Japan to Raise Residence Permit Fees From October 1; PR Application to Cost JPY 200,000

Foreign nationals in Japan, including thousands of Indians working, studying, and living there, will soon pay much higher immigration fees. The Immigration Services Agency (ISA) has confirmed a revised residence permit fee structure that is expected to take effect on October 1, 2026.

The biggest change is the end of the current flat-fee system. Instead, applicants will pay based on the length of residence permission they receive, while permanent residence applications will see an exceptionally steep increase.

Residence Permit Fees to Depend on Stay Duration

Anyone applying to change their residence status or extend their stay after October 1 will pay according to the approved period of stay. For applications submitted in person:

• Up to 3 months: JPY 10,000
• Up to 5 years or more: Up to JPY 75,000

Until now, applicants paid a flat JPY 6,000, regardless of the approved duration.

Online applications will also become more expensive, but remain cheaper than paper applications for permits longer than three months.

• Online fees will range from JPY 10,000 to JPY 65,000
• The current online fee is JPY 5,500

Permanent Residence Fee Sees Sharpest Increase

The most expensive change affects applicants for permanent residency.

Those filing a permanent residence application in person will pay JPY 200,000, compared with the current JPY 10,000. That is a twenty-fold increase and easily the largest revision in the new schedule.

This reflects a wider trend among immigration authorities worldwide, as governments increasingly shift administrative costs onto long-term migrants.

Current Fees Still Apply for Earlier Applications

There is one important deadline. Anyone who submits an application for:

• Change of Status of Residence
• Extension of Period of Stay
• Permanent Residence

before October 1, 2026, will continue to pay the current fee, even if immigration decides the application after the new fees come into effect.

What This Means for Indians in Japan

Japan remains a popular destination for Indian IT professionals, engineers, researchers, students, and skilled workers. With direct flights from cities such as Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai, and Mumbai to Japan, the Indian community continues to grow.

If you are already living in Japan and planning to renew your visa, switch your residence status, or apply for permanent residency, filing before October 1, 2026 could result in substantial savings.

Travelobiz Take

We believe this is a deadline worth planning around. If you’re eligible to apply before October 1, filing early could save you a substantial amount and avoid Japan’s much higher immigration fees.