Japan’s official visa and residence fees are relatively low compared with many major countries. However, the real cost for foreign nationals includes translations, certificates, professional fees, renewal frequency, and the risk of refusal or reapplication.
On March 10, 2026, the Japanese government approved a bill to create JESTA, a new electronic travel authorization system, and to raise the statutory ceiling for certain immigration-related fees, including change of status, extension of period of stay, and permanent residence. The key point is that this does not mean all fees have immediately increased to those maximum amounts. This article explains what foreign residents and employers should know.