Japan’s Higher Residence Permit Fees Take Effect From October 1

Japan has introduced higher fees for several residence-related immigration procedures from October 1, 2026. The change affects foreign nationals applying to change their status of residence, extend their permitted stay or obtain permanent residence.

The revised fees apply to applications filed on or after October 1. Applications accepted by September 30 continue to use the previous fee schedule, even if permission is granted after the new rules begin, according to the Immigration Services Agency of Japan.

Fees now depend on the period granted

For a change of status or an extension of stay, the amount is now based on the period of residence actually granted rather than a single flat fee. At an immigration office, the charge ranges from ¥10,000 for a stay of three months or less to ¥75,000 for a stay of five years or more.

Online applications are cheaper before payment-processing charges: fees range from ¥10,000 to ¥65,000, depending on the period granted. The agency says an additional payment-processing charge applies to online applications.

• Up to three months: ¥10,000 online or at an immigration office
• More than three months to six months: ¥15,000 online or ¥18,000 at an immigration office
• More than six months to under one year: ¥21,000 online or ¥25,000 at an immigration office
• One year: ¥27,000 online or ¥33,000 at an immigration office
• More than one year to under three years: ¥42,000 online or ¥48,000 at an immigration office
• Three years to under five years: ¥56,000 online or ¥64,000 at an immigration office
• Five years or more: ¥65,000 online or ¥75,000 at an immigration office

The permanent residence application fee has risen from ¥10,000 to ¥200,000. This procedure is relevant to long-term residents rather than short-stay visitors, but the wider revision also affects people changing from a visitor-compatible situation to a work, student, family or other residence status where eligible.

Online payments have changed

Japan has also changed how fees are paid for residence applications submitted online. Revenue stamps can no longer be used for online applications filed from October 1. Instead, applicants receive payment instructions after examination and pay by convenience-store payment or bank payment. Credit-card and QR-code payments are not supported under the new online process.

For applications filed at an immigration office, payment remains by revenue stamp. The Immigration Services Agency advises applicants collecting a decision at an office to obtain the required stamps in advance where possible, as on-site outlets may have limited stock.

What applicants should check

Anyone planning a status change or extension should confirm the date their application was officially accepted, not merely the date they started preparing documents. The amount due for an extension or status change is determined by the period ultimately granted, so applicants should budget for the relevant band rather than assume the former flat fee.

The agency has published a limited reduction or exemption framework for people facing serious financial hardship who also meet specified humanitarian conditions. It is not a general discount for ordinary applicants. People who believe they may qualify should check the agency guidance and apply through the appropriate procedure rather than relying on the standard online route.

The rules concern residence procedures after arrival or for people already living in Japan. They do not change Japan’s ordinary short-term visitor entry conditions, although travellers intending to study, work, join family or stay long term should account for the new costs when planning their immigration route.