Japan to cut visa fees for some foreigners facing financial hardship

Japan will reduce visa-related fees for some foreign nationals who cannot afford the higher charges taking effect on October 1. However, most asylum seekers are unlikely to qualify because the criteria require applicants facing severe financial hardship to receive government assistance.

The Immigration Services Agency announced the eligibility guidelines on Tuesday. Refugee support organisations said the conditions for fee reductions were “too narrow.”

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Under the new fee structure, a one-year visa will cost 33,000 yen, while visas valid for five years or longer will cost 75,000 yen. The current charge for changing or renewing residence status is 6,000 yen.

The fee for permanent residency permission will increase from 10,000 yen to 200,000 yen.

Eligible applicants facing financial difficulties will pay 10,000 yen for residence status renewals or changes. The permanent residency fee for them will be 20,000 yen.

The government will not fully waive fees for people facing financial hardship. Full exemptions will apply only to foreign nationals with “diplomatic” or “official” residence status.

The guidelines identify 12 categories for humanitarian consideration. These include recognised refugees, asylum seekers, spouses of Japanese nationals and single parents.

Asylum seekers may receive government assistance for living and other expenses for four months in principle if authorities determine that they are in extreme poverty.

Japan received 11,298 asylum applications in 2025. Only 518 people received such assistance in fiscal 2025, according to the immigration agency and other information.

The limited number of recipients is partly because many asylum seekers are allowed to work while their applications are being reviewed.