Japan Pre-Entry Screening and Visa Fee Changes: What Businesses Need to Know

Japan is preparing a significant update to its immigration framework that will reshape how foreign professionals, entrepreneurs, and companies interact with the country’s entry and residency systems. The government has approved legislation introducing a pre-entry electronic travel authorization system and substantial increases in immigration-related fees for foreign residents.  

These changes signal Japan’s broader shift toward more structured border management and cost recovery in immigration administration, while maintaining openness to international talent and business. For foreign companies operating in or entering Japan, the reforms introduce new compliance requirements, planning considerations, and operational costs. 

Introducing Pre-Entry Immigration Screening 

Japan plans to establish a digital pre-arrival screening system similar to the U.S. ESTA model. The system, that often referred to as JESTA (Japan Electronic System for Travel Authorization), will require travelers from visa-exempt countries to submit information online before boarding a flight to Japan. Travelers will provide information such as: 

• Personal identity details 
• Purpose of travel 
• Intended locations and activities in Japan 

Authorities will screen applications before departure, and individuals flagged for potential violations, such as suspected illegal employment, may be denied boarding.  

The government aims to introduce the system around fiscal year 2028, as part of broader digital immigration modernization efforts.  

Why Japan Is Implementing This 

Several structural factors are driving the change: 

• Rapid growth in foreign visitors and residents 
• Need for more efficient immigration processing 
• Stronger prevention of overstays and unauthorized work 

Japan’s foreign resident population exceeded 4 million people by 2025, a record level, prompting policy adjustments. For businesses, the result will be a new compliance step before any short-term business travel to Japan. 

Residency and Immigration Fees Are Set to Increase Significantly 

In parallel with pre-entry screening, Japan is planning major increases in immigration-related fees. Key proposed changes include: 

• Raising the legal cap for residence status changes and extensions to ¥100,000 
• Raising the cap for permanent residency applications to ¥300,000  

Current fees are significantly lower—for example, permanent residency applications currently cost around ¥10,000, meaning increases could be many times higher depending on final government regulations. These changes reflect Japan’s intention to: 

• Cover administrative costs of immigration management 
• Fund systems for foreign resident support and enforcement 
• Align immigration fees more closely with international standards. 

What This Means for Foreign Businesses 

Increased Administrative Planning for Business Travel 

Short-term business visits will require advance digital authorization, adding a procedural step before travel. Companies sending staff to Japan for meetings, negotiations, or project work will need to: 

• Ensure employees apply for pre-travel authorization 
• Monitor approval timelines 
• Integrate immigration checks into corporate travel processes. 

Failure to obtain authorization may result in airlines refusing boarding, disrupting business travel plans.  

Higher Costs for Foreign Talent and Long-Term Assignments 

For companies employing foreign professionals in Japan, increased immigration fees may affect: 

• Visa renewals and status changes 
• Permanent residency applications 
• Corporate HR budgets for foreign employees 

In many companies, employers typically cover these immigration costs. As fees rise, HR departments may need to incorporate them into workforce planning and expatriate compensation structures. 

Greater Importance of Compliance and Documentation 

Higher application fees increase the cost of mistakes in immigration filings. If an application is rejected, re-submission may require paying the fee again. For businesses employing foreign professionals, this means: 

• Stronger internal documentation systems 
• Proper management of employee status changes 
• Accurate visa category selection. 

Companies with structured immigration management processes will be better positioned to avoid costly delays or errors. 

Strategic Implications for Global Companies 

While the reforms introduce new requirements, they also reflect Japan’s broader strategy: making immigration more predictable, digital, and structured. For foreign companies, three strategic implications stand out. 

Digital Immigration Systems Will Become the Norm 

Pre-screening systems like JESTA align Japan with global trends in automated border management. Companies should expect: 

• More digital immigration processes 
• Increased data verification before arrival. 

Immigration Costs Will Become a Strategic HR Factor 

Higher fees mean immigration administration becomes part of corporate talent strategy, not just paperwork. Businesses may need to: 

• Prioritize longer visa durations 
• Plan residency pathways more carefully. 

Compliance Will Influence Talent Mobility 

Organizations with well-managed immigration processes will find it easier to deploy foreign staff in Japan. This is increasingly important as Japan continues to rely on international talent to support economic growth. 

How KizunaX Supports in Navigating Changes 

Policy shifts like these often create uncertainty for foreign companies entering or operating in Japan. KizunaX supports businesses by helping them navigate regulatory and operational changes through: 

Immigration and Regulatory Guidance 

• Monitoring immigration policy updates 
• Interpreting regulatory changes for foreign companies 
• Advising on visa and residency planning. 

Market Entry and Workforce Strategy 

• Structuring employment and mobility strategies for foreign professionals 
• Ensuring HR compliance with Japan’s immigration framework. 

Cross-Border Business Facilitation 

• Supporting foreign companies establishing operations in Japan 
• Bridging communication between global teams and Japanese administrative systems. 

Through integrated advisory services, KizunaX helps companies minimize regulatory friction while building sustainable operations in Japan. 

Conclusion 

Japan’s introduction of pre-entry screening and increased residency fees marks a new phase in its immigration policy, one that emphasizes digital governance, structured immigration management, and financial sustainability. For foreign businesses, the changes will require more proactive planning around travel, workforce mobility, and immigration compliance. However, organizations that adapt early can continue to leverage Japan’s market opportunities while navigating the evolving regulatory environment with confidence. 

Reference 

• https://www.thestandard.com.hk/world/article/326337/Japan-approves-JESTA-e-travel-authorization-visa-free-pre-screening-from-2028  
• https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/east-asia/japan-moves-to-establish-pre-entry-immigration-checks-hike-residency-fees  
• https://japantoday.com/category/national/japan-moves-to-establish-pre-entry-immigration-checks-hike-residency-fees  
• https://blog.gaijinpot.com/japan-visa-fees-are-rising-in-2026-a-guide-for-foreign-workers-and-employers/