＜2026年10月1日改定＞在留資格の変更・更新、永住許可の手数料が大幅に引き上げられます

On August 25, 2026, Japan's Immigration Services Agency (ISA) approved a cabinet order revising the fees for permission to change status of residence, permission to renew period of stay, and permanent residence permits. The new fees take effect on Thursday, October 1, 2026. Key points of the revision are as follows.

① Change of status of residence / Renewal of period of stay (in-person／online)

The current fee is a flat rate of ¥6,000 (¥5,500 online) regardless of the period of stay granted. After the revision, it will be tiered by the period of stay granted. Online applications will be ¥3,000–¥10,000 cheaper than in-person applications, except for stays of "3 months or less."

• ●3 months or less: ¥10,000／¥10,000 (no online discount)
• ●Over 3 months to 6 months: ¥18,000／¥15,000
• ●Over 6 months to under 1 year: ¥25,000／¥21,000
• ●1 year: ¥33,000／¥27,000
• ●Over 1 year to under 3 years: ¥48,000／¥42,000
• ●3 years to under 5 years: ¥64,000／¥56,000
• ●5 years or more: ¥75,000／¥65,000

② Permanent residence permit

The current fee of ¥10,000 will rise to ¥200,000 (a 20-fold increase) after the revision. Permanent residence applications are not available online.

③ Change in payment method

The payment method on the online application system is also changing, from revenue stamps to payment at a convenience store or bank transfer (internet banking available). Credit card and QR-code payments are not supported.

④ Transitional measure

If your application is accepted in person by September 30, 2026, the old (pre-revision) fee still applies even if the permit is granted on or after October 1, 2026. If you plan to renew or change your status in September, applying early is recommended.

⑤ Fee reduction/exemption

Applicants whose financial situation is comparable to those requiring public assistance under the Public Assistance Act, and who are recognized as needing humanitarian consideration, may apply for a fee reduction (change of status/extension: up to ¥10,000 / permanent residence: up to ¥20,000). However, financial hardship alone does not qualify for a reduction or exemption — full exemption applies only to holders of a narrow set of statuses such as "Diplomat" or "Official." Media reports also note that most refugee status applicants may not meet the reduction requirement (receipt of a protection allowance), so many could be excluded.

If you are planning to apply for permanent residence or renew your period of stay soon, the fee you pay will depend heavily on your application timing. Applications accepted in person before September 30 may still be charged under the current, lower fee schedule — so if your renewal is coming up, we strongly recommend preparing early. Please consult a professional in advance to determine which option is more advantageous for your case.

[Update, October 1, 2026] As of today, the new fees described above have taken effect. Applications accepted at the counter through September 30 remain subject to the old fees. Media reports noted crowded counters and heavy online filing right before the change.