Residence Status Fee Revisions Under Consideration — What Impact Could This Have on Foreign Workers in Japan?

The Japanese government is currently considering revisions to the fees associated with residence status procedures for foreign nationals. The proposed changes would affect applications for residence status changes, extensions of stay, and permanent residency permits.

At present, the fee for changing or renewing a residence status is approximately ¥6,000. However, there is a possibility that these fees could be increased to several tens of thousands of yen in the future. The fee for permanent residency applications, which is currently ¥10,000, is also being considered for a substantial increase.

Impact on Foreign Nationals

Residence-related fees are recurring expenses for foreign nationals living and working in Japan. The burden can be particularly significant for those with shorter periods of stay, as they must renew their status more frequently.

For example, individuals who need to renew their residence status every year could face additional costs amounting to tens of thousands of yen over several years. This is not an insignificant expense for international students, technical intern trainees, and Specified Skilled Workers who have recently arrived in Japan.

Connection to Japan's Labor Shortage

Japan is currently facing labor shortages across many industries, including caregiving, food services, manufacturing, and construction. Foreign workers have become an essential part of supporting these sectors.

As a result, changes to residence-related fees are not merely an administrative issue—they are also closely connected to whether Japan remains an attractive and accessible place for foreign nationals to work.

If higher costs discourage people from coming to Japan, workforce recruitment could be affected. On the other hand, maintaining immigration systems and strengthening administrative management also require financial resources, making the issue a complex balancing act.

What Companies and Support Services Should Prepare For

Going forward, companies that hire foreign workers and organizations that support them will need to provide more comprehensive guidance and assistance.

For example, it will become increasingly important to:

• Clearly explain the costs associated with residence procedures.

• Manage renewal schedules effectively.

• Develop recruitment plans with longer residence periods (such as three- or five-year stays) in mind.

In addition, foreign nationals themselves can reduce future costs by improving their Japanese language skills and maintaining stable employment, which may help them qualify for longer periods of stay.

The Japan Job Guide Perspective

At Japan Job Guide, our mission goes beyond simply providing job opportunities. We are committed to helping foreign nationals build successful careers in Japan by providing information and support related to policy and regulatory changes that may affect their lives and employment.

By sharing accurate and up-to-date information, we aim to help both employers and foreign workers make informed decisions and create successful long-term employment relationships in Japan.