Residence Status Fee Hike Coming April 2027 — Fee Schedule by Procedure Type & Period, and Who Should Apply Before the Increase

The revised Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act, enacted on May 29, 2026, will raise the fees for residence status procedures dramatically, with the new rates scheduled to take effect on April 1, 2027. Under the current system, extension of period of stay costs ¥3,000–¥4,000, and permanent residence costs ¥8,000. After the revision, fees are expected to increase by 25 to 70 times or more.

This article provides a clear comparison of old and new fees by procedure type and period of stay, along with a practical decision guide on whether you should apply before the revision takes effect.

Background and Implementation Schedule

The government's stated purpose is to secure funding for Japanese language education and community integration support for foreign residents, based on a beneficiary-pays principle. After the law was enacted on May 29, 2026, the specific fee amounts and applicable categories will be set by a Cabinet Order (政令), with April 1, 2027 as the planned implementation date.

Old vs. New Fee Comparison

The provisional fee schedule indicated in the draft Cabinet Order is as follows. Fees increase with the length of the period of stay — for a 5-year renewal, the fee will be more than 17 times the current rate.

Who Should Apply Before the Fee Increase?

① Those considering Permanent Residence

The fee will rise from ¥8,000 to approximately ¥200,000 — a difference of roughly ¥192,000. If you already meet the requirements (generally 10 years of residence, stable income, and up-to-date tax and pension payments), we strongly recommend submitting your application before March 31, 2027. If you are uncertain whether you qualify, consult an expert now to assess your chances.

② Those with a 5-year period renewal coming up

Holders of Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services (技人国), Highly Skilled Professional, or Business Manager status with a 5-year period of stay can save approximately ¥66,000 by renewing before the fee hike. You may apply for renewal up to 6 months before expiry — so if your residence expires before October 2027, start preparing now.

③ Those planning to change status (e.g., Student → Work)

If you are planning to change from Student status to work status (e.g., Engineer/SSW), the change-of-status application will also be subject to the higher fee. Prepare your documents promptly after receiving a job offer so you can submit before the April 2027 cutoff.

④ Those whose next renewal falls after April 2027

If your period of stay does not expire until after April 2027, it is generally not possible to advance your application to beat the deadline. Focus instead on submitting promptly when the time comes, and be prepared for the higher cost.

Impact on Employers and Key Points to Check

• Review employment contracts and company rules: Check whether the company covers visa application fees for foreign employees, and revise policies if necessary.
• Inform affected employees early: Let foreign employees know about the upcoming changes so those who can apply before April 2027 can plan accordingly.
• Specified Skilled Worker support plans: If visa application support costs are included in your support plan, budget revisions may be needed to account for higher fees.
• Overseas direct hiring costs: If fees are introduced for Certificates of Eligibility (currently free), the cost of hiring from abroad will increase.

What to Do Next

The exact fee amounts and any exemption provisions will be confirmed in a Cabinet Order expected by the end of FY2026. We will post a news alert as soon as the order is published.

If you have questions such as "Should I apply now?", "Do I qualify for permanent residence?", or "How should my company handle employees' visa costs?", please contact Sakura Chuo Legal Office for a free initial consultation.