Germany, the fees for changing or renewing a residence permit range from 93 euros (IDR1.8 million) to 98 euros (IDR1.9 million).
The government plans to propose revisions to the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act during the regular session of Parliament next year, following consultations with the ruling parties.
Additionally, there is a proposal to increase taxes on individuals who leave Japan. The objective is to address the issue of overtourism as the number of foreign visitors to Japan continues to increase.
3. The number of foreign residents in Japan has reached 3.9 million
The revenue from the fee increase will fund policy initiatives related to foreign residents. This includes measures to enhance conditions for the rapidly expanding foreign resident population, such as accelerating immigration screening processes and enhancing Japanese language education. The government’s agenda includes a plan to deport illegal residents, of which there are currently around 70,000 in Japan.
According to the Immigration Services Agency of Japan, the foreign resident population in Japan is projected to reach a record high of approximately 3.96 million by June 2025. [sources/photo special]
