Japan is increasing several immigration and residence-related application fees from October 1, 2026. The changes may significantly affect foreign residents applying for a visa status change, visa renewal, or permanent residence in Japan.
Under the new fee system, the cost of changing or extending a status of residence will depend on the length of the residence period granted. Permanent residence applications will also become considerably more expensive.
If you are planning to renew your visa, change your status of residence, or apply for permanent residency, understanding the new fees can help you prepare your budget and avoid unexpected expenses.
In this guide, we explain:
- Japan’s new visa and residence application fees
- The difference between current and new fees
- How online applications can reduce costs
- Three practical ways to save money
- Important points for foreign workers, students, and families
Important: This article focuses mainly on residence-related procedures in Japan. Visa issuance fees for entering Japan may follow separate rules and effective dates.
1. When Will Japan’s New Visa Fees Start?
The revised residence-related fees are scheduled to apply from:
October 1, 2026
The new fee system applies to procedures such as:
- Change of status of residence
- Extension of period of stay
- Permanent residence application
The fee for a change or extension of status of residence will depend on the period granted by immigration.
For example, the amount may be different if you receive a one-year residence period compared with a three-year or five-year residence period.
Applications accepted on or before September 30, 2026 may be subject to the previous fee structure, while applications received from October 1 may be charged under the new system. Applicants should confirm the applicable date and payment requirements with the Immigration Services Agency of Japan.
2. Japan Visa Renewal and Status Change Fees from October 2026
The following table summarizes the announced fee structure for changes and extensions of status of residence.
New Residence Application Fees
| Residence Period Granted | Application at Immigration Office | Online Application |
|---|---|---|
| 3 months or less | ¥10,000 | ¥10,000 |
| More than 3 months to 6 months | ¥18,000 | ¥15,000 |
| More than 6 months to less than 1 year | ¥25,000 | ¥21,000 |
| 1 year | ¥33,000 | ¥27,000 |
| More than 1 year to less than 3 years | ¥48,000 | ¥42,000 |
| 3 years to less than 5 years | ¥64,000 | ¥56,000 |
| 5 years or longer | ¥75,000 | ¥65,000 |
The current fee has generally been ¥6,000 for applications submitted at an immigration office and ¥5,500 for online applications. Therefore, some applicants may experience a substantial increase.
Example
If an applicant is granted a one-year period of stay:
- Immigration office application: ¥33,000
- Online application: ¥27,000
The online option may save ¥6,000 compared with applying at the immigration office.
Important: The applicable fee is based on the residence period actually granted, not necessarily the period requested by the applicant.
3. Permanent Residence Fee Will Increase to ¥200,000
One of the most significant changes concerns applications for permanent residence in Japan.
| Procedure | Previous Fee | Fee from October 1, 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Permanent residence application | ¥10,000 | ¥200,000 |
The new permanent residence application fee represents a substantial increase compared with the previous amount.
Permanent residence applications are generally submitted in person, so applicants should not assume that the online discount available for certain renewal and status-change procedures applies to permanent residence.
Who May Be Affected?
The increase may affect:
- Foreign workers applying for permanent residence
- Long-term residents
- Spouses of Japanese nationals
- Highly skilled professionals
- Families preparing permanent residence applications
Applicants should check the latest requirements, documents, and fee information before submitting their application.
4. Three Essential Tips to Save Money on Japan Visa Fees
Although the new fees may be unavoidable in many cases, careful planning can help you control your immigration-related expenses.
Tip 1: Check Whether You Can Apply Before October 1
If you are already preparing a visa renewal or status change, check whether your application can be completed and accepted before October 1, 2026.
The timing of an application may affect the fee you must pay. However, you should not submit an incomplete or inaccurate application simply to meet an earlier date.
Before applying, confirm:
- Your current residence card expiration date
- Whether all required documents are ready
- Whether your application can legally be submitted
- The applicable fee based on the date of acceptance
- Payment procedures at your immigration office
Practical Advice
Start preparing your documents early. Missing documents or incorrect information may cause delays and could prevent you from completing the application before the new fee system begins.
Tip 2: Consider Applying Online When Eligible
For eligible change-of-status and extension applications, online submission may cost less than applying at an immigration office.
For example:
| Residence Period | Office Application | Online Application | Potential Saving |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 year | ¥33,000 | ¥27,000 | ¥6,000 |
| 3 years to less than 5 years | ¥64,000 | ¥56,000 | ¥8,000 |
| 5 years or longer | ¥75,000 | ¥65,000 | ¥10,000 |
Online applications may be useful for foreign workers, students, and employers managing multiple applications.
However, online applications may require:
- Eligibility for online submission
- Proper registration or account setup
- Digital documents
- Correct electronic procedures
- Additional time to understand the application system
Always check the official Immigration Services Agency information before using the online application system.
