Japan will raise the fees for several residence‑related procedures beginning 1 October 2026. The increase applies to permissions to change status of residence, extend the period of stay, and obtain permanent residence, with fees now tied to the length of stay actually granted.
New fee schedule for status changes and extensions
| Period of stay granted | Immigration Office fee | Online application fee |
|---|---|---|
| 3 months or less | ¥10,000 | ¥10,000 |
| More than 3 months – 6 months | ¥18,000 | ¥15,000 |
| More than 6 months – < 1 year | ¥25,000 | ¥21,000 |
| 1 year | ¥33,000 | ¥27,000 |
| > 1 year – < 3 years | ¥48,000 | ¥42,000 |
| 3 years – < 5 years | ¥64,000 | ¥56,000 |
| 5 years or more | ¥75,000 | ¥65,000 |
Current fees: ¥6,000 (office) or ¥5,500 (online).
Permanent residence: fee rises from ¥10,000 to ¥200,000.
The fee is calculated on the period actually granted, not merely the period requested. For example, a five‑year request that results in a one‑year grant will be charged the one‑year fee.
Transitional rule
- Applications submitted on or before 30 September 2026 are charged the old fees, even if the permission is issued after 1 October 2026.
- The decisive date is the application date, not the approval date.
Reductions and exemptions
The Immigration Services Agency (ISA) allows fee reductions or exemptions for:
- Applicants demonstrating economic hardship and meeting prescribed criteria.
- Diplomatic, official‑status, or other special‑circumstance cases.
Practical implications
- Employers sponsoring foreign staff should revise immigration budgets, especially when multiple employees or family members need extensions or status changes.
- Foreign residents should plan application timing and consider the likely length of stay to avoid unexpected costs.
- All applicants should verify the latest ISA guidance before filing, as payment procedures may be updated alongside the fee changes.
The revised fees take effect on 1 October 2026.
Source: Japan’s Immigration Services Agency (ISA) (informational alert, not legal advice).
Source article: newlandchase.com
