Japan Immigration Fees Will Increase from October 2026: Change of Status, Visa Renewal, Online Payment, and Permanent Residence Explained
Japan will revise the government fees for certain immigration procedures from October 1, 2026.
This change affects foreign nationals who apply for and receive permission for change of status of residence, extension of period of stay, or permanent residence.
This is not simply a small fee increase. The structure of the fee system itself will change. For change of status and visa renewal, the fee will depend on the period of stay that is granted. Online applications will generally have lower immigration fees than counter applications, but online payments will also require a separate payment processing fee.
In this article, we explain the new fee structure, online payment rules, fraud warning, reduction measures, the background of the fee increase, and practical points foreign residents should understand before applying.
Important: The key date is the application acceptance date
The revised fees apply to applications accepted on or after October 1, 2026.
If your application is accepted by September 30, 2026, the old fee will apply even if permission or residence card issuance takes place on or after October 1, 2026.
This article is for you if:
- You need to renew your status of residence in Japan
- You are planning to change your status of residence
- You are considering applying for permanent residence
- You use or plan to use the online residence application system
- You are an employer supporting foreign employees
- You want to understand the October 2026 immigration fee revision accurately
目次
- 1 Conclusion
- 2 1. What procedures are affected?
- 3 2. New fee table from October 1, 2026
- 4 3. Online payment method and fraud warning
- 5 4. Online payment for re-entry permission and certificate of authorized employment
- 6 5. Why are the fees increasing?
- 7 6. Permanent residence: the largest impact
- 8 7. Timing rule: old fee or new fee?
- 9 8. Fee reduction or exemption measures
- 10 9. Administrative scrivener’s perspective: what applicants should not misunderstand
- 11 10. What foreign residents should do now
- 12 11. Special note for employers and business owners
- 13 Conclusion
- 14 Need help checking your visa renewal, change of status, or permanent residence application?
Conclusion
From October 1, 2026, Japan’s immigration permission fees will increase significantly for change of status, extension of period of stay, and permanent residence.
The most important points are:
- Change of status and extension fees will depend on the period of stay granted.
- Counter applications and online applications will have different fee amounts.
- Online applications require a separate payment processing fee.
- Online payment will be made by convenience store payment or bank payment.
- Credit card payment and QR code payment are not supported under the announced online payment method.
- Payment guidance emails for online applications will be sent only from no-reply@service-dgft.com.
- The permanent residence permission fee will increase from 10,000 yen to 200,000 yen.
- Applications accepted by September 30, 2026 will remain under the old fee system.
- If you want to use a fee reduction measure, the online residence application system cannot be used for that reduction measure.
From an administrative scrivener’s perspective, applicants should not look only at the fee amount. They should also check timing, application readiness, payment method, online filing eligibility, and whether reduction measures may apply.
1. What procedures are affected?
The October 2026 fee revision mainly affects the following procedures:
- Permission for change of status of residence
- Permission for extension of period of stay
- Permission for permanent residence
For many foreign residents, the most common impact will be visa renewal. This may affect foreign employees, business managers, spouses, students, family members, and other mid- to long-term residents.
For foreign residents considering permanent residence, the impact is especially large because the government fee for permanent residence permission will increase substantially.
The fee is generally paid when permission is granted, not simply because the application is filed. However, the application acceptance date is important for determining whether the old or new fee system applies.
2. New fee table from October 1, 2026
The new fee structure is easier to understand if you separate it into three points.
- For counter applications, the revised immigration fee itself applies.
- For online applications, the immigration fee is generally lower than the counter fee.
- For online applications, a separate payment processing fee is also required.
Therefore, when using the online residence application system, the actual amount to be paid is the online immigration fee plus the payment processing fee.
| Procedure / period granted | Current fee until Sept. 30, 2026 | New fee: counter application | New fee: online application | Online payment processing fee | Total online payment amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Change / renewal: 3 months or less | 6,000 yen at counter / 5,500 yen online | 10,000 yen | 10,000 yen | 330 yen | 10,330 yen |
| More than 3 months and up to 6 months | 18,000 yen | 15,000 yen | 330 yen | 15,330 yen | |
| More than 6 months and less than 1 year | 25,000 yen | 21,000 yen | 330 yen | 21,330 yen | |
| 1 year | 33,000 yen | 27,000 yen | 330 yen | 27,330 yen | |
| More than 1 year and less than 3 years | 48,000 yen | 42,000 yen | 330 yen | 42,330 yen | |
| 3 years or more and less than 5 years | 64,000 yen | 56,000 yen | 550 yen | 56,550 yen | |
| 5 years or more | 75,000 yen | 65,000 yen | 550 yen | 65,550 yen | |
| Permanent residence permission | 10,000 yen | 200,000 yen | Not generally applicable through the online residence application system | Not applicable | Not applicable |
Key point
For online applications, the amount paid is not only the immigration fee. A separate payment processing fee is required, and the total amount depends on the period of stay granted.
