Japan Announces Major Fee Increases for Residence Permit Applications Effective October 2026

• Japan announced increases to residence permit application fees beginning October 1, 2026. The government has also released additional guidance on fee reductions, exemptions and payment procedures.

Residence Permit Application Fees  

Japan’s Ministry of Justice has finalized new residence permit fees that will take effect on October 1, 2026. The update introduces higher fees that vary by application method and the length of the granted period of stay. 

Revised Residence Permit Fees

Permanent Residence Application Fees 

Applicants who submit applications on or before September 30, 2026, will continue to pay the current fee schedule, even if the final decision is issued after October 1, 2026. 

Fee Reduction and Exemption Measures 

The Ministry of Justice also introduced a new fee reduction and exemption framework that will take effect on October 1, 2026. Certain applicants experiencing significant economic hardship and humanitarian circumstances may qualify for reduced application fees.  

Under the new framework, eligible applicants may receive the following reduced fees:  

• Change of status application: ¥10,000 
• Extension of stay application: ¥10,000 
• Permanent residence application: ¥20,000 (available only to certain spouses and children of Japanese nationals, permanent residents or special permanent residents)  

The government also confirmed that fee reduction requests cannot be processed through the online residence application system. Applicants seeking a reduced fee must submit their application through the appropriate immigration office.  

Certain diplomatic and official-status applicants remain exempt from immigration fees under existing regulations.  

Changes to Online Payment Procedures 

In addition to the fee increases, Japan will modify payment procedures for online immigration filings.  

Applicants using the online residence application system will no longer pay through revenue stamps. Instead, payments will be made through designated convenience store or bank payment methods, including certain cashless payment options.  

Applicants filing at immigration offices will continue to use revenue stamps when paying applicable fees. 

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