Japan is replacing its flat immigration fee structure with a tiered system based on visa length. A draft cabinet ordinance open for public comment until August 2, 2026 sets out the proposed amounts. If confirmed, the new fees take effect on October 1, 2026.
Japan’s Immigration Control Act was amended in March 2026 to raise the legal ceiling on application fees. A separate cabinet ordinance, currently in public comment, sets the specific amounts. The current flat ¥6,000 renewal fee will be replaced by a tiered system, and the permanent residency application fee will rise twentyfold.
The new fee structure
Visa renewal and status change
| Visa period | Current fee | Expected from Oct 1, 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 3 months | ¥6,000 | ~¥10,000 |
| 1 year | ¥6,000 | ~¥20,000–¥30,000 |
| 5 years | ¥6,000 | ~¥70,000 |
Permanent residency
The application fee for permanent residency (永住許可, eijuu kyoka) will rise from ¥10,000 to approximately ¥200,000. The Immigration Control Act was amended in March 2026 to raise the legal ceiling to ¥300,000. The final amount will be confirmed in the cabinet ordinance.
Who this affects
The new fees apply to applications submitted on or after October 1, 2026. If you apply before that date, you pay the current fee regardless of when the decision comes through. Every household member must renew separately, so families with multiple people on limited-period visas will see a significant jump in total costs.
What to do now
- If you apply before October 1, 2026: Nothing changes. The current ¥6,000 fee applies to your renewal.
- If you apply on or after October 1, 2026: Budget for the higher fee based on your visa length. For a one-year visa, expect approximately ¥20,000–¥30,000. For a five-year visa, approximately ¥70,000.
- If you are close to qualifying for permanent residency: Processing times currently exceed one year in Tokyo. Applying now does not guarantee approval before the fee changes. For advice specific to your situation, consult a licensed immigration lawyer (行政書士 or 弁護士).
- If you want to submit a public comment: The draft ordinance is open until August 2, 2026. Comments can be submitted via the e-Gov public comment portal (Japanese only).
These are proposed amounts
Japanese terms in this guide
| Japanese | Reading | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 永住許可 | eijuu kyoka | Permanent residency permission. Allows you to live and work in Japan indefinitely without regular visa renewals. |
| 行政書士 | gyousei shoshi | Administrative solicitor. A licensed professional who can handle immigration applications on your behalf. |
| 弁護士 | bengoshi | Lawyer. A licensed attorney who can advise on immigration law, appeals, and complex residency situations. |
Sources
- ISA — 在留期間更新許可申請 (Extension of Period of Stay) — Current fee structure and application procedures (Japanese only — content verified July 2026)
- GaijinPot — Japan Visa Fees Are Rising in 2026 — Fee tier breakdown and policy context
- e-Gov パブリック・コメント — Official portal for submitting public comments on draft ordinances (Japanese only)
Published July 2026. Fee amounts listed are proposed figures from the public comment period. Japan Simplified will update this post once the cabinet ordinance is finalized after August 2, 2026.
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