Effective 1 October 2026, Japan is expected to implement revised fees for certain residence-related immigration applications following amendments to the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act Enforcement Order. The revised fees are expected to apply to applications for Changes of Status of Residence, Extensions of Period of Stay, and Permanent Residence submitted on or after 1 October 2026.1
WHY THIS MATTERS
This fee increase may have a significant cost impact on employers and foreign nationals with residence status applications scheduled around the implementation date. As the applicable fee is expected to depend on the date of filing, organizations and affected individuals are advised to review their upcoming application timelines and assess the impact of these changes. Applications submitted before the implementation date and those submitted on or after that date are expected to be subject to different fee structures.
Background
According to the Immigration Services Agency, the fee revision is intended to support ongoing immigration administration initiatives, including:
- Advancement of digital transformation (DX) initiatives within immigration administration;
- Enhancement of immigration and residence management services;
- Measures relating to refugee protection and support;
- Strengthening of communication and consultation services for foreign nationals; and
- Other initiatives relating to the fair management of foreign nationals’ entry and residence in Japan.
The Immigration Services Agency has stated that the revised fee structure was determined after considering administrative costs, international comparisons, and future operational needs.
Key Highlights
Revised Fee Structure
The revised fees will apply to applications submitted on or after 1 October 2026, and will cover Change of Status of Residence, Extension of Period of Stay, and Permanent Residence applications. Under the new structure, unlike the current one, fees for Change of Status of Residence and Extension of Period of Stay applications are expected to vary according to the period of stay granted, with longer periods generally subject to higher fees. In addition, the applicable fee may differ depending on whether the application is submitted in person or via the online application system.
Applications submitted on or before 30 September 2026 are expected to remain subject to the current fee structure, even if approval is granted on or after 1 October 2026.
Change of Status of Residence / Extension of Period of Stay
Period of Stay Granted | Current Fee | Revised Fee (In-Person) | Revised Fee (Online) |
Up to three months | JPY 6,000 | JPY 10,000 | JPY 10,000 |
Over three months up to six months | JPY 6,000 | JPY 18,000 | JPY 15,000 |
Over six months to less than one year | JPY 6,000 | JPY 25,000 | JPY 21,000 |
One year | JPY 6,000 | JPY 33,000 | JPY 27,000 |
Over one year to less than three years | JPY 6,000 | JPY 48,000 | JPY 42,000 |
Over three years to less than five years | JPY 6,000 | JPY 64,000 | JPY 56,000 |
Five years or more | JPY 6,000 | JPY 75,000 | JPY 65,000 |
Permanent Residence
Application Type | Current Fee | Revised Fee (In-Person Only) |
Permanent Residence | JPY 10,000 | JPY 200,000 |
Payment of Immigration Fees
- Following completion of the immigration review, applicants are expected to receive notification of the applicable fee and payment instructions. For Change of Status of Residence and Extension of Period of Stay applications, the final fee amount is expected to depend on the period of stay granted.
- For online applications, applicants are expected to receive payment instructions by email after the completion of the immigration review. Revenue stamp payments will no longer be available for online applications. Instead, fees are expected to be paid through designated electronic payment methods, including convenience store payment and bank transfer/internet banking.2
Fee Reduction and Exemption Measures3
Fee reduction
- Reduced fees may be available in limited circumstances for applicants experiencing significant financial hardship where humanitarian considerations apply.
- For eligible applicants, the fee for Change of Status of Residence and Extension of Period of Stay applications is expected to be reduced to JPY 10,000, while the fee for Permanent Residence applications is expected to be reduced to JPY 20,000.
- For Permanent Residence applications, eligibility for the fee reduction is expected to be limited to spouses and children of Japanese nationals, Permanent Residents, and Special Permanent Residents.
Fee exemption
- Fee exemptions may be available for certain applicants, including:
- Individuals changing to Diplomat or Official status;
- Certain Official status holders applying for extensions; and
- Certain applicants under the Designated Activities category, including personnel of designated representative offices and eligible family members.
KPMG INSIGHTS
The upcoming fee revision represents a substantial increase in Japan's residence-related immigration fees. Permanent Residence application fees are expected to increase from JPY 10,000 to JPY 200,000, while fees for Change of Status of Residence and Extension of Period of Stay applications are expected to range from JPY 10,000 to JPY 75,000 depending on the period of stay granted, compared with the current flat fee of JPY 6,000. Organizations and affected individuals could note the revised fee structure applicable to immigration applications submitted on or after 1 October 2026.
If assignees and/or their programme managers have questions or concerns about how these changes may apply to specific situations, they may wish to seek advice from their usual global mobility or immigration advisers or the GMS team in KPMG in Japan (please check the Contacts section).
ENDNOTES:
1 Immigration Services Agency of Japan (in Japanese), “Revision of Residence Permission Fees Effective 1 October 2026.”
2 Immigration Services Agency of Japan (in Japanese), “Fee Amounts and Payment Methods for Online Applications (Applicable Only to Applications Submitted on or after 1 October 2026).”
3 Immigration Services Agency of Japan (in Japanese), “Fee Reduction and Exemption Measures for Residence-Related Immigration Permissions Effective on or after 1 October 2026.”
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Disclaimer
* Please note the KPMG International member firm in the United States does not provide immigration or labour law services. However, KPMG Law LLP in Canada can assist clients with U.S. immigration matters.
The information contained in this newsletter was submitted by the KPMG International member firm in Japan.
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