Are you a hedge fund manager, investment analyst, or fintech leader who wants to work in Tokyo? Tokyo aims to become a top global financial city. In 2026, Japan offers many good jobs in finance. But there is a big change in visa costs. The government is raising fees a lot, up to 900% in some cases. This article explains the new costs in simple words. It helps you plan your budget for work visas in Japan’s finance sector.
The Fiscal Shift: Why Finance Visas are Getting More Expensive
Japan has many more foreign people living there now. The number reached a record high of about 4 million. This puts more work on the immigration office. The government wants to pay for better services.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s team made new rules. They call it the Immigration Control Act Amendment. Japan used to keep visa fees very low, often just ¥10,000 or less for many years. Now, they want fees like other big countries in the G7 group, such as the US and UK.
Main reasons for higher fees:
- To cover the cost of checking applications faster, especially for important jobs like finance.
- To use the extra money for programs that help foreign people learn Japanese and fit into society.
- To make foreign workers pay more instead of Japanese taxpayers paying everything.
This is a big shift. It started in late 2025. The changes will happen in fiscal year 2026, from April 2026.
Tiered Cost Breakdown: What You’ll Pay in 2026
Finance professionals in Japan often use special work visas. Common ones are Specialist in Humanities/International Services (for finance roles) or Highly Skilled Professional (HSP) visa. Costs depend on your visa type and what you apply for.
Status Changes and Renewals
Before, renewing a work visa or changing from one visa to another cost only ¥6,000. This was very cheap. Now, in 2026, the fee will rise a lot. Reports say it will be ¥30,000 to ¥40,000 per application. This applies to:
- Extending your stay (for 1-year or 5-year visas).
- Changing your status, like from student to work visa.
This is about 5 to 6 times more than before. For finance experts, this means higher costs every time you renew.
The “Elite” J-Skip & HSP Tracks
If you earn a high salary, over ¥10 million a year, you may get the Highly Skilled Professional visa. This visa gives faster processing and other benefits. There is also J-Skip, a special fast-track for top earners (like over ¥20 million or more in some cases).
These elite tracks do not escape the fee hike. You still pay the new higher fees for extensions or changes. Some extra costs may come too, like for landing permission or fast processing.
J-Skip is for very high-level finance pros. It can help get permanent residency faster. But total costs, including papers, translation, and notarization, can go over ¥60,000.
Also Read: Germany EU Blue Card Expenses You Must Know Before Applying in 2026
Permanent Residency (PR) Analysis
Permanent residency gives you more freedom in Japan. It is good for long-term finance careers.
- Old fee (before 2026): ¥10,000.
- New projected fee (2026): Over ¥100,000, maybe 10 times more.
This is a huge jump. If you qualify for HSP or J-Skip with high salary, you can apply for PR after 1 year or 3 years instead of 5 or 10. So, plan this cost in your budget. It is important if you want to stay in Japan forever.
Comparative Cost Analysis: Japan vs. Financial Hubs
Even with higher fees, Japan is still not the most expensive place for finance visas. Here is a simple comparison (in approximate yen):
- Tokyo (2026): ¥30,000 – ¥40,000 for renewals.
- Singapore (Employment Pass): About ¥65,000 – ¥70,000.
- London (Skilled Worker visa): ¥150,000 – ¥250,000 or more.
- New York (H-1B visa): ¥70,000 – ¥150,000 or higher.
Japan was very cheap before. Now it is closer to others but still lower than London or some US options. This makes Tokyo attractive for finance jobs despite the hike.
Corporate Operational Impact: Who Pays?
Companies in finance often help with visas. But rules are changing.
- Many big banks and firms pay for the first Certificate of Eligibility (COE) and initial visa.
- Renewals? Often the worker pays now.
- For a family, costs add up fast. Four people renewing could pay ¥160,000 or more.
Check your job contract. Ask for a visa fee reimbursement policy. Some companies cover it to attract good talent.
You may need an administrative scrivener (gyoseishoshi). They help with complex finance visa papers. This adds ¥100,000 to ¥200,000 in extra fees. It is common for high-level roles.
Actionable Tips: Mitigating the 2026 Costs
You can save money with smart planning.
- Early Filing Strategy New fees start in April 2026. If your visa ends in mid-2026, apply early. You can renew up to 3 months before it expires. File in January or February 2026 to use old fees. This can save ¥34,000 or more per person.
- Digital Filing Discount Use the online system for applications. The government may give a small discount for digital filing. It reduces work at offices. Check the Immigration Services Agency website for updates.
- Secure a 5-Year Term Try to get a 5-year visa instead of 1-year. Pay ¥40,000 once every 5 years. This is much better than paying ¥30,000 every year. HSP and J-Skip often give longer terms.
Follow official sources like the Japan Immigration Services Agency (ISA) website. Rules can change, so check before you apply.
Disclaimer: This article is to help you understand the changes. It is not official advice. Always confirm with trusted places like ISA or embassies. Plan your move to Japan’s finance hub carefully. The opportunities are big, but costs are higher now. Good luck!