What Changed on October 1, 2026?
Starting October 1, 2026, Japan's Immigration Services Agency has implemented a revised fee structure for key residence procedures. This update affects how much you pay for changing your status of residence, extending your period of stay, and applying for permanent residency. Additionally, the way you pay these fees has been updated, introducing new digital payment methods for online applications while keeping traditional methods for in-person visits.
For international students, exchange students, and recent graduates transitioning to job-hunting or work visas, these changes are highly relevant. When you first arrive in Japan to start your academic or professional journey, staying in a furnished monthly apartment is a convenient way to establish a comfortable home base. From there, you can easily manage your studies, job search, and these updated immigration procedures.
Understanding the New Fee Structure and Transition Rules
Under the revised regulations, the cost for changing your status of residence or extending your stay is now determined by the specific period of stay that immigration grants you.
If you are worried about which rate applies to your ongoing application, the Immigration Services Agency has established a clear transition rule:
- Applications submitted on or before September 30, 2026: You will pay the old fee rate. This remains true even if your application is approved on or after October 1, 2026.
- Applications submitted on or after October 1, 2026: You will be subject to the newly revised fee rates once your permission is granted.
Online vs. In-Person: How to Pay Your Fees
The method you use to pay your immigration fees now depends entirely on how you submit your application.
Paying for Online Applications
If you use the online residence application system, you can no longer pay using physical revenue stamps. Instead, the payment process has been outsourced to designated operators. You must pay your fees using one of the following methods:
- Convenience store payment
- Bank payment (including internet banking, which allows for a fully cashless transaction)
Paying for In-Person Applications
If you choose to submit your application in person at an immigration office counter, you must still pay using physical revenue stamps (収入印紙).
- Where to buy stamps: Because the revised fees vary depending on the period of stay you are granted, you will need specific stamp denominations. The shops and convenience stores located inside local immigration offices have limited stock. Therefore, the agency strongly recommends purchasing the exact amount of revenue stamps at a large post office before arriving at the immigration office.
- Payment method: Revenue stamps can only be purchased with cash.
- Stamp combination: The agency asks applicants to cooperate by purchasing the minimum number of stamps required to reach the total fee amount.
Fee Reductions for Economic Hardship
The revised laws also include provisions to help individuals facing severe financial difficulties. If you meet specific criteria, you may qualify for a reduced fee.
Reduced Fee Rates
- Status of Residence Change: 10,000 yen
- Period of Stay Extension: 10,000 yen
- Permanent Residency: 20,000 yen (Note: For permanent residency, this reduction is strictly limited to spouses or children of Japanese nationals, permanent residents, or special permanent residents).
*Note: If you receive a specific residence card, an additional fee for the card issuance may apply.*
How to Apply for a Reduction
To qualify for these reduced rates, you must prove that you are experiencing financial hardship comparable to those receiving public assistance, or that you require humanitarian consideration. You must submit supporting documents along with your application, which may include:
- Certificates of public assistance
- Tax certificates showing your income or non-taxable status for the past year
- Copies of your bankbook or similar financial records
Crucial Online Limitation
It is very important to note that the online residence application system does not support fee reductions. If you need to apply for a fee reduction and submit the required supporting documents, you must complete your application in person at an immigration office window.
Next Steps for Students and Job Hunters
As an international student or graduate in Japan, you will likely interact with these rules when changing your status from "Student" to "Designated Activities" for job hunting, or to a work visa like "Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services" once you secure a job.
Because immigration rules can be complex and individual circumstances vary, we do not provide visa eligibility judgments or individual legal advice. We highly recommend that you review the official guidelines and confirm your specific situation directly with the Immigration Services Agency. Keeping these updates in mind will ensure a smooth transition as you build your career in Japan.
Sources
- 出入国在留管理庁「令和８年１０月１日付け在留許可手数料の額の改定等について | 出入国在留管理庁」(checked 2026-10-05)
- 出入国在留管理庁「令和８年１０月１日付け在留許可手数料の額の改定等について | 出入国在留管理庁」(checked 2026-10-05)
- 出入国在留管理庁「令和８年１０月１日付け在留許可手数料の額の改定等について | 出入国在留管理庁」(checked 2026-10-05)
- 出入国在留管理庁「令和８年１０月１日以降における在留許可手数料の減額措置又は免除措置について | 出入国在留管理庁」(checked 2026-10-05)
This article was created by OHAYO Stay based on the sources above (edited, reorganized and translated). It is not an official publication.
Rules and dates can change. Always confirm with the official source before you apply.