3. Online payment method and fraud warning
For online applications accepted on or after October 1, 2026, the payment method will change.
Instead of paying by revenue stamp, online applicants will pay through a method entrusted to a payment service provider designated by the Commissioner of the Immigration Services Agency.
The announced payment methods are:
- Convenience store payment
- Bank payment
If internet banking is used for the bank payment, cashless payment may be possible.
However, the announced payment method does not support:
- Credit card payment
- QR code payment
Warning: Beware of fraudulent payment emails
According to the Immigration Services Agency, payment guidance for online residence applications will be sent only from the designated payment service provider’s email address:
no-reply@service-dgft.com
If you receive an email requesting payment from any other email address, you should treat it as fraudulent. Do not access links or make payments through emails sent from other addresses.
This point is especially important for foreign residents who may not be familiar with Japanese administrative payment procedures. Do not rely only on the appearance of the email. Check the sender address carefully.
4. Online payment for re-entry permission and certificate of authorized employment
The October 2026 online payment page also explains the online payment amounts for re-entry permission and certificates of authorized employment.
For these procedures, the base fee itself does not change, but a payment processing fee is required when using the online payment method.
| Procedure | Base fee | Online payment processing fee | Total online payment amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single re-entry permission | 3,500 yen | 220 yen | 3,720 yen |
| Multiple re-entry permission | 6,500 yen | 220 yen | 6,720 yen |
| Certificate of authorized employment | 1,600 yen | 220 yen | 1,820 yen |
These procedures are not the main focus of the immigration fee increase, but foreign residents using online procedures should still understand that payment processing fees may apply.
5. Why are the fees increasing?
The fee increase should be understood in the context of broader immigration policy changes.
In 2026, the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act and related laws were amended. The amendment includes the creation of JESTA, an electronic travel authorization system, and the raising of statutory upper limits for fees related to change of status, renewal, and permanent residence.
In other words, the fee increase is not an isolated administrative change. It is part of a broader policy shift related to entry control, residence management, and the acceptance of foreign nationals in Japan.
From an administrative perspective, possible background factors include:
- Increasing administrative workload related to foreign residents
- Need to strengthen immigration and residence management systems
- Need to support policies for proper acceptance and coexistence
- Promotion of online immigration procedures
- Revision of fee levels that had remained comparatively low for many years
From an administrative scrivener’s perspective, this means applicants should no longer treat government fees as a small incidental cost. For some procedures, especially permanent residence, the government fee itself will become a serious budget item.
6. Permanent residence: the largest impact
The largest increase is the fee for permanent residence permission.
The current fee is 10,000 yen. From October 1, 2026, the fee will become 200,000 yen.
This is a major increase. However, it does not mean that everyone should rush to apply for permanent residence before the fee increase.
Permanent residence is carefully examined. Applicants must satisfy legal and practical requirements, including residence history, income stability, tax payment, pension and health insurance compliance, good conduct, and other factors depending on the case.
Practical warning
A higher fee is a reason to check timing, but it is not a reason to file a weak permanent residence application. If the application is not ready, rushing may create more risk than benefit.
If you are close to being eligible for permanent residence, it may be worth reviewing your situation early. However, the decision to apply should be based on eligibility and document strength, not only on the fee increase.
7. Timing rule: old fee or new fee?
The timing rule is very important.
Applications accepted by September 30, 2026 remain under the old fee system, even if permission is granted on or after October 1, 2026.
Applications accepted on or after October 1, 2026 are subject to the revised fee system if permission is granted.
| Application timing | Permission timing | Fee system |
|---|---|---|
| Accepted by Sept. 30, 2026 | Before or after Oct. 1, 2026 | Old fee |
| Accepted on or after Oct. 1, 2026 | On or after Oct. 1, 2026 | New fee |
Applicants who are already eligible and whose documents are ready may want to check whether they can file before October 1, 2026. However, filing early without proper preparation is not advisable.
8. Fee reduction or exemption measures
The revised law allows fee reduction or exemption in certain cases where there are economic difficulties or other special reasons specified by Cabinet Order.
For change of status or renewal where a period of stay of more than 3 months is granted, the fee may be reduced to 10,000 yen if the applicant falls within an eligible reduction category.
For permanent residence, a reduction measure may also be available for eligible persons, with the amount reduced to 20,000 yen.
