Japan is raising its visa renewal fees sharply starting October 1, 2026. The most dramatic change hits permanent residence applications. That cost jumps from 10,000 yen to 200,000 yen, a twenty-fold increase. The new Japan visa renewal fees apply to anyone filing on or after that date, according to details published by VisaJapan.
Visa renewals and changes of status are also getting more expensive. The exact increase depends on how long a stay the applicant is granted.
The new Japan visa renewal fees, category by category
Under the old system, a standard visa renewal or change of status cost 6,000 yen in person, or 5,500 yen online. Starting October 1, a tiered structure replaces that flat fee, based on length of stay. A renewal for three months or less will cost 10,000 yen either way. A one-year renewal will cost 33,000 yen in person, or 27,000 yen online. A renewal of five years or more will cost 75,000 yen in person, or 65,000 yen online. A separate roundup of 2026 visa changes from the Khaleej Times confirms the same tiers.
Online applicants will also pay a separate processing fee of 330 to 550 yen on top of the renewal cost itself.
Why the permanent residence fee stands out
The jump in the permanent residence fee is the sharpest change in the new rules. It rises from 10,000 yen to 200,000 yen. The law sets an upper limit of 300,000 yen, leaving room for a further increase later. Limited fee reductions remain available for applicants who meet specific financial hardship criteria.
Who needs to act before October 1
Anyone who files their application by September 30, 2026, keeps the old, lower fee structure. That holds even if approval arrives after the new rules take effect. The transitional rule gives foreign residents already in Japan a narrow window to lock in current pricing. That matters most for those planning to apply for permanent residence soon.
The change affects all foreign residents renewing visas, changing their status, or applying for permanent residence after the deadline. It does not apply to applications already filed and pending review.
What happens after October 1
Applicants who miss the September 30 cutoff will pay under the new tiered structure, no matter when they originally planned to file. Immigration lawyers and relocation advisers are likely to see a rush of applications in the final days of September. Many residents will try to beat the deadline, particularly for the permanent residence category.
FAQ: Japan’s new fees
When do the new Japan visa renewal fees take effect?
The new fee structure applies to applications filed on or after October 1, 2026. Applications filed by September 30, 2026, keep the old fees.
How much is the new permanent residence fee in Japan?
The permanent residence fee rises from 10,000 yen to 200,000 yen, a twenty-fold increase. The statutory upper limit sits even higher, at 300,000 yen.
How much will a standard visa renewal cost now?
It depends on the length of stay granted. Expect 10,000 yen for three months or less, 33,000 yen in person for one year, and 75,000 yen in person for five years or more. Online rates run slightly lower.
Is there any way to avoid the fee increase?
Filing an application by September 30, 2026, locks in the old fee structure, even if the approval comes after October 1. Limited reductions also exist for applicants who meet financial hardship criteria.
Who is affected by the new fees?
All foreign residents renewing visas, changing status, or applying for permanent residence in Japan after October 1, 2026, will pay under the new structure.
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For more visa policy news, see our coverage of Korea’s university visa restrictions, Australia’s working holiday visa changes, and Brazil’s electronic visa system.
