Starting October 1, 2026, Japan's Immigration Services Agency (ISA) is implementing a revised administrative fee structure for status of residence applications. Under the updated regulations, fees for changing a status of residence, extending a period of stay, and obtaining permanent residence will be calculated based on the length of the permitted period of stay. For international students, exchange students, and foreign residents in Japan, understanding these revised procedures and payment methods ensures a smooth transition during visa status renewals and changes.
What are the key changes to Japan's residence permit fees starting in 2026?
According to the official announcement by the Immigration Services Agency of Japan, a Cabinet Order amending the Order for Enforcement of the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act takes effect on October 1, 2026. This administrative update introduces fee amounts for residence permission that vary according to the specific period of stay granted in the approval.
The revised fees apply to three primary residence procedures:
- Applications for permission to change status of residence (在留資格の変更の許可)
- Applications for permission to extend the period of stay (在留期間の更新の許可)
- Applications for permanent residence permission (永住許可)
Foreign nationals who submit their application on or after October 1, 2026, and receive approval on or after that date must pay the updated fee amounts. However, an important transition rule applies to earlier submissions: if your application is accepted on or before September 30, 2026, you will pay the pre-revision fee amount, even if the final official permission is granted on or after October 1, 2026. Because specific eligibility criteria and official decisions depend on individual circumstances, applicants should always confirm details directly with official sources.
How will you pay residence fees for online and in-person applications?
Along with the revised fee structure, administrative regulations under the Enforcement Rules of the Immigration Control Act have been updated to change how administrative fees are collected depending on the submission method.
How do online system payments work?
For applications processed through the Online Residence Application System (在留申請オンラインシステム), applicants will no longer pay approval or issuance fees using physical revenue stamps (収入印紙). Instead, fee collection is entrusted to business operators designated by the Commissioner of the Immigration Services Agency.
Under this system, applicants who receive permission through online applications can complete payments using:
- Convenience store payment (コンビニ決済)
- Bank payment (銀行決済)
- Internet banking services, enabling cashless payment options online
How do counter payments work?
If you submit your application directly at a physical immigration office counter, administrative fees will continue to be paid using physical revenue stamps (収入印紙). Because the required fee amount under the revised rules varies according to the permitted period of stay, applicants must acquire revenue stamps matching the precise amount required for their approved period.
Local immigration administrative offices, as well as the small shops or convenience stores inside their premises, maintain limited stocks of revenue stamps. The ISA strongly requests that applicants purchase the necessary revenue stamps in advance from larger post offices after receiving their official notification postcard.
Key administrative points for purchasing revenue stamps include:
- Revenue stamps must be purchased strictly with cash (現金のみ).
- Applicants should purchase stamps in denomination combinations that result in the minimum number of total stamps.
- The precise amount required will be stated on the postcard sent by the immigration office after evaluation.
Are fee reductions or exemptions available for students facing financial hardship?
Under Article 67, Paragraph 3 of the amended Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act, and Article 25, Paragraph 2 of the amended Enforcement Order, provisions exist for fee reductions or complete fee exemptions. These measures apply to individuals who encounter severe economic difficulty (経済的困難) or other special circumstances that make standard fee payments inappropriate.
The ISA provides specific guidelines outlining eligible cases for fee reductions or exemptions on its dedicated official portal. International students experiencing financial hardship can review these guidelines to determine whether their situation meets the legal standards set by cabinet orders.
What steps should students take when preparing for visa and status changes?
International students planning status changes—such as transitioning from exchange student status to long-term study, job seeking, or employment—should prepare their administrative steps well ahead of schedule. Official informative posters and leaflets explaining the 2026 fee revisions are published by the ISA in both Japanese and English. These materials can be downloaded from the ISA website or viewed at local immigration offices across Japan.
Because immigration procedures involve strict regulatory requirements and legal standards, students should review official guidance documents carefully and consult the official ISA portal for any specific legal or procedural inquiries.
Finding a place to stay
When preparing to move to Japan for university exchange programs or higher education, arranging suitable housing is an essential step once your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) or visa approval is in progress. Securing accommodation before arriving in Tokyo allows international students to focus on academic registration and local residence procedures without immediate housing stress. OHAYO Stay offers furnished monthly apartments and rooms in Tokyo. Most homes have a minimum stay of 30 nights (shown on each listing). Booking is online with a passport or ID and a credit card. Having a fully furnished apartment ready upon arrival simplifies your initial transition, giving you a comfortable base while you settle into your study program in Japan.