Japan has introduced a major increase in fees for foreign nationals applying to renew or change their residence status, with the new charges taking effect on October 1, 2026.
The most significant change affects permanent residency applications. The fee has risen from ¥10,000 to ¥200,000, representing a 20-fold increase. Fees for residence-status renewals and changes have also increased depending on the length of the residence period granted.
WhatsApp Image 2024 07 01 at 13.58.28 4cfca4e0
New Residence Fees Start October 1
Under the revised fee structure, applications made at immigration offices will cost:
● Up to three months: ¥10,000
● One-year residence status: ¥33,000
● Three to under five years: ¥64,000
● Five years or more: ¥75,000
● Permanent residency: ¥200,000
Previously, applications to extend or change residence status generally carried a ¥6,000 fee, while permanent residency applications cost ¥10,000.
Permanent Residency Sees the Biggest Increase
The permanent residency fee is the most dramatic change.
Applicants will now need to pay ¥200,000, compared with ¥10,000 previously. The revised immigration law also increased the legal ceiling for permanent residency fees to ¥300,000, giving the government room to set higher charges in the future.
Why Is Japan Increasing the Fees?
Japanese authorities have linked the changes to the rising administrative costs associated with immigration procedures and the growing number of foreign residents.
Japan’s foreign-resident population has reached record levels, increasing the workload involved in residence management and immigration services. The government has also been expanding digital systems and other services related to immigration administration.
Foreign Residents Rush Before the Increase
The approaching deadline prompted a surge of applicants at immigration offices.
At Tokyo’s main immigration bureau, long queues formed in late September, with some applicants reportedly waiting up to 7½ hours as they attempted to complete procedures before the higher charges took effect.
Permanent Residency Rules Are Also Changing
The fee increase comes alongside changes to Japan’s permanent residency framework.
Revised guidelines introduce more detailed requirements concerning areas such as income, pension contributions and Japanese-language ability. The government has said the changes are intended to ensure that permanent residents can support themselves and meet their responsibilities over the long term.
What It Means for Foreign Nationals
The changes will be particularly relevant for foreign residents whose status requires periodic renewal.
1. Higher Renewal Costs
The cost of extending or changing residence status now depends on the length of the new residence period.
2. Major Increase for PR Applicants
Permanent residency now costs ¥200,000, compared with ¥10,000 previously.
3. Greater Financial Planning
Foreign residents planning long-term stays will need to factor the new fees into their immigration expenses.
4. Broader Immigration Changes
The fee increases are part of wider changes to Japan’s residence-management and immigration system.
Japan’s new residency fee structure marks a substantial change for foreign nationals living in the country. From October 1, 2026, residence-status procedures become significantly more expensive, while the permanent residency application fee jumps 20-fold to ¥200,000.
The changes come as Japan continues to adjust its immigration and residency-management system amid a growing foreign-resident population.
