Japan Residence Fee Increase 2026: Up to ¥75,000 for Renewals

Residence fees in Japan rose on 1 October 2026. Changes and renewals of a status of residence now cost between ¥10,000 and ¥75,000 depending on the period of stay, up from a flat ¥6,000. Permanent residence permission rises from ¥10,000 to ¥200,000.

Companies employing foreign staff, and executives living in Japan on a Business Manager visa, will pay different amounts at each renewal. This article explains what changed, which applications the new fees apply to, and what companies should prepare.

What changed in residence fees

In May 2026, the revised Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act was enacted. The Act sets the ceiling for fees: ¥100,000 for residence-related procedures and ¥300,000 for permanent residence.

The actual amounts are set by cabinet order. On 25 August 2026, the government approved a cabinet order setting the revised amounts. The new fees take effect in October.

Changes and renewals are no longer a flat fee. They are now divided into categories based on the period of stay. For the amount in each period, and for any differences between filing methods (counter or online), check the guidance from the Immigration Services Agency (ISA). This article only lists amounts we were able to confirm.

The ceiling and the actual fee are different

The ¥100,000 and ¥300,000 figures in the Act are ceilings. They are not the amounts you pay. Some articles and social media posts cite ¥300,000, but the actual fee for permanent residence permission is ¥200,000. Keep this distinction in mind when quoting figures.

Which applications the new fees apply to

The new fees take effect on 1 October 2026. They apply to applications received on or after that date.

The deciding date is neither the date of permission nor the date the application form was prepared. It is the date the application is received.

• Applications received by 30 September 2026 are subject to the old fee, even if permission is granted on or after 1 October.
• Applications received on or after 1 October 2026 are subject to the new fee.
• The date that counts is the date the Immigration Bureau receives the application, not the date the form was completed.

If it is unclear how a particular case is treated, the most reliable step is to check with the regional Regional Immigration Bureau where you are filing.

Impact on company operations

Budgeting for renewal costs for foreign staff

The previous ¥6,000 was a small cost for most companies. Under the new system, the amount per application depends on the period of stay granted. For companies with many foreign employees, the annual total may become significant.

The following steps will help you prepare before renewal dates arrive.

1. List the status-of-residence expiry dates for foreign employees and executives.
2. Set a schedule to begin renewal preparations with enough lead time.
3. Decide in internal policy whether the company or the employee pays the fee.
4. If family members are included in applications, estimate their fees as well.

Accounting and tax treatment of fees paid by the company depend on the company’s circumstances. Consult a certified tax accountant.

Renewals and permanent residence for Business Manager visa holders

Renewals of a Business Manager visa will also incur the new fees. Renewals may require documents showing that the business is continuing. A rejection or resubmission caused by missing documents is usually a bigger burden in time and cost than the increase in fees. For detailed preparation, see our article on renewing a Business Manager visa.

The fee for permanent residence permission has risen sharply. Requirements and the review approach are explained in permanent residence requirements and key review points. Because the fee is now higher, it is important to confirm that you meet the requirements before filing.

Hiring and status change planning

When hiring a foreign national, also confirm the type of status of residence and the procedural flow. Requirements for work visas are covered in hiring foreign employees and work visas, and the process for changing status is explained in applying for a change of status of residence. The new fees also apply to change-of-status applications.

What to check before filing

Details of the fee rules may be updated through ISA guidance over time. Before filing, check the following.

• Whether your planned filing date is before or after 1 October 2026.
• The fee category and amount for the period of stay you expect to be granted.
• The payment method and timing, which may vary depending on the filing method.
• Whether you may be eligible for a reduction or exemption.
• Whether each procedure for family members requires a separate fee.

Reduction and exemption systems are available for applicants in special circumstances, such as financial hardship. The ISA has published guidance on how these apply from 1 October 2026. If you think you may qualify, check before filing.

The fee depends on the period of stay granted. However, you cannot choose a period of stay based on fees alone. The period of stay is decided through the review process. Rather than aiming for a longer period, the basics are to file on time and submit complete documents.

How to confirm the latest information

Fee guidance may be updated after publication. Use the following order to avoid errors.

1. Open the latest notice on fee revisions on the Immigration Services Agency website.
2. Also check the guidance on reductions and exemptions on the same site.
3. Compare any news reports or commentary against the official guidance on amounts.
4. Contact the regional Regional Immigration Bureau where you are filing if anything is unclear.

Common misunderstandings

• “All procedures will cost ¥300,000.” This is incorrect. ¥300,000 is the statutory ceiling for permanent residence. The actual fee is ¥200,000.
• “Changes and renewals all rise by the same amount.” This is incorrect. Fees are now divided by period of stay.
• “If permission is granted on or after 1 October, the new fee applies.” This is incorrect. The deciding date is the receipt date. Applications received by 30 September 2026 are subject to the old fee, even if permission comes after October.
• “All fees are paid the same way at filing.” Check this. Payment methods and timing may differ by procedure.

Summary: how TIMOA can help

Residence fees rose for applications received on or after 1 October 2026. Changes and renewals cost ¥10,000 to ¥75,000, and permanent residence permission costs ¥200,000. Companies should start by listing expiry dates for their staff and budgeting for the costs.

TIMOA works with partner administrative scriveners to support renewals and status changes. We can help organize expiry dates for foreign employees, review application documents, and plan filing schedules. For visa, talent, and settling-in services in general, see our visa, talent and life services page. The amounts in this article are based on press reports and ISA guidance. Always check the latest ISA guidance before filing.