Are you a STEM professional who wants to work in Japan’s growing semiconductor or green energy fields? In 2026, jobs in cities like Tokyo and Osaka are at very high levels. But the cost to get a work visa or stay in Japan has changed a lot. This is the biggest change in more than 40 years.
The Japanese government changed the Immigration Control Act in 2026. Now they use a new system called Tiered Visa Pricing. Before, most people paid a flat fee of about ¥6,000. Now it is a “User-Pays” model. This means you pay more based on the type of visa or how long you stay. This change affects visas like Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services Visa and the Highly Skilled Professional (HSP) Visa. If you plan to work in engineering in Japan, you need to know these costs for your budget.
Why the Hike? The “User-Pays” Principle Explained
Japan now has more than 4 million foreign residents. This number reached a record high in late 2025. The Immigration Services Agency (ISA) has a lot more work because of this. The government does not have enough money in its budget for all the work.
To fix this, Japan is making fees higher. They want to match the fees in other G7 countries like the US and UK. This is called G7 Fee Alignment. The extra money will help pay for better things.
These include:
- Faster digital checks for STEM workers.
- Better programs to help foreigners live in different parts of Japan.
- A new system called JESTA for pre-screening. This will start fully by 2028.
The goal is to make the system better and pay for the costs that foreigners bring.
Japan Engineering Visa Cost Tiers 2026: The Official Breakdown
The new fees are in three main tiers. You usually pay with Revenue Stamps (called Shunyu Inshi in Japanese) when your application is approved.
The Basic/Short-Term Entry
This tier is for new or entry-level workers. It is also for people on short technical jobs.
- It covers single-entry visas from the embassy and extensions for 1 year.
- Cost: About ¥15,000 to ¥30,000.
- Important tip: If you change from a J-Find Job Seeker visa to a full work visa, you may pay the higher amount in this tier.
This tier is good for people who are just starting in Japan or have short contracts.
The Standard/Long-Term Renewal
This is the tier most mid-level engineers use. These are people with some experience.
- It covers extensions for 3 years to 5 years.
- Cost: Around ¥40,000.
- Reason: The government says longer stays cost more work for them. So they charge more for 5-year stays.
If your job is stable and you want to stay longer, this is the common choice.
The Elite & Permanent Track
This is for top workers who want to stay in Japan for a long time.
- It covers Highly Skilled Professional (HSP) visas and applications for Permanent Residency (PR).
- Cost: ¥100,000 or more.
- Good point: HSP people get fast processing called J-Skip. This can make waiting time much shorter, from months to just weeks.
This tier is expensive but gives big benefits if you plan to live in Japan forever.
Tiered Fee Projection Table (FY 2026)
Here is a simple table to show the costs in 2026.
- Tier 1 (Base): Single-entry (Embassy) – ¥15,000
- Tier 2 (Standard): 1-3 Year Extension / Status Change – ¥30,000
- Tier 3 (Premium): 5-Year Engineering Pass – ¥40,000
- Tier 4 (Ultra): Permanent Residency (PR) – ¥100,000+
These are estimates based on government plans. The exact amount may change a little, but it shows the big increase from the old ¥6,000 fee.
Corporate Impact: Who Footed the Bill?
Many people ask: Does the company pay or does the worker pay? With fees up a lot (sometimes 500% more), companies are changing their plans.
- Big companies (Category 1 and 2): They often pay the fee. They see it as a way to keep good workers.
- Small companies and startups: The worker may have to pay the revenue stamp fee. Always check your job contract. Look for the part about “Immigration Support.”
Extra tip: Some companies use Administrative Scriveners (Gyoseishoshi). These are experts who help with papers. Their help can cost ¥50,000 to ¥150,000 more. It is good to use them if your case is hard.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is the 5-year engineering visa more expensive than the 1-year in 2026?
Yes. Longer visas cost more now. This is because the government thinks long stays need more work from them.
Can I get a discount for online filing?
Yes. The ISA gives small discounts (about ¥500 to ¥1,000) if you file online. This helps make things faster and less crowded at offices.
How do I pay these fees?
You buy Revenue Stamps at post offices or other places. Some big offices in Tokyo and Osaka now take credit cards. This is new and getting more common.
Tips:
Here are some smart ways to save money or avoid high costs.
- File Before April 1st: The new fiscal year starts in April. If your visa ends early in 2026, apply for extension in January or February. You may get the old low fee of ¥6,000.
- Verify Embassy Exemptions: Some countries have special rules. For example, people from India or the Philippines may pay less or get exemptions because of agreements between countries. Check with your local Japanese consulate for Engineer/Specialist fees.
- Check for “Double Costs”: If your application is not approved, you lose the fee. Make sure all your papers are correct. Do not risk paying ¥40,000 two times.
These tips can help you plan better and save money.
In summary, 2026 brings big changes to Japan work visa costs for STEM professionals. The old low fees are gone. Now there are tiers based on your visa type and stay length. Plan your money carefully. Check official sites like the Immigration Services Agency (ISA) or embassy pages for the latest information. This article is only to help you understand. Always confirm with trusted official sources before you apply.
Disclaimer: This article is for simple information and educational purposes only. Readers are advised to verify details from trusted sources, such as the Japan change Services companies (ISA) or original embassy sites, before creating decisions.