Effective Oct 1, 2026 | Fees set by period of stay granted; online applications switch to cashless payment
On October 1, 2026, the amended Cabinet Order under the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act takes effect, revising the fees for permission to change status of residence, permission to extend the period of stay, and permission for permanent residence. The key change: for change-of-status and extension permissions, the fee is set according to the category of the period of stay granted. Previously there was no split by length of stay; from October 1 the amount you pay depends on the period you are granted. A reduction and waiver scheme is also introduced. Article 67(3) of the amended Act allows the fee to be reduced or waived for persons specified by Cabinet Order who face economic hardship or other special circumstances. Those persons are listed in Article 25(2) of the amended Cabinet Order, and the Immigration Services Agency has published a guideline describing the cases that may qualify for a reduction. The Enforcement Regulations were amended as well: for applications filed through the Online Residence Application System, the fee is paid via an operator designated by the Commissioner of the Immigration Services Agency — that is, by convenience-store payment or bank payment instead of revenue stamps. Internet banking makes it fully cashless. Applications filed at a counter continue to be paid with revenue stamps.
Extending a period of stay is a procedure most foreign residents go through every few years. From October 1, the amount depends on the period of stay actually granted, so what you paid last time is no longer a reliable guide. Always check the amount printed on the postcard you receive. If you apply at a counter, you still pay with revenue stamps — but because the amount varies by period, the denomination you used before may no longer fit. Shops inside immigration offices and convenience stores hold limited stock, and stamps can only be bought with cash. If you cannot obtain the right stamps that day, you may not be able to collect your permission. Applying online removes revenue stamps entirely: you pay at a convenience store or by bank transfer, and internet banking makes it cashless. The harder it is for you to visit a post office or immigration office on a weekday, the more the online route is worth setting up. For students and dependents with limited income, the practical question is whether the reduction or waiver applies. Check the published guideline to see whether your situation may qualify.
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 (Revision of residence permit fees effective October 1, 2026)This article was edited and written by freegent Inc. based on the source above.