Fee changes now apply to residence and visa filings

Japan hikes visa fees, adds N2 rule for business applicants

Fee changes now apply to residence and visa filings

Japan has raised several immigration fees, with embassy visa charges up up to 10-fold and in-Japan renewals and status changes moving to tiered fees that can reach ¥100,000. The Immigration Services Agency said single-entry visa fees at embassies rose to about ¥15,000 from ¥3,000 on April 1.

Permanent residence applications face the biggest jump. The ceiling has risen to ¥300,000, with officials indicating the typical fee will likely be about ¥200,000. The changes were set out in 2026 amendments tied to residence procedure fee revisions.

Business visa applicants face a language test

A new Japanese-language rule now applies to some Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services applicants, one of the main visa routes for foreign professionals. For roles that require Japanese communication at smaller firms, applicants now need JLPT N2 or an equivalent level, such as BJT 400+ or proof of a Japanese university degree.

The rule took effect April 15 for new applicants in the specified category. Exemptions remain for some people moving from Japanese universities and for certain larger employers, but the bar is now higher for many first-time business applicants.

What long-term residents should check now

The biggest impact is on long-term workers and residents, not short-term visitors. Digital nomads on Japan’s six-month stay are still unaffected, but expats renewing work status or filing for permanent residence may now face much higher costs and permanent residents will face a new risk next year if they deliberately skip tax or social security payments.

That revocation rule starts in April 2027. Applicants should review fee schedules, language proof and tax records before filing, then check the latest guidance from the Immigration Services Agency and our visa updates page.

Read our full Japan guide for the complete picture.