KUALA LUMPUR - Japan is considering a major increase in fees by March 2027 for foreign nationals applying for residence permits, according to the meeting by the House of Representatives Judicial Affairs Committee on April 13.

The Justice Ministry said the current fee of 6,000 yen for status changes or renewals may rise to about 10,000 yen for short stays and up to 70,000 yen for five year permits.

It also expects the current 10,000 yen fee for permanent residency to increase sharply to about 200,000 yen.

A senior ministry official shared these figures during a meeting of the House of Representatives Judicial Affairs Committee.

The government has submitted a bill to amend the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Law to raise the maximum limit for such fees.

The final fee amounts will be decided by cabinet order within the current fiscal year.

The ministry said the proposed increases take into account processing costs and fee levels in other countries.

Under the amendment, the current maximum fee of 10,000 yen would be raised to 100,000 yen for status changes and renewals.

The upper limit for permanent residency permit fees would also be increased to 300,000 yen.