Starting October 1, 2026, Japan's Immigration Services Agency will implement a revised fee structure for residence permit procedures, including changes of status and period extensions that international students and university researchers frequently undergo. Under the updated regulations, fee amounts will vary based on the duration of stay granted, with lower processing costs assigned to online filings compared to counter applications. If an application is submitted on or before September 30, 2026, the existing pre-revision fee rates will apply even if official approval is issued on or after October 1.
What are the revised residence permit fees taking effect in Japan in 2026?
The Japanese government has enacted revisions to the Order for Enforcement of the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act, which officially take effect on October 1, 2026. These updates alter the costs associated with permission for change of status of residence, permission for extension of period of stay, and permission for permanent residence. Detailed administrative guidelines and official announcements can be reviewed directly on the Immigration Services Agency Website.
Under this updated framework, the fee required upon approval depends on the period of stay granted by immigration authorities. The government established these revised rates by assessing actual examination expenses, broader costs related to fair immigration administration, fee standards in other countries, and the need to adjust flexibly for future inflation.
How do the 2026 fee changes affect international graduate students and research scholars?
International students moving from research student (kenkyusei) status into master's or doctoral degree programs must apply for a change of status of residence or an extension of stay. Under the 2026 fee schedule, the amount payable correlates directly with the approved period of stay. Additional background on these policy decisions is outlined in the Immigration Services Agency Q&A.
Key aspects of the fee structure include:
- Stay duration scaling: The fee varies according to the length of the approved stay. Because the administrative benefit derived from immigration policy differs by duration, longer periods carry specific fee assignments.
- Lower cost per year for longer stays: Individuals granted longer residence periods (such as 5 years) pay a lower amount per year compared to those granted shorter periods (such as 1 year). This reflects good residence history and administrative evaluation.
- Online discount: Fees for applications processed through the Residence Application Online System are set lower than those submitted in person at local immigration counters to reduce office congestion.
Because individual visa outcomes depend on official immigration assessments, readers should confirm specific eligibility and procedural rules directly with official immigration sources.
Which fee rate applies if an application is submitted before October 1, 2026?
Timing is critical when preparing visa paperwork ahead of academic terms. For any application accepted by immigration authorities on or before September 30, 2026, the applicant will pay the pre-revision fee amount. This rule holds true even if the final permission is granted on or after October 1, 2026.
Conversely, any application submitted on or after October 1, 2026, will be subject to the newly revised fee schedule.
How do payment methods differ between online and counter applications?
Along with the updated fee amounts, payment collection methods are changing depending on how you file your application. Complete system procedural updates can be examined on the Naha District Immigration Office Notice.
Online filings
When applying via the Residence Application Online System, fees can no longer be paid using traditional revenue stamps (shuunyu inshi). Instead, payments are processed through an entity designated by the Commissioner of the Immigration Services Agency. Applicants must pay using:
- Convenience store payment systems
- Bank transfer systems (including cashless internet banking)
Counter filings
For applications submitted directly at physical immigration counters, revenue stamps remain the required payment method. Applicants must observe the following rules:
- Revenue stamps must be purchased in cash.
- Buy stamps beforehand at larger post offices in the exact denomination indicated on the notification postcard sent by immigration, as on-site stores may have limited stock.
- Use the smallest total number of stamps necessary to equal the required fee.
Who qualifies for residence permit fee reductions or exemptions?
Under revised Article 67, Paragraph 3 of the Immigration Control Act, fee reductions or full exemptions may be granted to individuals facing severe economic hardship or requiring special consideration. To qualify for a reduction, an applicant must satisfy both of the following conditions simultaneously:
- Financial distress: The applicant must be living in economic distress equivalent to a person requiring protection under the Public Assistance Act (categorized into 4 specific financial types in official guidelines).
- Humanitarian consideration: The applicant must require special consideration on humanitarian grounds (categorized into 12 specific types, such as recognized refugees, protection recipients, or victims of human trafficking).
Meeting only one criterion is insufficient. Furthermore, low income alone does not automatically qualify a person for a reduction, because visa holders are generally expected to possess sufficient financial means to maintain their stay in Japan.
For applicants who qualify under both criteria, the reduced fees are capped as follows:
- Change of status or extension of stay (over 3 months): Fee reduced down to 10,000 yen.
- Permanent residence: Fee reduced down to 20,000 yen.
How will the additional fee revenue be utilized by the government?
Revenue generated from the increased fee caps will be directed toward improving immigration management and support services. Specific initiatives include:
- Digital transformation (DX) in immigration administration using advanced digital technologies.
- Implementation of the "Zero Illegal Residents Plan" to maintain public security.
- Rapid protection and support frameworks for recognized refugees.
- Educational programs designed to help foreign residents learn the Japanese language, societal rules, and local systems.
Finding a place to stay
Securing housing is a vital step when preparing for graduate school or research programs in Japan. International students should arrange their initial accommodation after obtaining their visa or Certificate of Eligibility (COE) and before arriving in Tokyo. Having a flexible temporary residence allows you to settle in while handling university registration and administrative procedures. OHAYO Stay offers furnished monthly apartments and rooms in Tokyo. Their monthly price includes electricity, gas, water and Wi-Fi. Booking is simple and completed online with a passport or ID and a credit card, with no guarantor, no key money and no agency fee required.
FAQ
When do the new residence permit fee rules take effect in Japan?
The revised fee structure and updated payment rules officially take effect on October 1, 2026. Applications submitted on or before September 30, 2026, remain subject to the older fee schedule.
Are online immigration applications cheaper than filing at an immigration counter?
Yes, fees for online applications submitted through the Residence Application Online System are set lower than counter applications to encourage digital processing and relieve counter congestion.
Can international students automatically receive a fee reduction due to low income?
No. Financial hardship alone is not enough. To receive a fee reduction, an applicant must be in severe financial distress equivalent to public assistance standards AND require humanitarian consideration under specific recognized categories.
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関するQ&A | 出入国在留管理庁」(checked 2026-10-22)
- 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 2026-10-22)
- 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 2026-10-22)
- 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 2026-10-22)
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.