Are you a software engineer, data scientist, or IT manager who wants to work in Japan in 2026? You need to check your money plan now. The Japanese government has decided to make big changes to the visa fees for IT professionals. This is a major update after more than 40 years. Some fees will go up a lot, up to 500% or even 900% in some cases. This article explains the new costs in simple words. It also gives tips to help you handle these changes without spending too much money.
Overview: The 2026 Fee Revolution
Japan is changing its immigration rules in a big way. The government calls this the Immigration Control Act changes for 2026. In the past, Japan kept visa and residency fees very low. Now, they want to make fees more like other big countries in the G7 group, such as the US, UK, and Canada.
The main reason for these higher fees is to get more money. Japan has more than 4 million foreign residents now, which is a record high. The extra money will help pay for better checks on applications, more language classes for newcomers, and better systems to manage all the foreign people living there.
These changes will start in the new fiscal year, which begins in April 2026. Some small increases happened in 2025, but the really big jumps are coming in 2026.
Key Changes at a Glance
Here is a simple table to show the old and new fees:
- Application Type: Visa Renewal / Extension 2025 Fee (Current): ¥6,000 2026 Fee (Projected): ¥30,000 – ¥40,000
- Application Type: Change of Status 2025 Fee (Current): ¥6,000 2026 Fee (Projected): ¥30,000 – ¥40,000
- Application Type: Permanent Residency (PR) 2025 Fee (Current): ¥10,000 2026 Fee (Projected): ¥100,000+
- Application Type: Certificate of Eligibility (COE) Paid by Employer Variable (Admin Fees apply)
These are the main fees that will affect IT workers the most. The big increase comes because the old law limited fees to a maximum of ¥10,000. Now, the government needs to change the law to allow higher amounts.
Japan Work Permit Cost 2026 for IT Professionals
For IT people, the common visas are Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services or the Highly Skilled Professional (HSP) visa. These are the work permits most software engineers and tech experts use.
The costs are not just the visa stamp. There are different parts to pay.
Breakdown of Costs
- Revenue Stamps (Shunyu Inshi): This is the main way to pay fees to the Immigration Services Agency (ISA). You buy these stamps at post offices. In 2026, you will need to buy stamps with much higher values because of the fee increases.
- Single-entry vs. Multiple-entry: If you apply at a Japanese embassy outside Japan, the single-entry visa fee may go from about ¥3,000 to around ¥15,000. Multiple-entry could be higher, maybe ¥30,000. This is a big change from the old low fees.
- J-Skip and J-Find Visas: These are special fast tracks for very talented people. Even these will have higher “user fees” now. The government says the extra money will help make processing faster.
Pro Tip: How much does a Japan IT visa cost in 2026? It depends on where you apply. If you are already in Japan and need to change your status (for example, from student to worker), it could cost up to ¥40,000. This is one of the most expensive steps.
The Certificate of Eligibility (COE) is usually free from government fees, but employers pay admin costs. The employer often handles this part when hiring you from outside Japan.
The Impact on Software Engineers and Tech Firms
Many software engineers ask: Who pays the new high fees—the company or the employee? In the past, Japanese tech companies often paid for the COE when hiring from abroad. But for renewals or extensions, the worker usually paid the small ¥6,000 fee. Now, with renewals at ¥30,000 to ¥40,000, it is much more money. This change affects both sides. Companies may need to pay more to keep good IT workers. Employees should talk about this during job interviews. Ask for a “Visa Support Package” in your job offer. This package can include help with fees, especially the higher renewal costs.
For families, the cost can add up fast. If you have a spouse or children on dependent visas, each person may need to pay the new higher fees for renewals. The government hopes the higher fees will bring in money to improve services. They promise faster processing for IT professionals, maybe under 30 days for some applications.
Step-by-Step Guide: Saving Money on Your 2026 Application
Even with these big increases, you can save money if you plan well.
- Apply Early: The new high fees start in April 2026. If your visa ends early in 2026, apply for extension up to three months before it expires. For example, apply in January or February 2026 to pay only the old ¥6,000 fee. This is the best way to avoid the hike.
- Go Digital: Japan is pushing more online applications. Some reports say online filings might have small discounts compared to going in person to the immigration office. Check the official ISA website for digital options when they become available.
- Permanent Residency Timing: If you can apply for Permanent Residency (PR) now, do it right away. The fee is still ¥10,000. After the change, it will jump to over ¥100,000. This is the biggest increase, so apply before April 2026 if you meet the rules (usually after several years of work and good behavior).
- Talk to Your Employer: Many IT companies in Japan help with visa costs. Negotiate this before signing your contract.
- Check for Exemptions: Some nationalities have low or no visa fees at embassies, but residency changes inside Japan still follow the new rules.
Follow these steps to keep costs low.
FAQs: What You Need to Know
Does this affect the Digital Nomad Visa Japan fees 2026?
Yes. All residence-based visas and statuses are part of these changes. The Digital Nomad visa is short-term, but any extensions or related fees may go up too.
What is the IT professional visa processing time Japan?
Fees are going up, but the government says they will use the money to make processing faster. For IT workers, they aim for under 30 days in many cases.
Is there a new tax for leaving Japan?
Yes, there may be a departure tax of about ¥3,000. This is separate but could start around the same time as the visa changes.
These answers come from recent news and government plans.
Conclusion & Next Steps
The 2026 fee changes show Japan is making its immigration system more modern. Fees are higher now, but the government promises better services, like faster processing and more digital tools. This can help IT professionals from around the world move to Japan more easily in the long run.
If you are worried about the fee hike, plan early. Check your visa expiration date. If it is soon, apply for renewal before April 2026 to save money.
Are you planning to apply in 2026? Think about your situation and start preparing now. Japan still needs skilled IT workers, so these changes will not stop good opportunities. Just budget carefully!
Disclaimer: Always check official sources like the Japan Immigration Services Agency (ISA) website or Japanese embassies for the latest information. Rules can change, and this article is just for information.