Japan Skilled Worker Visa Tier Costs 2026 – Compare Your Options

Are you thinking about working in Japan this year? Japan now has almost four million foreign residents. This is a record high. The government is making big changes to its immigration rules. If you want a Japan Skilled Worker Visa in 2026, you must know about new fees, different visa types, and other rules. It is not just about finding a job. You need to plan your money and future stay carefully.

Starting in fiscal year 2026 (from April 2026), Japan will raise visa fees a lot. This is the first big increase in many years. These changes affect work visas like Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) and Highly Skilled Professional (HSP). Knowing the working visa Japan price list 2026 helps you make a good budget.

The 2026 “Sticker Shock”: Major Fee Increases Explained

For a long time, Japan’s immigration fees were very low. Many were only ¥10,000 or less. Now, the Immigration Services Agency of Japan (ISA) plans to change this. They want fees to match other countries and to pay for better services. The government will raise fees starting in April 2026. This is to handle more foreign residents and improve the system.

Here are some expected new fees for FY2026:

• Visa Extension or Change of Status: Old fee was ¥4,000 – ¥6,000. New fee may be ¥30,000 – ¥40,000.
• Permanent Residency (PR) Application: Old fee was ¥8,000 – ¥10,000. New fee may be ¥100,000 or more.
• Single-Entry Tourist/Visitor Visa: Old fee was ¥3,000. New fee may be around ¥15,000.

These are big jumps, sometimes 500% or more. The exact amounts are still under discussion, but reports say they will happen in fiscal year 2026.

Pro-Tip: If your current visa ends before March 31, 2026, apply for an extension soon. This way, you pay the old lower fees before April 1, 2026.

Comparing Your Options: SSW vs. HSP vs. J-Find

You must choose the right visa type. It depends on your skills, education, job, and goals. Here is a simple comparison of the main skilled worker visas.

Specified Skilled Worker (SSW-i)

This visa is for workers in certain jobs. There are 14 fields like construction, nursing care, agriculture, and more.

• Costs: The government application fee is low. But you pay for language tests like JLPT or JFT (about ¥7,000) and skill exams.
• Stay: Maximum 5 years. You cannot bring family.
• Good for: People who want to work in specific industries and learn skills in Japan.

Specified Skilled Worker (SSW-ii)

This is a higher level than SSW-i. It has tougher rules but better benefits.

• Benefits: You can bring family. You can renew the visa many times with no limit.
• Pathway: It can lead to permanent residency if you meet the rules.
• Good for: Skilled workers who want to stay long-term and bring family.

Highly Skilled Professional (HSP)

This is the top visa for very skilled people. It uses a point system. You get points for age, salary, education, and experience.

• Eligibility: You need 70 points or more. Salary must be at least ¥3 million per year in many cases.
• Costs: Fees may be higher. Many people hire lawyers (¥50,000 or more). But it is worth it for fast benefits.
• Benefits: If you get 80 points, you can apply for permanent residency in 1 year. You can bring family, and even parents or a housekeeper in some cases.
• Good for: High earners and professionals like engineers, managers, or experts.

The Newcomer: J-Find (Future Creation Individual)

This is a new visa for young graduates from top world universities.

• Requirements: You must graduate within the last 5 years. You need to show savings of about ¥200,000. You must be 18 or older.
• Stay: Up to 2 years for job hunting or starting a business. No job offer needed at first.
• Good for: Recent graduates who want time in Japan to find work or start a company.

Each visa has different costs and rules. SSW-i is cheapest at first but limited. HSP costs more but gives fast permanent residency. J-Find is good for new graduates.

The “Hidden Costs” of Moving to Japan in 2026

Visa fees are only part of the money you need. Moving to Japan has other costs in the first month.

1. Certificate of Eligibility (COE) Costs: The ISA does not charge for COE. But employers or agencies often charge ¥50,000 to ¥150,000 to prepare papers.
2. Mandatory Insurance: All workers join National Health Insurance. It costs about ¥15,000–¥25,000 per month. This depends on your salary.
3. The “Moving In” Tax: To rent an apartment, you pay “Reikin” (key money) and “Shikikin” (deposit). This can be 3–4 times your monthly rent. In big cities like Tokyo, rent is high.
4. Language Exams: For SSW visas, you need JLPT or other tests. These happen only twice a year. Plan and pay for them early.

You also need money for flights, food, and other things when you arrive.

2026 Updates: What You Need to Know

Japan is changing rules to make life better for residents and control tourism.

• Digital Nomads: There is a new 6-month visa for remote workers. You need high income, over ¥10 million per year.
• Faster Processing: COE may take only 30 days if you use digital submission.
• JESTA: This is a new pre-screening system for visa-free travelers. It starts late 2026 or 2027. It is like systems in other countries.

These changes help balance more visitors and better support for workers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Final Thoughts: Prepare Your Budget Now

The Japan Skilled Worker Visa Tier Costs 2026 show big changes. Fees are going up a lot for renewals and permanent residency. But Japan is making the system faster and more digital. It also gives better help to long-term residents.

Think about which visa fits you best. Plan your money early. Check official sites like the Immigration Services Agency of Japan (ISA) or talk to a lawyer for the latest info.

Which visa are you thinking about? Share your plans! If this helps, tell your friends or follow updates on Japan immigration.

Disclaimer: This is for information only. Always check official sources like the ISA website or a licensed lawyer before you decide. Rules can change.