Japan to Cut Visa Fees for Foreigners in Financial Need

The Japanese government is planning to cut fees for residence visa applicants with serious financial difficulties from October 1, 2026, ahead of a steep hike in immigration-related visa fees. The relief will be available to those who may be unable to pay the higher costs, but will be tightly drawn. The Immigration Services Agency has released new guidelines stating that applicants typically must have extreme financial hardship and, if applicable, be receiving government support.

The policy is especially significant for foreign residents intending to renew or change their status of residence or apply for Permanent Resident Status. But refugee aid groups have complained the criteria are "too restrictive" and argued that many asylum-seekers in need may not be accepted.

Japan Visa Fee Changes From October 1, 2026

The reduction of fees is part of a significant hike in residence-related fees in Japan.

The cost structure will shift drastically if it is from October 1st. The cost of a one-year visa is ¥33,000 and a five-year visa or more is ¥75,000. Foreign residents who are already in Japan pay the fee for changing or renewing their status of residence at the current rate of ¥6,000.

The biggest rise is in permanent residency. The fee for permanent residency in Japan will increase by 20 times to ¥200,000.

The surge has led to concerns from foreign residents, especially those who have low incomes or lack stable employment. The new hardship rules are thus designed to ensure the increased rates are not a prohibitive financial hardship for some applicants.

In April 2025, Japan had already adjusted some of the fees for immigration procedures. The fee for changing or extending the status of residence rose to ¥6,000 at immigration offices, and to ¥5,500 online, according to the fee schedule published by the Immigration Services Agency. That previous revision raised the permanent residence application to ¥10,000.

Also Read: Japan Immigration

Who Can Get Reduced Japan Visa Fees?

The reduced-fee system is not for everyone who is a foreigner who claims to have financial difficulties.

The Immigration Services Agency in Japan has drawn up a set of criteria for humanitarian reasons and financial considerations. Generally, the applicants will have to show a serious financial situation that fulfills the requirements set by the immigration authorities.

The new system will cause those who qualify for financial hardship to pay:

The lower rates are quite significant, especially for permanent residency applicants. In the case of severe financial hardship, the qualifying applicant would pay ¥20,000, rather than paying ¥200,000.

But if a student is in financial hardship, it does not automatically mean they will receive a lower fee. The government has attached certain conditions and evidence to eligibility.

Which Foreign Nationals Are Covered?

Japan's guidance lists 12 categories to be considered for humanitarian purposes. These include multiple groups which could be vulnerable or have a link to Japan.

These include:

• Recognised refugees

• Asylum seekers

• The spouses of Japanese nationals.

• Single parents

• Other foreign nationals included in the humanitarian categories mentioned above

Of particular interest is the inclusion of asylum seekers, as many asylum seekers may have financial difficulties, but not be receiving government support that is needed to meet the reduced charges.

This distinction matters because the new policy doesn't make an automatic hardship exemption. Rather, it sets up a more limited pathway for those who meet its requirements to pay a reduced amount.

Why Most Asylum Seekers May Still Not Qualify?

The primary fear with the new policy is that there will be a disconnect between financial hardship and government help.

Some asylum seekers receive assistance from the Japanese government for their living and other costs when authorities deem them to be living in extreme poverty. This support is normally offered for four months. But only a relatively small percentage of asylum seekers benefit from this support.

As of 2025, Japan has received a total of 11,298 asylum applications, of which only 518 were assisted by the Japanese government in fiscal 2025, according to data from the Japanese immigration authorities.

The number of recipients is restricted for one reason: many of the asylum seekers are allowed to work during the process of their application. For this reason, they may not qualify for government financial support even though they have considerable financial need.

This places a real restriction on the new fee reduction plan. If an asylum seeker has a hard time paying the larger immigration fee, but does not meet the criteria for the lowered fee, they will not qualify for the lower fee.

Also Read: Japan Visa for Indians: Types, Fees & Processing Time

Refugee Groups Raise Concerns Over Eligibility

The eligibility criteria have been criticised by refugee support organisations as being too restrictive.

The criticism is aimed at the notion that financial hardship is not necessarily the result of official government support. People might live on low incomes and have unstable work, family responsibilities, and other financial commitments and not be on a government support programme.

This would therefore limit immigration benefits to those who are already receiving recognised financial aid, leaving some foreign nationals without relief.

This is especially important in light of the size of the impending fee hikes. The fee for a permanent resident applicant will increase to ¥200,000. If the person is not eligible for the ¥20,000 hardship rate, it could be a huge obstacle for them if they are unable to pay that much.

The issue, then, is not just the amount of the fee, but also the extent to which the fee is needed. It's about what Japan considers financially vulnerable and whether foreign residents can easily prove that they actually do not have the means to pay the new fees.

Japan Will Not Fully Waive Fees for Most Applicants

It is also worth noting that the hardship policy does not imply that financially vulnerable foreign nationals will automatically be granted a fee waiver.

Japan will charge a reduced fee for those who qualify.

• For instance, when someone wants to change or renew the residence status, they would pay ¥10,000 instead of the standard charge. If the permanent residency applicant qualifies, the amount will be ¥20,000, which is one-tenth of the amount being charged for permanent residents.

