Japan Raises Visa Fees to 100,000 Yen, Adds Online Screening, May 30

Japan’s parliament passed an immigration control law revision on May 30 that raises the upper limit on visa fees for foreign nationals. Visa renewals will cost up to 100,000 yen ($630 USD), while permanent residency applications will cost up to 300,000 yen. The law also introduces an online pre-entry travel authorization system called JESTA. The changes take effect in fiscal 2026, beginning April 2026.

What the New Fees Mean for Foreign Workers

The new fee structure creates a significant barrier for foreign residents. Visa renewal costs reach 100,000 yen, roughly one month’s salary for many workers in Japan. Permanent residency applications now cost up to 300,000 yen, making the process unaffordable for lower-income foreigners. The government cited rising administrative costs as the reason for the increase, though critics argue the fees far exceed actual processing expenses.

Online Screening System Launches

Japan will introduce JESTA, an online pre-entry travel authorization system for overseas arrivals. The system screens travelers before they enter Japan. This complements the fee increases and represents a shift toward digital immigration processing. The screening system launches alongside the fee changes in fiscal 2026.

Impact on Japan’s Workforce and Demographics

Higher visa fees threaten Japan’s labor supply in agriculture, retail, and manufacturing sectors. Foreign workers in these industries may leave Japan rather than pay the new fees, particularly if they have Japanese families. Critics warn the policy could reduce the number of foreign-born children raised in Japan, affecting the country’s demographic outlook. The fee structure raises concerns about whether foreigners will continue contributing to the Japanese economy.

Timeline and Implementation

The new fees take effect in fiscal 2026, which begins in April 2026. Japan already raised visa fees in April 2026, so this revision represents an additional increase. The government did not announce a transition period for existing visa holders, meaning the higher fees apply to all renewals and new applications once the law takes effect.

Final Thoughts

Japan’s visa fee increases to 100,000 yen for renewals and 300,000 yen for permanent residency will likely push lower-income foreign workers out of the country. The policy risks damaging Japan’s labor supply and demographic trends.

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