Since October 1, 2026, the fee to renew or change your status of residence in Japan depends on how long a period of stay you are granted. It ranges from ¥10,000 for up to three months to ¥75,000 for five years at an immigration counter, with cheaper rates for most online applications. The old flat fee of ¥6,000 still applies to applications accepted on or before September 30, 2026, even if the decision came later. Permanent residence now costs ¥200,000.
For decades, foreign residents in Japan paid the same small fee every time they renewed their visa, no matter how long the new period of stay was. That changed on October 1, 2026, when a revised immigration law and Cabinet order introduced a sliding scale. For a family renewing several visas at once, or a worker hoping for a five-year permission, the difference is significant. This guide explains the new Japan visa renewal fee table, who pays what, how to save money by applying online, and how to budget for your next renewal.
Why Japan raised residence fees in 2026
The government says the higher fees are meant to cover the rising cost of immigration administration as the number of foreign residents reaches record levels. The Diet passed the revised Immigration Control Act in May 2026, the Cabinet adopted the detailed fee order on August 25, 2026, and the new amounts took effect on October 1, 2026. The Immigration Services Agency (ISA) published the final schedule in an official notice.
The new structure ties the fee to the length of the permission you receive. A one-year renewal costs less than a five-year one, so the fee now reflects how long the government is allowing you to stay. Importantly, the fee is paid when your application is approved, not when you submit it, so you pay for the period of stay you actually receive.
The new fee table for renewals and changes of status
The same fee schedule applies to an Extension of Period of Stay (renewal) and a Change of Status of Residence, such as switching from Student to a work visa.
| Period of stay granted | Fee at an immigration counter | Fee when applying online |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 3 months | ¥10,000 | ¥10,000 |
| Over 3 months, up to 6 months | ¥18,000 | ¥15,000 |
| Over 6 months, under 1 year | ¥25,000 | ¥21,000 |
| 1 year | ¥33,000 | ¥27,000 |
| Over 1 year, under 3 years | ¥48,000 | ¥42,000 |
| 3 years to under 5 years | ¥64,000 | ¥56,000 |
| 5 years or more | ¥75,000 | ¥65,000 |
Most work visas, spouse visas and student visas are granted for one, three or five years, so in practice most people will pay ¥33,000, ¥64,000 or ¥75,000 at the counter. First-time applicants and people with a short history in Japan are often given one year, while those with a stable record more commonly receive three or five years.
Permanent residence now costs ¥200,000
The largest increase is for permanent residence. The fee rose from ¥10,000 to ¥200,000, a twentyfold jump, and permanent residence applications can only be filed in person. Combined with stricter screening of income, pension payments and tax records, this makes it more important than ever to prepare a strong application before you apply. You can read more in our guide to permanent residency requirements.
The September 30 rule: which fee do you pay?
The fee you pay depends on the date your application was accepted, not the date it was approved. If immigration accepted your renewal or change of status application on or before September 30, 2026, you pay the old ¥6,000 fee even if your new residence card is issued in November. Applications accepted on or after October 1, 2026 fall under the new schedule.
This also means there is no advantage in waiting. You can normally apply for a renewal up to three months before your current period of stay expires, and applying early does not change the fee band you fall into.
Which period of stay are you likely to get?
Because the fee now depends on the length of permission, many residents want to know which band they will fall into. Immigration does not publish a formula, but the general pattern is well known. People renewing for the first time, those who recently changed jobs, and those whose company is small or newly established are often granted one year. Residents with a stable job, a clean tax and pension record, and several years in Japan more commonly receive three or five years.
You can request a specific period on the application form, but the final decision belongs to immigration. If you receive a shorter period than you asked for, you only pay the fee for the period actually granted. Over time, keeping your records in order not only improves your chances of a longer permission, it also reduces how often you need to renew and pay the fee again, which can save a significant amount of money across several years.
How to save money by applying online
The online residence application system lets you file renewals and changes of status from your own computer or smartphone. Under the new schedule, online applications are cheaper for every band except the shortest. On a five-year renewal, the online fee is ¥10,000 lower than at the counter, which adds up quickly for a family.
To apply online yourself, you generally need a My Number Card with its electronic certificate active, a smartphone or card reader that can read it, and digital copies of your documents. Employers and registered immigration lawyers can also file on your behalf. If you do not yet have a My Number Card, our upcoming guide explains how to get one.
How much a family should budget
Fees are charged per person, including children, so families feel the increase most. The table below shows sample costs at the counter.
| Household | Period of stay | Old total (flat ¥6,000) | New total at counter |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single worker | 1 year | ¥6,000 | ¥33,000 |
| Single worker | 5 years | ¥6,000 | ¥75,000 |
| Couple, both on 3-year visas | 3 years | ¥12,000 | ¥128,000 |
| Couple and two children | 1 year each | ¥24,000 | ¥132,000 |
Some companies cover visa costs for employees, so it is worth asking your HR department whether the new fees will be reimbursed, especially for family members on Dependent status.
How the renewal process works
The process itself has not changed. You submit an application to your regional immigration bureau, or online, with your passport, residence card, a photo and supporting documents such as an employment certificate and proof of tax payment. While your application is being reviewed, you may stay in Japan legally until the decision, or for up to two months after your old expiry date, as long as you applied before it expired.
When the decision is ready, you receive a postcard or notification. You then pay the fee by revenue stamp (or electronically for online applications) and collect your new residence card. If you are a student moving into work, our student-to-work visa guide explains the timeline in detail.
Tips to avoid problems
Pay your residence tax, national health insurance and pension contributions on time. Immigration checks these records closely, and unpaid amounts can lead to a shorter period of stay, which now also changes the fee you pay. Keep copies of your tax certificates, and apply well before your card expires so you are not rushed. If your situation is complicated, such as a recent job change or a period of unemployment, consider consulting a licensed immigration lawyer (gyōseishoshi).
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Japan visa renewal cost in 2026?
From ¥10,000 to ¥75,000 at a counter, depending on the period of stay granted. A one-year renewal costs ¥33,000 at the counter or ¥27,000 online.
When did the new visa fees start?
For applications accepted on or after October 1, 2026.
I applied in September. Do I pay the new fee?
No. If immigration accepted your application on or before September 30, 2026, you pay the old ¥6,000 fee.
Do children pay the same fee?
Yes. Fees are charged per applicant, including children.
Is it cheaper to apply online?
Yes, for every period of stay longer than three months. The saving is up to ¥10,000 per application.
How much is the permanent residence fee now?
¥200,000, and permanent residence applications must be filed in person.
Source: Immigration Services Agency – Revised fees from October 1, 2026 (PDF). This article is general information, not legal advice.