• The reported guidelines say that full exemptions will only be granted to foreign nationals who hold “diplomatic” or “official” residence status.

So, applicants need to be aware of three separate scenarios:

• Regular fee: The applicant pays the total fee of the immigration procedure.

• Lower hardship fee: If the applicant qualifies for the lower fee under the guidelines for humanitarian reasons.

• Full exemption: This is for certain categories, including diplomatic or official residence status.

This is because there are several different immigration and financial situations that will be impacted by this change in structure in October.

What the Changes Mean for Foreign Residents in Japan?

The new policy will have a significant impact on foreign residents who intend to stay in Japan for the long term.

• Eventually, workers, students, family members, and others living in the area maybe requirede to change or renew their residence status. The increase to ¥200,000 could have the biggest financial effect on those looking for permanent residency.

• The extra costs can be affordable if you're a foreigner who is stable with a job and has enough savings. The difference between the standard fee and the reduced fee may be significant for those who are on the verge of experiencing unemployment, low income, or significant financial hardship.

• While the hardship provision is a welcome relief, the rules as to eligibility are not as easily interpreted as may be thought.

• Foreign residents should therefore retain appropriate documents relating to their financial situation and any assistance they are receiving from the government. They should also verify the validity of the fee and the requirements with the immigration office of Japan prior to submitting an application.

Also Read: Jobs in Japan for Indians: Latest Experts Job Guide

What This Means for Indians Planning to Stay in Japan?

These changes also apply to Indians residing, working, or studying in Japan.

• Japan has become a significant destination for Indian professionals, students and skilled workers, especially for Japanese employers who are looking for foreign skilled workers in sectors where there is a shortage of labour. Future immigration procedures, therefore, may include the new fee system for Indians who are already living in Japan.

• The key difference is that it doesn't apply to a specific nationality. This is because the guidelines reported are based on financial and humanitarian considerations, and not a specific country.

• An Indian national who has the requisite hardship would therefore benefit, whereas another foreign national with similar conditions would have to meet the same eligibility conditions.

• The October 1 increase is particularly noteworthy for those who are considering permanent residency. The fee will increase from ¥10,000 to ¥200,000, and for those who are in financial hardship, the fee will be reduced to ¥20,000.

Why Japan Is Introducing Reduced Fees Alongside Higher Charges?

The move is part of a wider shakeup of immigration charges in Japan.

• The government is raising fees for several residence procedures and at the same time is implementing targeted relief for individuals who would otherwise have a particularly difficult time paying the fees. The method enables Japan to charge more to applicants who can afford it, and still have a mechanism for humanitarian cases.

• The size of the permanent residency increase is significant and impacts the targeted relief. The costs of applying for long-term status will change significantly between ¥10,000 and ¥200,000.

• Meanwhile, the government seems to be restricting who qualifies for reduced fees by imposing certain requirements. This is why refugee groups have raised concerns that the measure will offer no real relief to all vulnerable groups.

What Applicants Should Check Before Applying?

The previous fee schedule is not applicable to foreign nationals who are preparing applications for immigration after October 1.

Applicants should check:

• The type of immigration procedure they are applying for.

• The deadline for the application submission (before/during/after October 1, 2026).

• The usual charge for their treatment.

• If they fall into one of the humanitarian categories.

• Whether they are able to show that they are financially hard pressed.

• Whether government assistance is required in their particular circumstances.

• If they are entitled to a reduced charge or full exemption.

The main organisation for the formalities and procedures is Japan's Immigration Services Agency. In the past the agency has released comprehensive fee lists for immigration processes, and some immigration processes are covered both in-person and online.

Japan Visa Fee Reduction: Key Takeaways

The following 5 points can summarize the changes that are coming:

• Firstly, Japan's increased residence-related fees will come into effect on October 1, 2026.

• Second, the cost of permanent residency will rise significantly, as the cost of the application will rise from ¥10,000 to ¥200,000.

• Third, some foreign nationals who suffer from serious financial difficulties will be able to avail of reduced fees.

• Fourth, those who are eligible for the change of status, the change of status, the renewal of residence status and the permanent residence under the hardship provisions will be charged at ¥10,000 and at ¥20,000 respectively.

• The fifth reason for exclusion is that most asylum seekers are not likely to be eligible unless they receive government support, yet only a few asylum seekers do.

The policy provides relief, but "relief" is directed, not general, reduction in costs of immigration.

Conclusion

The move by Japan to lower visa and residence-related fees for some weaker foreign nationals is a targeted measure that alleviates the plight of those who are financially vulnerable as the country is set to impose a significant hike in immigration fees. The measure will have a significant impact on those who are applying for permanent residency, where the fee will increase from ¥10,000 to ¥200,000.

But it isn't a free-for-all: there are humanitarian and financial requirements to qualify for relief and most asylum-seekers can be excluded from the scheme as government assistance is one of the criteria. Once the new fee takes effect on October 1, 2026, it will be crucial for foreign residents, including Indians who reside and work in Japan, to grasp the updated fee structure and ensure they meet the eligibility requirements before submitting their applications.

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