Japan to Raise Residency Permit Fees by 1,150% in 2026

Japan will implement a significant increase in fees for foreign nationals seeking to extend or change their residency status, effective October 2026. The new fee structure, adopted under a government ordinance, will raise the current flat fee of ¥6,000 (approximately $37.62) to varying amounts based on the duration of residency.

Fees will range from ¥10,000 for up to three months to ¥75,000 for five years or more. Notably, the fee for permanent residency will surge from ¥10,000 to ¥200,000, marking a 20-fold increase.

The revised Immigration Control and Refugee Act, enacted in May, allows the government to charge up to ¥300,000 for permanent residency, although specific amounts have been set. The Japan Immigration Services Agency has expanded conditions for reduced fees, now including sole caregivers of Japanese nationals and cases where denying residency would be inhumane.

These changes will significantly impact the financial burden on foreign residents, particularly those seeking long-term or permanent status.