TOKYO - The Japanese government has approved a bill to revise the Immigration Control Act that would raise the maximum fee for foreigners applying for permanent residency from 10,000 yen to 300,000 yen, while under the current law the maximum fee charged for residence-related procedures is capped at 10,000 yen.
With the number of foreign residents in Japan reaching a record high of about 4.13 million as of the end of last year, the Immigration Services Agency announced a proposed revision to strengthen foreign resident policies. The plan would raise the maximum fee for changing residence status or renewing periods of stay to 100,000 yen, while increasing the cap for permanent residency applications to 300,000 yen.
The government said the exact fee amounts will be determined by cabinet order in accordance with factors such as changes in prices and economic conditions.
The revised bill is expected to be submitted to the Diet in the near future.
The proposal also includes plans to introduce an electronic travel authorization system, known as JESTA, for foreigners who are currently exempt from short-term tourist visas. The system would allow travelers to undergo online pre-screening before arriving in Japan, eliminating the need for face-to-face screening upon entry.
JESTA is scheduled to be introduced during fiscal 2028. Once implemented, eligible travelers arriving at airports are expected to pass through walk-through gates, reducing waiting times at immigration checkpoints.
Source: FNN
