Quick Answer
DIY visa applications cost only government fees (¥0–¥8,000 depending on procedure). Hiring a gyoseishoshi adds ¥80,000–¥400,000. For simple renewals at the same employer, DIY often works fine. For complex cases (first visa, status change, PR, spouse), professional help can be worth the investment.
Government Fees by Procedure
| Procedure | Application Fee | Approval Fee | Total Gov't Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| COE (new visa) | ¥0 | ¥0 | ¥0 |
| Status change | ¥0 | ¥4,000 | ¥4,000 |
| Visa renewal | ¥0 | ¥4,000 | ¥4,000 |
| Permanent residence | ¥0 | ¥8,000 | ¥8,000 |
| Naturalization | ¥0 | ¥0 | ¥0 |
| Re-entry permit (single) | ¥3,000 | — | ¥3,000 |
| Re-entry permit (multiple) | ¥6,000 | — | ¥6,000 |
| Work permit (for dependents/students) | ¥0 | ¥0 | ¥0 |
DIY vs Agent: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Procedure | DIY Total Cost | With Agent | Agent Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visa renewal (simple) | ¥4,000 | ¥84,000 – ¥124,000 | ¥80,000 – ¥120,000 |
| Status change | ¥4,000 | ¥104,000 – ¥154,000 | ¥100,000 – ¥150,000 |
| Spouse visa | ¥0 – ¥4,000 | ¥120,000 – ¥204,000 | ¥120,000 – ¥200,000 |
| Permanent residence | ¥8,000 | ¥158,000 – ¥258,000 | ¥150,000 – ¥250,000 |
| Business Manager + company | ¥200,000+ | ¥400,000 – ¥600,000 | ¥200,000 – ¥400,000 |
| Naturalization | ¥0 | ¥200,000 – ¥350,000 | ¥200,000 – ¥350,000 |
Decision Helper: When to DIY vs Hire
✅ DIY Makes Sense When:
- Simple renewal at the same employer (no job change)
- Your company's HR department handles immigration support
- Re-entry permit or work permission (simple procedures)
- You have experience with prior successful applications
- Your employer is a large, well-known company (Category 1)
💼 Hire a Professional When:
- First-time visa application (COE from abroad)
- Spouse visa — especially if international marriage or age gap
- Permanent residence or naturalization
- Previous application was rejected
- Complex situation (job change + status change combined)
- Business Manager visa (company registration + visa together)
- You don't read Japanese and forms are confusing
ℹ️ Find the Right Match
Use our Gyoseishoshi Matching Tool to find an immigration consultant who speaks your language, specializes in your visa type, and fits your budget.
⚠️ Legal Notice
This is not legal advice. Please consult a licensed immigration consultant (行政書士 / gyoseishoshi) for advice specific to your situation.
