Visa Policy Japan Fee Increase 2026
Japan is significantly updating its immigration costs starting October 1, 2026. The Immigration Services Agency has announced major revisions affecting various residence procedures, impacting anyone planning to change their status, extend their stay, or apply for permanent residency. Understanding these financial changes is crucial for foreign nationals currently living in the country or planning a move.
The revised pricing structure replaces the flat rates previously in place with a tiered system based on the exact duration granted by authorities. Instead of a single fee, applicants will pay amounts that scale directly with the length of their approved stay.
Changes and extensions for three months or less cost 10,000 yen for both office and online submissions.
Periods lasting between three and six months cost 18,000 yen at an office or 15,000 yen online.
Durations exceeding six months up to one year require 25,000 yen in person or 21,000 yen digitally.
Exactly one-year stays demand 33,000 yen for office visits and 27,000 yen for online requests.
Extended stays spanning one to three years cost 48,000 yen or 42,000 yen depending on the channel.
Medium-term stays of three to five years raise costs to 64,000 yen at offices and 56,000 yen online.
Long-term approvals of five or more years cost 75,000 yen in person and 65,000 yen digitally.
Permanent residency applications face an even steeper adjustment. The current fee sits at 10,000 yen, but the upcoming policy bumps this up to 200,000 yen. This dramatic shift requires applicants to budget carefully before submitting their paperwork.
An important rule to remember is that the final cost depends entirely on the period actually granted by the immigration officer, not necessarily what was requested on the initial application form. This means applicants might face unexpected costs if authorities approve a longer duration than anticipated.
Preparing for these changes involves reviewing documentation early and accounting for higher administrative expenses. Submitting applications online generally offers a slight discount compared to visiting a physical immigration office, making digital submission a practical choice for eligible applicants wanting to save money. Staying informed about these regulatory shifts helps prevent administrative delays and financial surprises during the renewal process.