From October 1, 2026 — ¥10,000 for change/extension, ¥20,000 for permanent residency
Under the revised Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act, fees for a change of status of residence, an extension of period of stay, or permission for permanent residence can be reduced or waived for people who, due to financial hardship or other special reasons, are recognized by cabinet order as warranting such treatment (Article 67, paragraph 3 of the revised Act). The categories of eligible people are set out in Article 25, paragraph 2 of the revised Enforcement Order. The treatment applies to permissions granted on or after October 1, 2026. A reduction may apply to people recognized as living in poverty to a degree comparable to those requiring assistance under the Public Assistance Act, and who need humanitarian consideration. Expected cases are described in the Immigration Services Agency's published guidelines (summary and full text). Reduced fees are ¥10,000 for a change of status, ¥10,000 for an extension of stay, and ¥20,000 for permanent residence. For permanent residence, however, the reduction is limited to spouses, children and similar family members of Japanese nationals, permanent residents or special permanent residents. Waivers are listed individually: changes to Diplomat or Official status, extensions for Official status holders, and changes or extensions for Designated Activities as staff (or household family members) of the Japan office of the Taiwan-Japan Relations Association or the Permanent General Mission of Palestine in Japan.
Extending your period of stay or changing your status of residence is unavoidable if you want to keep living in Japan, and the fee falls due even when income is unstable or a family illness or job loss has strained your budget. From October 1, 2026, people recognized as being in poverty comparable to those needing assistance under the Public Assistance Act, and as requiring humanitarian consideration, may have the fee reduced — to ¥10,000 for a change or extension and ¥20,000 for permanent residence. The practical catch is how you apply. The online residence application system does not support the reduction, so if you submit supporting documents to request one, you must apply in person at a regional immigration office. If you normally renew online, budget time for a counter visit. The Immigration Services Agency will announce later exactly which supporting documents are required, so check its page regularly if your renewal deadline is approaching. Also note that for permanent residence, applicants coming from work-based statuses are not eligible; the reduction is limited to spouses and children of Japanese nationals, permanent residents and special permanent residents.
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 (Reduction or exemption of residence permission fees on or after October 1, 2026)This article was edited and written by freegent Inc. based on the source above.