Tip 3: Prepare Documents Carefully to Avoid Additional Costs
Incorrect documents, missing information, and poorly prepared applications can cause delays and additional expenses.
Depending on your situation, you may need documents such as:
- Passport
- Residence card
- Application form
- Employment certificate
- Tax payment certificate
- Residence tax certificate
- Income documents
- Company documents
- School enrollment documents
- Family relationship documents
The required documents differ depending on your status of residence and application type.
How Proper Preparation Can Help
You can reduce unnecessary expenses by:
- Checking the official document checklist.
- Confirming information with your employer or school.
- Preparing translations when required.
- Avoiding unnecessary paid services.
- Using a qualified immigration professional when your case is complicated.
Do not submit false, incomplete, or misleading information to reduce costs. Accurate documentation is essential for immigration procedures.
5. Do These Fee Increases Apply to All Japan Visas?
Not necessarily.
Japan has different types of immigration-related fees, including:
- Visa issuance fees for entering Japan
- Change of status of residence fees
- Extension of period of stay fees
- Permanent residence application fees
- Certificate of Eligibility procedures
- Other immigration-related services
These procedures may have different rules and effective dates.
For example, the Certificate of Eligibility application itself remains free under the reported new residence-fee structure. However, applicants may still have other costs, including document preparation, translation, transportation, or professional support.
Visa Issuance Fees vs. Residence Fees
| Fee Type | Main Purpose |
|---|---|
| Visa issuance fee | Obtaining a visa to enter Japan |
| Change of status fee | Changing from one residence status to another in Japan |
| Extension fee | Extending the period of stay |
| Permanent residence fee | Applying for permanent residence |
| Certificate of Eligibility | Supporting a visa application for entry into Japan |
Always confirm which procedure applies to your situation. A visa issuance fee and a residence application fee are not the same thing.
6. What Foreign Workers and Students Should Do
Foreign residents should review their immigration plans before the new fees begin.
For Foreign Workers
If you are working in Japan under a status such as:
- Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services
- Specified Skilled Worker
- Skilled Labor
- Business Manager
- Technical Intern Training
- Highly Skilled Professional
you should discuss the application schedule with your employer or immigration support provider.
Employers should also consider the financial impact when supporting multiple foreign employees.
For International Students
Students changing from a student status to a work-related status should confirm:
- The correct application procedure
- Required school documents
- Employment-related documents
- Application timing
- Applicable fee
Applying for the correct status is important because working activities must comply with the conditions of your residence status.
For Permanent Residence Applicants
If you are considering permanent residence, carefully review your eligibility and documents before applying.
Because the fee is significantly higher, applicants should avoid submitting an application without understanding the requirements. A higher fee does not guarantee approval.
7. Frequently Asked Questions
When will Japan’s new residence fees begin?
The revised residence-related fees are scheduled to begin on October 1, 2026.
How much will Japan’s permanent residence application cost?
From October 1, 2026, the permanent residence application fee is scheduled to increase from ¥10,000 to ¥200,000.
Is online visa renewal cheaper?
For eligible change-of-status and extension applications, online submission may be cheaper. The exact discount depends on the residence period granted.
How much will a one-year residence renewal cost?
From October 1, 2026, the reported fee is:
- Immigration office: ¥33,000
- Online: ¥27,000
The applicable fee should be confirmed with the official immigration authority.
Can I avoid the increased fee by applying before October 1?
An application accepted before the effective date may be subject to the previous fee structure. However, you must meet all application requirements, and you should confirm the applicable rules before submitting.
Does the new fee apply to a Certificate of Eligibility?
The reported revised residence-fee structure does not charge a fee for Certificate of Eligibility applications. Other costs may still apply.
Can I receive a refund if my application is rejected?
Do not assume that application fees will be refunded after a rejection. Confirm the refund rules with the relevant immigration authority before applying.
8. Official Information and Important Resources
For the latest and most reliable information, check the following sources:
- Immigration Services Agency of Japan
- Ministry of Justice of Japan
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan
Immigration fees, application requirements, and procedures may change. Always check the latest official information before making financial or immigration-related decisions.
Conclusion: Prepare Early for Japan’s 2026 Visa Fee Changes
Japan’s residence-related fee changes from October 1, 2026, may significantly increase the cost of visa renewals, status changes, and permanent residence applications.
The three most useful steps are:
- Check whether your application can be accepted before October 1.
- Consider online submission if you are eligible.
- Prepare your documents carefully to avoid delays and unnecessary expenses.
If you are a foreign worker, student, or long-term resident in Japan, planning ahead can help you understand your costs and complete the correct immigration procedure.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and is not legal or immigration advice. Immigration rules and fees may change. Confirm the latest information with the Immigration Services Agency of Japan or a qualified immigration professional before applying.