Immigration Fee Increases in Japan: Status of Residence Updates and Policy Direction under a Potential Takaichi Administration
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Japan Immigration Application Fee Increases and Policy Direction (Status-by-Status Guide)
Japan has been revising immigration application fees amid a growing foreign resident population and expanded administrative costs, including digitalization and multilingual support. In political discussions, a more conservative approach to immigration management has also been highlighted, and terms like “Takaichi administration” (a potential conservative leadership scenario) are often mentioned when discussing stricter immigration management and appropriate cost-sharing. This article summarizes the fee changes already implemented and the possible future direction, with examples by status of residence.
1. Fee Revision Already Implemented (April 2025)
As of April 1, 2025, certain immigration-related fees were revised as follows:
- Extension of Period of Stay: JPY 4,000 → JPY 6,000
- Change of Status of Residence: JPY 4,000 → JPY 6,000
- Permanent Residence: JPY 8,000 → JPY 10,000
These revisions were implemented nationwide under the framework of Japan’s immigration administration (Ministry of Justice / Immigration Services Agency).
2. Statuses Commonly Affected (Examples)
The fees for “Extension of Period of Stay” and “Change of Status of Residence” apply widely across many visas/statuses. Below are common examples frequently seen in practice:
✅ Work-related statuses
- Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services
- Business Manager
- Specified Skilled Worker (i & ii)
- Skilled Labor (e.g., cooks, construction-related, etc.)
- Highly Skilled Professional (i & ii)
- Intra-company Transferee
- Nursing Care
- Professor / Artist / Religious Activities / Journalist (where applicable)
✅ Status based on personal relationship or long-term residence
- Spouse or Child of Japanese National
- Spouse or Child of Permanent Resident
- Long-Term Resident
✅ Family / study and other common statuses
- Dependent
- Student
- Trainee (where applicable)
- Cultural Activities
If you hold any of the above statuses, you generally pay a fee each time you renew your permission to stay. You may also need to pay a fee when you change your status due to employment changes, marriage, starting a business, etc.
3. Policy Discussion: Stricter Immigration Management and “Takaichi Administration” Narrative
In recent political discourse, a conservative policy direction—sometimes framed around the idea of a “Takaichi administration”—has emphasized that accepting foreign residents should be accompanied by stronger management, improved compliance, and sustainable administrative structures.
In that context, significant fee increases may be discussed as part of policy options aimed at:
- Clarifying beneficiary-pays principles (appropriate cost-sharing)
- Funding expanded immigration services and enforcement
- Reducing “casual” or low-preparedness applications by encouraging proper planning
4. Possible Fee Levels Being Discussed (Not Yet Final)
While nothing is finalized, some discussions and forecasts mention figures like the following. Any major increase would generally require legislative changes to the current framework.
- Extension / Change of Status: approximately JPY 30,000–40,000
- Permanent Residence: JPY 100,000+
5. Practical Impact by Status
✅ Work-related statuses (e.g., Engineer/Humanities/International Services, Business Manager, SSW)
- If your permission is renewed yearly, a fee jump could significantly increase your annual cost.
- Employment changes may require a change procedure, adding to the overall burden.
- Applicants may place more importance on aiming for longer periods (3 or 5 years) where possible.
✅ Family-related statuses (Dependent, Spouse, etc.)
- Households may face higher total costs because renewals apply per person.
- Clear documentation regarding income/support and living situation becomes even more important.
✅ Permanent Residence
- If the fee becomes much higher, applicants will benefit from careful eligibility checks before filing.
- Thorough preparation and document quality become more important to avoid unnecessary risk.
6. What You Should Consider Now
- If you are close to meeting PR requirements, consider timing strategically.
- If you have been receiving only 1-year renewals, it may be helpful to plan for longer periods.
- If you renew multiple family members, evaluate the potential future cost impact.
The best approach depends on your individual circumstances, so professional review is recommended.
7. Our Support
Tommy’s Legal Service provides strategic support for: visa renewals, status changes, and permanent residence, including advice on timing and risk assessment based on policy trends.
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投稿者プロフィール
- 行政書士
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日系理化学機器輸入商社、日系センサーメーカー、外資系真空機器メーカー、外資系化学装置メーカーでの国内外業務を経て、令和2年度行政書士試験に合格。令和3年4月、トミーズリーガルサービス行政書士事務所を開業。
現在は入管業務（VISA・在留資格）を中心とした専門事務所として、外国人の雇用・受け入れ、企業の国際人材戦略、在留手続のオンライン申請支援を行う。
企業・個人いずれのクライアントにも寄り添い、迅速・丁寧で負担の少ない手続きをモットーとする。
また、国際業務の経験を生かし、英語での各種案内・申請支援にも対応。
趣味： バイク（GB350C）、ツーリング、Uber Eats 配達、テニス、ゴルフ
English:
After working in Japanese and foreign-affiliated companies in the fields of scientific instruments, sensors, vacuum equipment, and chemical processing machinery, I passed the national Administrative Scrivener examination in 2020 and founded Tommy’s Legal Service Administrative Scrivener Office in April 2021.
My practice is specialized in immigration procedures—visa applications, extensions, changes of status, and online filings for both companies and individuals. I support employers and foreign nationals with fast, accurate, and stress-free application processes.
English guidance and bilingual documentation are also available.
Hobbies: Motorcycles (Honda GB350C), touring, Uber Eats delivery, tennis, golf
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