Japan to raise visa fees from October; permanent residency application to cost JPY 200,000

According to Lianhe Zaobao, Japan’s Immigration Services Agency issued new rules on July 3 to raise visa fees starting in October, as the government seeks to tighten immigration requirements while addressing labor and domestic-demand needs amid a low birthrate. Under the changes, visa fees will rise from the current cap of JPY 10,000 to JPY 33,000 for one year, JPY 48,000 for more than one year up to three years, JPY 64,000 for more than three years up to five years, and JPY 75,000 for more than five years; approved applications for permanent residency will cost JPY 200,000. The report said Japan has more than 4 million foreign residents, most of whom must renew visas periodically. Japanese media also reported that authorities plan to formally make Japanese-language proficiency a condition for permanent residency, including a proposed “Japanese Language Life Learning Program” that would require applicants to take classes and be assessed via exam results. Justice Vice Minister Fukuyama Mamoru said on July 3 the government will set up an expert panel this summer to design the details. The report estimated the visa-fee increase could bring nearly JPY 90 billion in revenue to Japan’s treasury, which authorities said would be used to support immigrant integration, including more Japanese-language classes for immigrants’ children.