From applications received Oct 1, 2026 | Fees by permitted period + convenience store or bank payment only
On October 1, 2026, the amended Enforcement Order of the Immigration Control Act takes effect, revising the fees for permission to change status of residence, to extend the period of stay, and for permanent residence. Until now, a change of status and an extension both cost a flat 5,500 yen. After the revision, the amount depends on the length of the period of stay granted. For online applications the fee is 10,000 yen for 3 months or less, 15,000 yen for over 3 up to 6 months, 21,000 yen for over 6 months but under 1 year, 27,000 yen for 1 year, 42,000 yen for over 1 year but under 3 years, 56,000 yen for 3 years to under 5 years, and 65,000 yen for 5 years or more. A settlement fee charged by the designated payment agent is added on top, bringing the total from 10,330 to 65,550 yen. The Enforcement Regulations were amended at the same time, so fees for applications filed through the Online Residence Application System are now paid via an operator designated by the Commissioner of the Immigration Services Agency. Revenue stamps can therefore no longer be used online: payment is by convenience store or bank transfer only, and internet banking makes it fully cashless. Credit cards and QR code payments are not accepted. Re-entry permits (3,500 yen single / 6,500 yen multiple) and the Certificate of Authorized Employment (1,600 yen) keep the same fee but add a 220 yen settlement fee.
The biggest change is cost. What used to be a flat 5,500 yen for a change of status or an extension now starts at 10,330 yen in total online for 3 months or less, rises to 27,330 yen for one year, and reaches 65,550 yen for five years or more — the longer the period granted, the higher the fee. Households renewing for the whole family at once should budget the timing and the total in advance. The payment flow changes too. Instead of buying revenue stamps at a post office or convenience store, you wait for the review-completion email, then follow the payment guidance email and pay at a convenience store or by bank transfer. No paper payment notice is mailed, so missing a Japanese-language email directly delays your payment; check your spam filter settings so the notices reach you. Note also that if you want a fee reduction you cannot file online and must go to the counter, which affects how you plan the application.
From June 2027, mid-to-long-term foreign residents who chronically default on national health insurance or pension premiums and ignore payment guidance will, in principle, be denied residence status renewal or change. Municipal and immigration systems link in FY2026 to reflect arrears automatically.
From April 2027, "Technical Intern Training" abolished, replaced by "Training Employment". 2026 is preparation period. N5 Japanese required, voluntary transfers allowed, can transition to Specified Skilled Worker (i) after 3 years.
Japan opened public comment (Aug 4-Sep 3, 2026) on stricter Permanent Residency guidelines: household income above the Japanese average, pension outlook, B1 Japanese.
Source:
Immigration Services Agency of Japan website (Fees and payment methods for online applications)This article was edited and written by freegent Inc. based on the source above.