From 1 October 2026, the government fees for residence permissions changed. Permanent residence rose from ¥10,000 to ¥200,000. Change of status of residence and extension of period of stay, previously a flat ¥6,000, now vary according to the period granted.
Applications made by 30 September 2026 are charged at the old rate, even where permission is granted after 1 October.
What this article covers
- The permanent residence fee rising to ¥200,000
- Change and extension fees varying by period granted
- The old rate applying to applications made by 30 September
- How payment is made
- The reduction scheme, and why few people qualify
This article is based on material published by the Immigration Services Agency of Japan, including the notice on the revision of residence permission fees effective 1 October 2026 and the accompanying Q&A.
Permanent residence: from ¥10,000 to ¥200,000
| Before | From 1 October 2026 | |
|---|---|---|
| Permanent residence | ¥10,000 | ¥200,000 |
| Change of status / extension of stay | ¥6,000 at the counter, ¥5,500 online | ¥10,000 to ¥75,000, depending on the period granted |
Permanent residence is twenty times higher. Not twenty per cent. Twenty times.
Naturalisation carries no government fee. Applications are handled by the Legal Affairs Bureau rather than the Immigration Services Agency, and fall outside this fee schedule. That has not changed.
Change and extension: the fee depends on the period granted
These fees were previously a flat amount. From October they fall into seven bands according to the period of stay granted. The amounts are the same for change of status and for extension.
| Period of stay granted | At the counter | Online |
|---|---|---|
| 3 months or less | ¥10,000 | ¥10,000 |
| Over 3 months, up to 6 months | ¥18,000 | ¥15,000 |
| Over 6 months, under 1 year | ¥25,000 | ¥21,000 |
| 1 year | ¥33,000 | ¥27,000 |
| Over 1 year, 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 |
The fee depends on what you are granted, not what you applied for. If you apply for five years and receive one, you pay the one-year rate.
You therefore cannot know the exact amount when you file.
Online applications are set at a lower rate, though as noted below, one scheme is unavailable online.
Applications made by 30 September are charged at the old rate
The determining factor is the date the application is made.
Where an application for change of status, extension of stay or permanent residence was made before 1 October 2026, the fee is the pre-revision amount, even where permission is granted on or after that date. The examination taking several months does not change this.
For permanent residence, that is ¥10,000 for an application made by 30 September, against ¥200,000 for applications from 1 October.
If you applied by 30 September and your application is still under review, you will pay the pre-revision amount when permission is granted.
How the fee is paid
The method depends on how you applied.
At the counter, payment is by revenue stamps (収入印紙, shūnyū inshi). The Immigration Services Agency notes that stocks at shops inside its offices are limited, and asks applicants to buy the stamps in advance at a large post office, for the amount shown on the postcard sent once the examination is complete.
Revenue stamps can only be bought with cash. For ¥200,000, that means carrying a substantial sum.
Online, revenue stamps are not accepted. Payment is by convenience store or bank transfer, including internet banking, and a separate transaction fee applies on top of the amount above. A payment link is sent by email once the examination is complete.
Either way, payment falls due at the end of the process, not when you file. The Agency’s Q&A states that permission cannot be granted unless the prescribed fee has been paid.
Note that an additional fee may apply where a Specified Residence Card is issued.
There is a reduction scheme, but it is narrow
A scheme exists for reducing the fee. The conditions are restrictive.
Reduced amounts
- Permanent residence: ¥20,000
- Change of status: ¥10,000
- Extension of stay: ¥10,000
Who qualifies
For permanent residence, the reduction is limited to spouses and children of Japanese nationals, permanent residents and special permanent residents. No other applicant is eligible.
Beyond that, the applicant must be found to be in financial hardship to a degree comparable to a person requiring protection under the Public Assistance Act, and to require humanitarian consideration.
The Agency’s Q&A states that both conditions must be met. Meeting one alone does not qualify. Four categories are set out in guidance for financial hardship, and twelve for humanitarian consideration.
For change of status and extension of stay, the reduction applies where a period of stay exceeding three months is granted.
It cannot be done online
Where supporting documents for the reduction are submitted, the online application system does not accommodate them. The application must be made at the counter.
If you may qualify, do not file online for the lower rate without checking first. Doing so may cost you the reduction.
Exemption is separate
A scheme also exists for waiving the fee entirely, but it covers only diplomatic and official statuses and certain designated activities. Permanent residence is not covered.
Summary
From 1 October 2026 the permanent residence fee rose from ¥10,000 to ¥200,000. Change of status and extension of stay moved to amounts based on the period granted.
Applications made by 30 September 2026 are charged at the old rate.
A reduction scheme exists, but for permanent residence it is limited to spouses and children of Japanese nationals, permanent residents and special permanent residents, and requires both financial hardship and humanitarian considerations. It cannot be handled online.
Naturalisation carries no government fee. For anyone weighing permanent residence against naturalisation, the cost relationship between the two has changed.
We can discuss whether you appear to meet the requirements, which route fits your situation, and how to think about timing. Consultations are in English and free of charge.
Related reading: Permanent Residence or Naturalisation in Japan: What Is the Difference
Related reading: Japan’s New PR Guidelines: What Changes for Your Visa Status and When to Apply
Related reading: PR with Highly Skilled Professional Points: The 3-Year and 1-Year Routes
About this article
This article summarises the revision of residence permission fees that took effect on 1 October 2026. Amounts and treatment in any individual case may differ according to circumstances.
Disclaimer
This article sets out general information about the revision of residence permission fees. It does not guarantee that any individual application will be granted or refused. Systems and practice may change. Before applying, please check the latest official information or consult a professional.
References
- Immigration Services Agency, Fee revision leaflet (English) https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/content/001469201.pdf
- Immigration Services Agency, Revision of residence permission fees effective 1 October 2026 https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/01_00644.html
- Immigration Services Agency, Q&A on the revision https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/applications/faq/01_00650.html
- Immigration Services Agency, Reduction and exemption of residence permission fees from 1 October 2026 https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/10_00273.html
- Ministry of Justice, Application for naturalisation https://www.moj.go.jp/MINJI/minji78.html
Last updated: 24 October 2026 (updated after the revision took effect)