Important: Online applications do not support the reduction measure
If you submit documents to prove that you are eligible for a fee reduction, you must file the residence application at the immigration counter. The online residence application system does not support the reduction measure.
These measures are not automatic. Applicants should check the latest official guidance and confirm whether they actually fall within the reduction or exemption category before deciding how to apply.
9. Administrative scrivener’s perspective: what applicants should not misunderstand
From an administrative scrivener’s perspective, this fee revision may create several misunderstandings.
Misunderstanding 1
“If I submit something before October 1, I will always avoid the new fee.” The important point is whether the application is properly accepted before that date.
Misunderstanding 2
“I should file a permanent residence application quickly.” Timing matters, but eligibility and document quality matter more.
Misunderstanding 3
“Online application has no extra cost.” Online immigration fees may be lower, but a payment processing fee is required.
Misunderstanding 4
“Any payment email is official.” Payment guidance for online applications should come only from no-reply@service-dgft.com.
Misunderstanding 5
“Online application is always better.” If you need to use a reduction measure, online application is not available for that reduction measure.
Misunderstanding 6
“The fee is the only cost.” Translation, document collection, professional support, postage, and company-side administrative costs may also exist.
10. What foreign residents should do now
If you may need to file an immigration application around October 2026, you should not wait until the last minute.
- Check your current period of stay and expiration date.
- Check whether your application can be accepted before October 1, 2026.
- Confirm whether renewal, change of status, or permanent residence is the correct procedure.
- Prepare documents early, especially tax, pension, health insurance, income, company, and family documents.
- Do not file a weak permanent residence application only to avoid the higher fee.
- Consider whether online application is available and appropriate.
- If you use online application, calculate the total amount including the payment processing fee.
- Check that payment guidance emails come only from no-reply@service-dgft.com.
- If you need a reduction measure, confirm whether you must file at the counter.
- If your employer supports the application, clarify who will pay the government fee and related costs.
- If applying as a family, calculate the total cost for all applicants.
11. Special note for employers and business owners
Employers and business owners supporting foreign staff should also review internal rules.
For example:
- Will the company pay the government fee, or will the employee pay?
- Will the company pay the online payment processing fee?
- Will the company encourage online applications where possible?
- How will the company budget for multiple renewals?
- Will the company review renewal timing earlier than before?
- Who will manage document collection and deadline control?
- How will the company confirm whether a payment email is genuine?
The fee increase may not be a major issue for one person, but it can become a large cost for companies employing many foreign nationals.
Conclusion
Japan’s immigration permission fees will increase from October 1, 2026. The change affects change of status, extension of period of stay, and permanent residence permission.
For change and renewal applications, the new fee system is based on the period of stay granted. For online applications, a separate payment processing fee is also required.
For permanent residence, the fee increase is especially large: from 10,000 yen to 200,000 yen.
The fee revision reflects broader immigration policy changes, including the need to strengthen immigration and residence management systems and promote proper acceptance and coexistence policies.
However, applicants should not focus only on the fee. The more important question is whether the application is ready and whether the documents properly support the case.
If your renewal, change of status, or permanent residence application may be affected by the October 2026 change, it is advisable to check your timing, documents, filing method, and payment method early.
IMMIGRATION SUPPORT
Need help checking your visa renewal, change of status, or permanent residence application?
Trust Administrative Scrivener Office supports foreign residents and entrepreneurs with visa renewals, change of status, permanent residence applications, Business Manager Visa, Startup Visa, and other immigration procedures in Japan.
We do not provide individual case judgments by free email, LINE, or contact form messages.
If you need advice for your specific immigration situation, please book a paid consultation.
Trust Administrative Scrivener Office
Based in Kitakyushu, Fukuoka, we support foreign residents and entrepreneurs with visa, residence status, business setup planning, and official procedures in Japan.
Official sources
- Immigration Services Agency of Japan: Revision of residence permission fees effective October 1, 2026 — confirmed on August 28, 2026
- Immigration Services Agency of Japan: Online application fee amounts and payment method from October 1, 2026 — confirmed on August 28, 2026
- Immigration Services Agency of Japan: Q&A on the October 2026 fee revision — confirmed on August 28, 2026
- Immigration Services Agency of Japan: Fee reduction or exemption measures from October 1, 2026 — confirmed on August 28, 2026
- Immigration Services Agency of Japan: 2026 Immigration Act amendments — confirmed on August 28, 2026
This article is based on information available as of August 28, 2026. Immigration fees, payment methods, reduction measures, and administrative practice may change. Please check the latest official information before applying.
