June 2026 Update: Reported Draft Fee Levels

Key Point

The statutory caps for change of status, extension of period of stay, and permanent residence have been significantly increased. Foreign nationals, families, and employers should start planning early, while keeping in mind that the actual fee amounts, effective date, transitional rules, and possible fee reduction or exemption rules still need to be confirmed.

Legislative Status: Passed on May 29, 2026 and Promulgated on June 5, 2026

The House of Councillors bill information identifies the relevant bill as a partial amendment to the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act and the Act on Special Provisions for Landing Applications by Foreign Nationals Holding Passports under Article 2, item 5, sub-item (b) of the Immigration Act.

The bill was passed by the House of Representatives on April 28, 2026, and by the House of Councillors on May 29, 2026. It was promulgated on June 5, 2026 as Act No. 32.

Statutory Caps and Actual Fees Must Be Kept Separate

The enacted law provides that the actual fee amount will be set by Cabinet Order within the statutory cap for each type of permission. In other words, the law has already set the upper limit, but the amount actually payable at the counter or through the online application system is not final until the Cabinet Order is issued.

Could the Amounts Change After Public Comment?

The concrete figures currently being reported are still draft figures. A public comment process is expected for the relevant Cabinet Order. As a result, the specific amounts, effective date, fee reduction or exemption rules, or operational details may change after public comments or further government review.

However, the basic structure has already been enacted by law: change of status and extension of period of stay are capped at ¥100,000, and permanent residence is capped at ¥300,000. Therefore, public comment is more likely to affect the actual payment amounts and implementation details than to eliminate the fee increase framework itself.

Effective Date: Fee Changes Will Be Implemented by a Cabinet-Designated Date

For the fee-related amendment to Article 67 of the Immigration Act, the law provides that it will come into force on a date specified by Cabinet Order, no later than March 31, 2027.

Therefore, the enactment of the amended law does not mean that the new fees apply immediately. Applicants and employers should monitor the future Cabinet Order, ministry regulations, and Immigration Services Agency announcements.

Permanent Residence: From “Someday” to Careful Timing and Cost Planning

The most significant impact may be on permanent residence applications. Under the current system, the fee payable when permanent residence is granted is ¥10,000. Under the reported draft figures, it may rise to ¥200,000.

For example, if a married couple applies for permanent residence, the current government fee upon permission would be ¥20,000 in total. If the fee becomes ¥200,000 per person, the total would become ¥400,000. For families applying together, the difference in government fees alone may be substantial, separate from any professional fees.

That said, rushing into a permanent residence application simply because fees may increase is risky. Permanent residence requires a careful review of residence history, income, taxes, pension, health insurance, family dependency, travel history, traffic violations, and overall circumstances. Filing before the requirements are ready can increase the risk of refusal.

Impact on Employers Hiring Foreign Nationals

If the fees for change of status and extension of period of stay increase according to the permitted period, the impact will not be limited to foreign nationals themselves. Employers may also be affected, especially where the company bears immigration application fees for employees.

This is particularly important for companies employing multiple foreign nationals under statuses such as Specified Skilled Worker, Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services, Intra-company Transferee, or where family members also need to renew their status. Employers should check the following points in advance:

• Whether immigration application fees will be paid by the company or by the employee
• Who will bear fees for accompanying family members
• Whether employees who repeatedly receive one-year renewals can prepare stronger materials for a longer period of stay
• Whether a job change, duty change, or internal transfer may require a change of status
• Whether many renewals are concentrated in the same month, increasing administrative and cost burdens

JESTA and Broader Immigration Control

The amendment also includes a new pre-travel authorization framework for certain visa-exempt short-term visitors. This framework is often referred to in media reports as Japan’s version of ESTA, or “JESTA.”

This system is separate from residence procedures such as change of status, extension of period of stay, and permanent residence. However, it reflects a broader policy direction toward stricter pre-entry screening and immigration control.

Four Practical Perspectives: Applicant, Employer, Documents, and Examination Trends

1. Applicant

Foreign nationals should check their residence card expiry date, next renewal window, possible permanent residence eligibility, and family application timing early. Permanent residence applications require particular attention because the proposed increase is large.

2. Employer

Employers should review internal rules on who will bear the cost of change of status and renewal applications. For companies employing multiple foreign nationals, several renewals in the same period may create a significant cost burden.

3. Documents

As government fees become more significant, applicants will naturally want to avoid refusal. Consistency among application forms, explanation letters, employment contracts, tax records, social insurance records, company documents, and family documents will become even more important.

4. Examination Trends

The fee increase is part of a broader trend toward stricter immigration and residence management. Applicants should not focus only on cost. They should also review their actual activities, employment reality, tax and social insurance compliance, family dependency, and consistency with past applications.

What Applicants and Employers Should Check Now

• When the next extension application can be filed
• Whether a change of status may be required due to job change, duty change, or family status change
• Whether the applicant may satisfy permanent residence requirements
• Total cost if family members apply for renewal or permanent residence together
• Whether the employer or employee will bear application fees
• Whether an application can be filed before the effective date of the fee-related amendment
• How to monitor the Cabinet Order and Immigration Services Agency announcements after public comment

References

• Yomiuri Shimbun: Report on proposed immigration fee increases
• House of Councillors: Bill Information
• House of Councillors: Enacted Law PDF
• Immigration Services Agency: Change of Status of Residence
• Immigration Services Agency: Extension of Period of Stay
• Immigration Services Agency: Permanent Residence Application