Japan’s Immigration Services Agency (ISA) has announced a significant revision in fees for several residence-related procedures, effective October 1, 2026. The revised charges will apply to applications for change of status of residence, extension of the period of stay and permanent residence. Want to know the new prices? Read on
Japan To Hike Immigration Fees From October 1
For changes and extensions, the fee will depend on the period of stay actually granted.
Under the new fee structure:
- 3 months or less: ¥10,000 (around ₹5,800) both offline and online.
- More than 3 to 6 months: ¥18,000 (₹10,400) at an Immigration Office and ¥15,000 (₹8,700) online.
- More than 6 months to less than 1 year: ¥25,000 (₹14,500) offline and ¥21,000 (₹12,200) online.
- 1 year: ¥33,000 (₹19,100) offline and ¥27,000 (₹15,700) online.
- More than 1 year to less than 3 years: ¥48,000 (₹27,800) offline and ¥42,000 (₹24,400) online.
- 3 years to less than 5 years: ¥64,000 (₹37,100) offline and ¥56,000 (₹32,500) online.
- 5 years or more: ¥75,000 (₹43,500) offline and ¥65,000 (₹37,700) online.
Currently, applications for changing status or extending a period of stay cost ¥6,000 (~₹3,500) when submitted at an Immigration Office and ¥5,500 (~₹3,200) online. The new rates therefore represent a substantial increase, particularly for those receiving longer residence periods.
The biggest increase is for permanent residence, with the fee rising from ¥10,000 (~₹5,800) to ¥200,000 (~₹1.16 lakh).
What Immigrants Need To Know?
Importantly, the fee will be calculated according to the period of stay actually granted, not the duration requested. For instance, if someone applies for five years but receives a one-year period, they will pay the one-year fee.
Applications Before October 1
Applicants can still benefit from the existing fees if they submit their application on or before September 30, 2026. The old fee will apply even if approval is granted after October 1.
Certain cases involving economic hardship or special circumstances may also qualify for fee reductions or exemptions.
Foreign residents and employers sponsoring overseas employees are advised to factor the higher costs into their immigration budgets and check the latest ISA guidance before applying.
What are your thoughts about the new fee structure?
Cover Image Courtesy: Pexels/Maheshwaran Shanmugam
FAQs
Is Japan still accepting immigrants?
Japan immigration requires a valid visa or entry permit, with recent rules tightening permanent residency and business manager requirements alongside upcoming fee increases.
Is Japan accepting 50,000 Indian immigrants?
Yes, Japan is working to accept 50,000 skilled and semi-skilled Indian workers over a five-year period.
Is it easy for Indians to live in Japan?
Living in Japan as an Indian is moderately challenging rather than easy, though recent visa improvements and growing expat communities make it increasingly manageable for skilled professionals.