JapanVisas and rules
Japan revises fees for residence procedures from 1 October
- Officially announced
- Aug 28, 2026
- Effective from
- Oct 1, 2026
- Last checked
- Oct 22, 2026
Checked against official sources
Key points
- Country
- Japan
- Topic
- Visas and rules
- Who
- International students in Japan (for example, those extending a "Student" status of residence), foreign workers, Working Holiday participants changing their status of residence, and people helping foreign friends or family with visa procedures.
- Effective date
- Oct 1, 2026
Japan's Immigration Services Agency revised the fees for change of status of residence, extension of period of stay and permanent residence from 1 October 2026. Fees for changes and extensions, which used to be a flat amount, now depend on the length of the period of stay granted. This affects international students and foreign workers in Japan when they renew or change their visa.
moj.go.jp (external site)
What changed
Before: change of status or extension of stay cost 6,000 yen at the counter and 5,500 yen online.
After (by period of stay granted; counter / online, from the Agency's poster): up to 3 months 10,000 / 10,000 yen; over 3 up to 6 months 18,000 / 15,000 yen; over 6 months to under 1 year 25,000 / 21,000 yen; 1 year 33,000 / 27,000 yen; over 1 year to under 3 years 48,000 / 42,000 yen; 3 years to under 5 years 64,000 / 56,000 yen; 5 years or more 75,000 / 65,000 yen.
Permanent residence: 10,000 yen to 200,000 yen. Fees for online applications are now paid by convenience store or bank payment instead of revenue stamps, with a separate payment charge.
Fee reductions and exemptions are available, for example for people in financial difficulty.
Who it applies to
- International students in Japan (for example, those extending a "Student" status of residence), foreign workers, Working Holiday participants changing their status of residence, and people helping foreign friends or family with visa procedures.
When it applies
- Aug 28, 2026Officially announced
- Oct 1, 2026Effective from
From 1 October 2026 (the Agency announced the revision on 28 August 2026). The new fees apply to people who apply on or after 1 October 2026 and receive permission.
Exceptions
The Agency says applications received by 30 September 2026 are charged the previous fee, even if permission is granted on or after 1 October.
Show details
When receiving permission at the counter, the fee is still paid with revenue stamps; stocks at shops can be limited, so the Agency advises buying them in advance at a large post office (cash only).
Check the Agency's dedicated page to see whether you qualify for a reduction or exemption.
What to check or do
- Always check the official page for the latest information and your individual situation.
- 1.
- If you plan to extend or change your status, check the fee for the period of stay you expect and prepare the money.
- 2.
- For online applications, check how convenience store or bank payment works.
- 3.
- If paying is difficult for financial reasons, check the page on fee reductions and exemptions.
Official sources
Related countries, cities, schools and guides
moj.go.jp (external site)
