Japan’s new residence fees, permanent residence criteria and TB screening

Four changes introduced since July 2026 are already in force or being phased in. They change what Japan assignments cost, how filings need to be timed, and who needs extra documents before arrival.

Where things stand

1 October 2026

In force: residence permit fees now depend on the length of stay granted. Permanent residence is JPY 200,000, up from JPY 10,000.

1 July 2026

In force: Japanese visa issuance fees are five times higher, at JPY 15,000 for single entry and JPY 30,000 for multiple entry.

1 October 2026

Published: revised permanent residence guidelines. Most criteria apply to applications from 1 April 2027.

From 2 November 2026

Phasing in: pre-arrival TB screening has been extended. Indonesia exams start 2 November 2026 and the certificate is mandatory from 4 January 2027.

01 Residence permit fees: new structure in force since 1 October 2026

The Immigration Services Agency (ISA) has replaced the flat fee of JPY 6,000 for extension of stay and change of status with seven bands based on the period of stay granted. Online filing is cheaper than filing in person in most bands, and permanent residence can only be filed in person.

Filing date

Applications submitted on or before 30 September 2026 stay on the old fee, even if approved after 1 October 2026. The fee is set by the period of stay granted, so ISA issues payment instructions once review is complete. Revenue stamps are no longer accepted for online applications; payment is by convenience store or bank transfer / internet banking.

Limited relief

Applicants in financial hardship with humanitarian grounds may qualify for JPY 10,000 (JPY 20,000 for permanent residence, limited to spouses and children of Japanese nationals and permanent residents). Some diplomatic and official statuses are exempt.

02 Japanese visa issuance fees up five times since 1 July 2026

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on 19 June 2026 the first revision of visa fees since 1978. For applications submitted on or after 1 July 2026, a single-entry visa costs JPY 15,000 (previously JPY 3,000) and a multiple-entry visa JPY 30,000 (previously JPY 6,000). This applies to nationals who need a visa to enter Japan, for example consular applications for work, study or family stays, and does not affect visa-exempt short stays.

03 Permanent residence: revised guidelines published, mostly applying from April 2027

ISA published revised permanent residence guidelines on 1 October 2026. Most of the new criteria apply to applications submitted on or after 1 April 2027. The revised income assessment and public burden provisions can also apply to applications filed from 1 October 2026 that are still pending on 1 April 2027. Authorities may now weigh:

Financial position

Current and expected income, assets, household circumstances and pension position.

Compliance

Compliance with tax, pension and other public payments, and with immigration notification and reporting duties.

Conduct and absences

Criminal history, and long absences without reasonable explanation: a single absence of six months or more, or cumulative absences of two years and six months or more in the 10-year period.

Language and integration

Japanese language at around B1 level (with exceptions for certain categories), understanding of Japanese laws and social rules, and school attendance for dependent children of compulsory-school age.

The core tests of good conduct, ability to support oneself and national interest remain.

04 Pre-arrival tuberculosis screening expanded

ISA, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare updated the pre-arrival TB screening programme on 25 September 2026. Applicants for medium- to long-term stays who are nationals of the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, Nepal, Myanmar or China must provide a certificate of no active TB from a government-designated medical institution, subject to the applicable start dates and exemptions. It may be required at Certificate of Eligibility stage or at the consular visa application.

Indonesia

Screening exams begin 2 November 2026; the certificate becomes mandatory on 4 January 2027.

Myanmar and China

Start dates not yet announced.

Exemptions

Exemptions include JET Programme participants, Specified Skilled Worker visa holders, EPA nurses and care workers, and certain scholarship and government-sponsored students. Nationals of listed countries who can show residence outside the designated countries may also be exempt.

What employers should do now

Budget

Update Japan cost estimates, including any quotes issued before 1 October 2026. A five-year extension filed in person now carries JPY 75,000 in government fees, against JPY 6,000 before.

Timing

For renewals and change-of-status filings made since 1 October 2026, confirm which fee applies and use online filing where eligible.

Long-term residents

Assignees planning permanent residence should review income, tax and pension records, absences from Japan, and Japanese language before 1 April 2027.

Hiring pipeline

Add the TB certificate to onboarding timelines for hires from the six listed countries, checking applicable start dates and exemptions.

Also on the radar

Business Manager status

Since 16 October 2025, the host company needs at least JPY 30 million in capital (previously JPY 5 million) and a physical office, among other conditions. Renewals are assessed under the new criteria.

JESTA

Electronic travel authorisation is planned for introduction by the end of fiscal year 2028 for visa-exempt travellers. Launch date, fee and process not yet published.

This alert is general information as of 29 October 2026 and is not legal advice. Rules and dates may change, so please confirm against the official sources below before acting. Path Global (PG) is a Globevisa Group brand.