Japan Immigration News

Japan to Expand Entry Screening and Raise Visa Fees

Release Date: 2026-02-23
Media: Unseen Japan
Summary: Japan is preparing major changes to its immigration system under Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s “Zero Illegal Overstayers Plan.” The reforms center on the introduction of a new electronic travel authorization system called JESTA and significant increases in visa and residency-related fees.

JESTA is scheduled to be introduced by fiscal year 2028 and will require travelers from visa-exempt countries and regions to obtain advance authorization before entering Japan. Applicants’ information will be checked against criminal records and deportation histories, and those found ineligible will be prevented from boarding flights. The system will also be expanded to include certain transit passengers and cruise ship travelers. Airlines and shipping companies will be required to provide passenger information and deny boarding to travelers without approved authorization. A processing fee will be charged for each application.

From 2026, residency-related fees are expected to rise substantially. The legal ceiling for status-of-residence renewals and changes will be raised to 100,000 yen, and the ceiling for permanent residency applications to 300,000 yen. Actual fees will vary depending on the length of stay, with shorter stays charged lower amounts and longer stays higher amounts. The fee for permanent residency is expected to increase from the current 10,000 yen to around 200,000 yen. A fee reduction or exemption system is being considered for people facing financial hardship, but for permanent residency this relief will be limited mainly to spouses and children of Japanese nationals or permanent residents.

The government states that these reforms are intended to strengthen immigration control and ensure sustainable administration. Higher fees, along with increases in visa charges and the international tourist tax, are expected to generate about 225 billion yen in additional annual revenue. Around sixty percent of this revenue is planned to be used for programs supporting foreign residents, including Japanese-language education and orientation programs. However, the higher fees may create a significant financial burden for many foreign residents who are already facing rising living costs.
Tags: Landing Examination

News Articles including "Landing Examination"

Released on

Article Title