Japan has always been somewhere people wanted to live or just travel to, due to their beautiful scenery and lovely people, but things are about to change for that and also the prices.
Japan are introducing immigration laws in May 2026. The Japan JESTA system is really grabbing everyone’s attention and prices are rising for those who want to live in Japan, all due to making Japan a more secure place for everyone to be.
The End of “Low-Cost” Residency: Understanding the Fee Hike
Let’s see who this will impact and how.
The cost of living in Japan is becoming much higher. Both those who already reside in Japan and those who wish to relocate will now have to pay more to renew their visa. For a while renewing your visa or your status was rather cheap. With the new scheme all the prices for this are set to sky-rocket.
The prices before and proposed now are listed below:
| Category | Previous price | Future maximum price |
|---|---|---|
| Change/renewal of status | 6,000 JPY | Up to 100,000 JPY |
| 5-year visa renewal is currently approximately 6,000 JPY | In future upto 70,000 JPY | |
| Permanent residency | 8,000-10,000 JPY | Up to 300,000 JPY |
Exact prices are not yet decided, as government want to receive opinions from people first.
Why are prices rising?
The Japanese government needs funds to process and background check all the applicants.
Previously these costs were covered by taxpayers and the government wish to transfer all these expenses to those who will be living in Japan.
Who is benefiting from this scheme?
Not just the government are seeing monetary benefits from this scheme.
- Japan taxpayers: The Japan immigration system will be self-funding and less expense to the citizens.
- Genuine Long-term Residents : Applications will be quicker to be processed as there will be more money to do so.
The Japan JESTA system is very similar to the ESTA in the U.S.A. Or ETIAS in the EU, which allows entry into those countries.
How does the Japan JESTA system work?
For citizens of countries that do not require a visa to enter Japan the Japan JESTA system will have to be applied for prior to traveling to Japan. The system is for the Japanese government to keep track of who is entering their country and the reasons behind their visit.
Why does the Japan JESTA system need to be put into practice?
To stop citizens overstaying their allotted visa and prevent over crowding in the airports. The overall aim is to increase safety within Japan.
Who is benefiting from the Japan JESTA system?
- Travellers will be able to reach Japan quicker and easier.
- Airlines will not be penalized by taking people to Japan that they cannot then return home because they are unable to enter.
- Japan is kept a safer place.
In conclusion Japan is soon to become a lot different due to changes in the immigration laws and the introduction of the Japan JESTA system, this could affect people who plan on visiting and also living in the country.