How Much Will Your Residence Status Renewal Cost? Japan's October 2026 Fee Changes Explained
Fees for renewing or changing your residence status in Japan are set to change significantly for applications filed from October 1, 2026. Permanent residence fees are expected to rise from the current ¥10,000 to ¥200,000, while status change and renewal fees—currently a flat ¥6,000—will scale up to a maximum of ¥75,000 depending on the period granted. Whether you already live in Japan or are planning a move, it's worth understanding what your next renewal might cost.
What is changing, and when?
On August 25, 2026, the Japanese government finalized a cabinet order setting the revised fee amounts for residence procedures. The new fees are expected to apply to applications filed on or after October 1, 2026. This follows an amendment to the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act passed in May 2026; immigration authorities have explained that the fees now factor in personnel costs plus a share of the cost of Japanese-language and livelihood support programs that beneficiaries use.
The change affects three types of applications: change of status of residence, extension of period of stay, and permanent residence. It applies regardless of visa category—work visas, family stay, student status, and others are all covered.
How much will status change and renewal cost?
For in-person (counter) applications, the fee for changing or renewing your status of residence is expected to scale with the length of stay granted—shorter periods cost less, longer periods cost more. Online applications typically carry lower fees than counter applications under this kind of fee design, but the exact gap should be confirmed against official immigration authority announcements.
What about permanent residence?
The fee for permanent residence applications is expected to rise from the current ¥10,000 to ¥200,000—a twentyfold increase. Since permanent residence removes the need for periodic renewal, the one-time cost is simply higher. If you're already preparing a permanent residence application, note that the fee you end up paying may depend on exactly when your application is received.
Is there a reduced-fee option for those facing financial hardship?
A fee reduction scheme is reportedly being introduced for applicants facing financial hardship or other humanitarian circumstances. According to reporting, change/renewal applications exceeding three months could be reduced to ¥10,000, and permanent residence to ¥20,000. However, the eligibility criteria and application process are not yet finalized, so anyone who may qualify should keep checking official immigration authority announcements.
Fee revision at a glance (counter applications, from October 1, 2026 filings)
- Permanent residence
- 10,000→200,000JPY
- Change/renewal (longest tier)
- 6,000→75,000JPY
- Effective date (for filings)
- Oct 1onward
- Reduced-fee tier (if eligible)
- 10,000–20,000JPY
Up from the current ¥10,000
Up from the current flat ¥6,000
Whether it's based on receipt or filing date needs confirmation
For humanitarian hardship cases
Legal basis
- Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act, Article 67
- Requires payment of a fee for change of status, renewal, permanent residence and similar applications, and sets the statutory ceiling for that fee. The ceiling was raised by the May 2026 amendment.
- Order for Enforcement of the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act
- Sets the actual fee amount within the ceiling defined by Article 67. The cabinet order setting the revised amounts was finalized on August 25, 2026.
Status change/renewal fees by period granted (counter applications, approximate)
| Period granted | Current fee | Revised fee (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| 3 months or less | ¥6,000 | ¥10,000 |
| 1 year | ¥6,000 | ¥33,000 |
| 3 to under 5 years | ¥6,000 | ¥64,000 |
| 5 years or more | ¥6,000 | ¥75,000 |
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
✕Preparing well ahead of the deadline, but the application ends up being received in October and the new fee applies.
→Aim to gather documents and file two to three months before your period of stay expires, working backward from the fee change date.
✕Not budgeting for the sharply higher permanent residence fee.
→If you're considering permanent residence, plan around the revised fee level rather than the current ¥10,000.
✕Assuming you qualify for the reduced fee and not preparing the standard amount.
→Check eligibility against official immigration authority guidance, and budget for the standard fee if eligibility is uncertain.
✕Underestimating the total cost when multiple family members need to renew at the same time.
→Add up the fees for every household member holding a residence status when planning your budget.
Before you file a renewal, change, or permanent residence application
- Confirmed your residence status category and current expiration date
- Checked the approximate revised fee for the period you plan to apply for
- Estimated whether your filing is likely to land before or after October 1, 2026
- If considering permanent residence, revisited your budget using the revised fee level
- Checked the latest official guidance on whether you may qualify for the reduced-fee scheme
- Added up the total fees if multiple household members need to renew or change status
- Confirmed required documents and built in a comfortable schedule
Frequently asked questions
- Q. When exactly do the new fees take effect?
- A. They're expected to apply to applications filed from October 1, 2026. The precise rule—whether it's based on the receipt date or filing date—should be confirmed through official immigration authority announcements.
- Q. Will the new fee apply to an application I've already submitted?
- A. Reporting suggests the new fee applies to applications 'filed' from October 1 onward, so applications received before that date would likely keep the current fee—but confirm with official guidance for certainty.
- Q. Is the fee lower if I apply online?
- A. Fee schedules of this kind typically set a lower rate for online applications than counter applications, but the exact amount should be confirmed against this cabinet order and official announcements.
- Q. Should I rush my permanent residence application before the fee goes up?
- A. Rushing can mean submitting before you actually meet the requirements. Start by confirming you meet the residency-period and conduct requirements for permanent residence, and consult a qualified administrative scrivener (gyoseishoshi) before deciding on timing.
The SUMIMOTO Hub app's 24-hour AI advisor explains, in multiple languages, what documents and steps each residence status requires. Because fee changes like this one can hinge on exact filing timing, we recommend confirming your final decision with a qualified administrative scrivener or immigration specialist.
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