Japan raises fees, extends startup visa durations

Starting April 1, 2025, Japan is implementing significant changes to its immigration policies, particularly affecting the Startup Visa program and various immigration application fees.

Fee Increases:

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced revisions to several immigration application fees:

• Change of Status/Extension of Stay: The fee will increase from ¥4,000 (approximately $25) to ¥6,000 (about $38) for physical filings, and to ¥5,500 (about $35) for online filings.
• Permanent Residency: The fee will rise from ¥8,000 (approximately $51) to ¥10,000 (about $63) for both physical and online filings.
• Multiple Re-entry Permit: The fee will increase from ¥6,000 (approximately $38) to ¥7,000 (about $44) for physical filings, and to ¥6,500 (about $41) for online filings.
• Certificate of Authorized Employment (CAE): The fee will rise from ¥1,200 (approximately $8) to ¥2,000 (about $13) for physical filings, and to ¥1,600 (about $10) for online filings.

These adjustments aim to align fees with administrative costs and encourage the use of online applications.

Startup Visa Duration Extension:

In addition to the fee increases, the Immigration Services Agency is extending the duration of the Startup Visa under the designated activities category to two years. Previously, the six-month Startup Visa could be renewed once, allowing for a total maximum stay of up to one year. With the new policy, the total stay duration has been extended to two years; however, the initial six-month visa period remains unchanged.

These changes are part of Japan's broader efforts to attract and support foreign entrepreneurs, aiming to revitalize the domestic economy by making it easier for foreign nationals to establish businesses in Japan.