Japan residence fees rise sharply from 1 October 2026: what foreign residents will pay

Japan will sharply increase several residence-permission fees for applications accepted on or after 1 October 2026. Permanent residence permission will rise from ¥10,000 to ¥200,000, while fees for changing status of residence or extending a period of stay will move from a flat fee to a scale based on the length of stay actually granted.

The changes have been confirmed by Japan’s Immigration Services Agency (ISA). They matter directly to foreign professionals, families, entrepreneurs and other long-term residents who are approaching a renewal, change of status or permanent-residence application.

Most importantly, the filing date determines which fee schedule applies. Applications accepted by 30 September 2026 keep the old fee, even if permission is granted after 1 October.

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What are Japan’s new residence fees from 1 October 2026?

For permission to change status of residence and permission to extend a period of stay, the fee will depend on the period of stay granted by immigration. It is not simply based on the period requested by the applicant.

Until 30 September 2026, the equivalent fee is generally ¥6,000 for a counter application and ¥5,500 for an online application, regardless of the period of stay granted.

The new structure therefore creates a substantial increase for people receiving longer periods of stay. A one-year renewal at the counter rises from ¥6,000 to ¥33,000. A five-year or longer permission rises to ¥75,000 at the counter.

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How much will permanent residence cost?

The most dramatic change is permanent residence. Japan’s permanent-residence permission fee will increase from ¥10,000 to ¥200,000 for applications accepted from 1 October 2026.

That is a twenty-fold increase. Permanent residence is not covered by the lower online fee scale shown above. The published government schedule sets the permanent-residence permission fee at ¥200,000.

The fee is associated with receiving permission rather than merely handing in an application. Applicants should nevertheless budget for the new amount before filing.

Can you keep the old fee by applying before 1 October?

Yes, if the application is genuinely ready and is accepted by immigration no later than 30 September 2026.

The Immigration Services Agency explicitly says that an application received by 30 September remains subject to the pre-revision fee even if the decision and permission come on or after 1 October.

That distinction could be particularly significant for permanent-residence applicants because the difference is ¥190,000 per person.

Applicants should not submit incomplete or premature applications simply to obtain the lower fee. Immigration requirements and supporting evidence still need to be satisfied.

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Are online applications cheaper?

For most renewal and change-of-status bands longer than three months, yes. Online government fees are lower than counter fees under the new schedule.

However, online payments will also carry a separate processing charge. ISA’s official payment guidance lists a ¥330 processing charge for the lower and mid-range bands and ¥550 for the longest bands. For example, a five-year-or-longer online permission has a ¥65,000 government fee plus a ¥550 payment-processing charge, bringing the total online payment to ¥65,550.

From 1 October, online applications will be paid through convenience-store payment or bank payment through the designated payment provider. Credit cards and QR-code payments are not supported under the published system.

ISA also warns residents to be alert to fraudulent payment emails. Its official guidance says payment requests for online residence-permission fees will come through the designated payment provider and advises people not to follow payment links sent from other addresses.

What happens with applications made at an immigration office?

Counter applications will continue to use revenue stamps when permission is collected. Because the required stamp amount now varies according to the period granted, ISA advises applicants to check the amount shown on the notification they receive before going to collect their result.

The agency also warns that immigration-office shops and nearby convenience stores may not always have enough revenue stamps in the required denominations. It recommends buying the correct amount in advance, where possible, from a larger post office. Revenue stamps are purchased with cash.

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Can the new fees be reduced or waived?

In limited circumstances, yes. Japan has also introduced fee-reduction and exemption measures from 1 October for people who meet specific statutory conditions.

The Immigration Services Agency says eligible applicants facing economic hardship or other specified circumstances may qualify for a reduced fee of ¥10,000 for a change of status or extension, or ¥20,000 for permanent residence. Some narrow diplomatic, official and designated-activity cases can qualify for full exemption.

The reduction process is not available through the online residence application system. People seeking a reduction need to apply at an immigration counter and provide evidence supporting eligibility.

What should foreign residents do now?

If you expect to renew your residence status, change status or apply for permanent residence soon, check your eligibility and timing now. The financial difference between an application accepted on 30 September and one accepted on 1 October can be substantial.

For renewals and changes of status after 1 October, remember that the final fee depends on the period of stay immigration actually grants. Do not assume that requesting a five-year period guarantees a five-year permission.

For permanent residence, budget for ¥200,000 per applicant if the application is accepted from 1 October onwards, unless you clearly qualify for a reduction or exemption.

Official sources

• Immigration Services Agency: revision of residence-permission fees from 1 October 2026
• Immigration Services Agency: online application fees and payment methods from 1 October 2026
• Immigration Services Agency: fee reductions and exemptions from 1 October 2026

Last verified: 19 September 2026. Featured image: Rebecca Clarke/Unsplash.