Starting October 1, 2026, Japan has updated its fee structure and payment procedures for residence status changes and period of stay extensions. Under the revised regulations, fee amounts depend directly on the length of period granted, replacing the former flat fee. Furthermore, applicants using the online residency system now pay through convenience stores or bank transfers rather than paper revenue stamps.
This guide outlines the updated pricing tiers, available payment systems, and essential rules for international graduate students, research scholars, and academic newcomers in Japan.
How do the 2026 residence permit fee tiers work?
Under the updated regulations detailed by the Immigration Services Agency Fee Revision Notice, the cost to extend a visa or change a status of residence is no longer a standard flat fee of 5,500 yen. Instead, the final cost scales according to the approved duration of stay.
For applications accepted on or after October 1, 2026, the updated schedule combines a base administrative fee with a mandatory settlement charge:
- 3 months or less: 10,000 yen base fee plus 330 yen handling charge (10,330 yen total)
- Over 3 months up to 6 months: 15,000 yen base fee plus 330 yen handling charge (15,330 yen total)
- Over 6 months up to under 1 year: 21,000 yen base fee plus 330 yen handling charge (21,330 yen total)
- 1 year: 27,000 yen base fee plus 330 yen handling charge (27,330 yen total)
- Over 1 year up to under 3 years: 42,000 yen base fee plus 330 yen handling charge (42,330 yen total)
- 3 years up to under 5 years: 56,000 yen base fee plus 550 yen handling charge (56,550 yen total)
- 5 years or more: 65,000 yen base fee plus 550 yen handling charge (65,550 yen total)
For other specific procedures, base prices remain unchanged, though designated online settlement fees apply when processed through the internet system:
- Single Re-entry Permit: 3,500 yen base fee plus 220 yen handling charge (3,720 yen total)
- Multiple Re-entry Permit: 6,500 yen base fee plus 220 yen handling charge (6,720 yen total)
- Certificate of Eligibility for Employment: 1,600 yen base fee plus 220 yen handling charge (1,820 yen total)
Applications accepted on or before September 30, 2026, retain the older 5,500 yen rate even if the official approval occurs after October 1, 2026. Applicants should verify exact rules on the official agency portal as individual circumstances vary.
What payment methods are accepted for online applications?
If you apply through the online immigration system, payment rules have changed significantly. As noted in the Immigration Services Agency Online Fee Notice, online applications submitted on or after October 1, 2026, can no longer be paid using paper revenue stamps.
Instead, online applicants must settle their fees through designated cashless options:
- Convenience Store Payment: Cash or accepted store payment methods at participating convenience stores.
- Bank Payment: Electronic transfers via internet banking or Pay-easy enabled ATMs.
It is critical to note that credit card payments and QR code payments are not supported by the online immigration portal. Furthermore, direct cash payments at bank teller windows cannot be processed.
To guard against fraudulent activities, the agency warns applicants to verify email senders. Legitimate payment notifications with payment links arrive exclusively from `@service-dgft.com`, while selection screens and payment completion confirmations originate from `@veritrans.jp`. Any email requesting fee settlement from a different domain is a scam.
What are the key differences between online and counter applications?
Choosing between filing online or submitting documents in person at a regional immigration bureau involves distinct fee rules and payment methods:
- Online System Applications: Fees are paid exclusively via convenience store or bank electronic options. Revenue stamps are strictly prohibited. Additionally, reduced fee requests cannot be submitted online; applicants seeking fee reductions or exemptions due to financial hardship must apply in person at an immigration office counter.
- In-Person Counter Applications: Cashless payments via online agency services are not available at counter locations. Applicants must purchase traditional paper revenue stamps at major post offices prior to picking up their residence card. The base fee tier amounts match the 2026 revised scale based on granted duration, but no electronic settlement fee is charged.
What step-by-step process should international students follow to pay online?
When extending a student visa or switching status for academic research or employment, follow these operational steps after filing online:
- Receive Screening Completion Notice: Wait for the automated email from the immigration portal confirming that your review is complete.
- Access Payment Link: Check your email inbox for an official message sent from `@service-dgft.com` containing your specific payment link and exact total fee.
- Choose Settlement Channel: Select either convenience store payment or electronic bank payment (Pay-easy or internet banking).
- Complete Transfer Before Card Pickup: Pay the required amount ideally by the day before you pick up your new residence card to ensure smooth processing.
- Retain Confirmation: Save the payment confirmation email sent from `@veritrans.jp`. While presenting proof is usually unnecessary, officials may ask to see it when issuing your card.
If a representative submits multiple applications, each file receives an individual payment link that must be settled separately.
Finding a place to stay
When planning graduate studies, research work, or a university program in Tokyo, arranging accommodation is an essential step following your visa approval or Certificate of Eligibility issuance. Securing housing before arriving in Japan ensures a smooth transition to academic life. Many newcomers choose to stay in a furnished monthly apartment first while getting settled. OHAYO Stay offers furnished monthly apartments and rooms in Tokyo, with most homes having a minimum stay of 30 nights. Finding a home requires no guarantor, no key money, and no agency fee, and booking is completed online with a passport or ID and a credit card. Additionally, the monthly price includes electricity, gas, water, and Wi-Fi, providing clear budgeting for incoming students and scholars.
FAQ
Can I use credit cards to pay for online visa extensions?
No, credit card payments are not supported for online residence status applications. Payments must be completed through convenience stores or electronic bank transfers (Pay-easy or internet banking).
Can I use paper revenue stamps if I apply online after October 1, 2026?
No, revenue stamps cannot be used for online applications accepted on or after October 1, 2026. Online applicants must use convenience store or bank payment methods.
Are cashless payments accepted if I apply in person at the immigration office counter?
No, counter applications cannot use electronic or cashless payment methods. Applicants submitting in person must pay using paper revenue stamps purchased in advance.
Sources
- 出入国在留管理庁「オンライン申請における手数料額及び手数料納付方法について(２０２６年１０月１日以降の申請分のみに適用) | 出入国在留管理庁」(checked 2026-10-14)
- 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 2026-10-14)
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.