Are you a doctor, nurse, or caregiver who wants to work in Japan? Japan has more than four million foreign people living there now. The country has many old people, so it needs help from foreign healthcare workers more than before. If you plan to move in fiscal year 2026 (from April 1, 2026), you must know about big changes in visa fees. These are the biggest changes in almost 50 years.
The government will raise many fees a lot. This guide explains everything in simple words. It helps you plan your money and avoid surprises.
The 2026 Price Hike: How Much More Will You Pay?
Japan’s Immigration Services Agency (ISA) will change the fees to match other countries like the US or UK. For healthcare workers, who often start with low pay, these changes are big. Here are the main expected changes starting April 2026:
- Extension of Period of Stay Current fee (2025): ¥6,000 New fee (2026): ¥30,000 – ¥40,000
- Change of Residence Status Current fee (2025): ¥6,000 New fee (2026): ¥30,000 – ¥40,000
- Permanent Residency (PR) Current fee (2025): ¥10,000 New fee (2026): ¥100,000 – ¥300,000
These increases can be 500% or more in some cases. The government wants more money to handle more foreign people and give better support.
Tip: If your visa ends early in 2026, apply for extension before March 31, 2026. You can pay the old low fee of ¥6,000 and save a lot of money.
Choosing Your Path: SSW vs. Certified Care Worker
The cost for Japan nursing care visa in 2026 depends on your way to enter. You can come as a skilled worker or as a trained professional.
Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) Nursing Fees
SSW (Tokutei Ginou) is the most popular way for caregivers.
- For SSW Nursing Care (i): You need to pass two tests. One is the Nursing Care Skills Evaluation Test. The other is the Nursing Care Japanese Language Evaluation Test. These tests cost about ¥1,000 to ¥10,000 each time. You take them through Prometric Japan.
- SSW-ii Upgrade: This better type lets you bring family and renew forever. It helps you get permanent residency later.
Many caregivers start with SSW (i) and try to move to SSW (ii).
Medical Services Visa
This visa is for doctors, nurses, and pharmacists. You must have a Japanese license.
- You need to pass the Japanese National Exam. The exam is in Japanese language.
- Good points: You can earn more money (about ¥4.5 million to ¥6 million or more each year). You can also get Highly Skilled Professional (HSP) status faster.
Choose the path that matches your skills and plans.
Mandatory Exams: JLPT vs. JFT-Basic
You must show good Japanese language to work in healthcare. This is very important.
- Most visas need at least JLPT N4 level.
- JFT-Basic test is often easier and faster to book. It costs about ¥10,000.
You may need to take the test more than once. Also buy books or take classes. Total cost for language: ¥20,000 – ¥50,000. This includes study books and exam fees. Practice hard to pass the first time and save money.
Hidden Costs: Moving & Settling in Japan
The visa fee is not the only cost. Think about other money you need to spend.
- Certificate of Eligibility (COE) Processing The government fee is small. But many people use agencies or Registered Support Organizations (RSO). They help with papers. This can cost ¥50,000 to ¥150,000.
- Health Insurance All foreign workers must have health insurance. It comes out of your salary. Plan for ¥15,000 – ¥25,000 each month.
- Initial Housing In big cities like Tokyo or Osaka, apartments need deposit (Shikikin) and key money (Reikin). You need at least ¥300,000 for the first setup. This includes rent, deposit, and other fees.
Add travel costs, like plane ticket and first food. These hidden costs add up fast.
2026 Salary Expectations for Healthcare Workers
The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) sets rules for minimum pay for foreign caregivers.
- Average yearly salary: ¥3,000,000 – ¥4,500,000.
- After tax and insurance, entry-level caregiver take-home pay: about ¥180,000 – ¥210,000 per month.
Higher skilled workers or doctors earn more. SSW-ii or licensed nurses get better pay over time. Japan gives stable job and good life. But plan your budget well with new higher fees.
FAQ: Healthcare Visas in Japan 2026
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Do employers pay for Japan nursing visa fees?
No law says they must. Some hospitals pay for COE. But extension fee is often on the worker. Always read your work contract.
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What is the cheapest way to get a healthcare job in Japan?
Use EPA program if you are from Philippines, Indonesia, or Vietnam. It gives training with government help and lower costs.
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How long is the Japan healthcare visa processing time 2026?
It takes 3 to 5 months for COE because many people apply. Digital way is a bit faster than paper.
Japan needs healthcare workers a lot. The fees are higher now, but it is still a good place to work. The country is safe and pays on time. Think carefully about your money. Save for fees, tests, and moving. Check official sites like Immigration Services Agency (ISA) or Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) for latest news. Are you ready to apply? Do you have more questions about fees or tests? Share your thoughts. Good luck with your Japan journey!
Disclaimer: This is only for information. Always check official sources before you decide anything. Rules can change.