Hello, this is Hong from IMS Legal Professional Corporation.
The immigration fee revisions that have attracted considerable attention have finally been implemented and will apply to applications submitted on or after October 1, 2026.
Until now, the applicable fees were generally uniform. Going forward, however, the fees for permission to change status of residence and permission to extend the period of stay will vary depending on the period of stay granted. In addition, the fee for permanent residence will increase from the current JPY 10,000 to JPY 200,000.
The revised fee schedule is at the Immigration URL below:
https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/content/001469199.pdf
In this article, we will explain when immigration fees must be paid and the available payment methods.
What Are Immigration Fees?
Immigration fees are fees paid to the Japanese government when an application submitted to Immigration, such as an application for an extension of stay, change of status of residence, or permanent residence, is approved.
The legal basis for these fees is set out in Article 67 of the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act, while the maximum amounts are prescribed by the relevant Cabinet Order. The revised fees are applied within those statutory limits.
There is no single official expression such as “application fee” or “approval fee” used consistently for immigration fees. However, because the fee is paid when the applicant receives approval, it may be appropriate to think of it as an “approval fee.”
If an application is denied, no fee is charged. However, if the applicant is instead granted another status of residence, such as “Designated Activities” for the purpose of preparing to depart Japan, a fee corresponding to the period of stay granted under that status must be paid.
When and How Immigration Fees Are Paid
Under the revised system, both the timing and method of payment differ depending on how the application is submitted — either at an Immigration office counter or online.
As shown in the revised fee schedule above, online applications will also be JPY 3,000 to JPY 10,000 less expensive than counter applications, depending on the period of stay granted.
Applications Submitted at an Immigration Office Counter
As before, once Immigration has completed its examination, the applicant will receive a notification postcard stating the amount of the fee that must be paid.
After receiving the postcard, the applicant purchases revenue stamps for the required amount, attaches them to the fee payment form, and submits the form when collecting the result at the Immigration office.
Process from application to payment
● Submit the application at the Immigration office counter
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● Immigration examines the application
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● Examination completed → notification postcard is sent
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● Receive the postcard
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● Purchase revenue stamps for the required fee and attach them to the fee payment form
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● Visit the Immigration office and complete the collection procedure
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● Receive the new residence card
Online Applications
The Immigration Services Agency introduced its online application system several years ago, making it possible to submit many immigration applications without visiting an Immigration office in person. Permanent residence applications, however, are currently excluded.
Under the recent legal and fee revisions, fees for online applications can no longer be paid using revenue stamps.
For applications submitted on or after October 1, 2026, payment must instead be made through a service provider designated by the Commissioner of the Immigration Services Agency. As a result, the previous revenue-stamp payment method will be replaced by convenience store payment or bank payment, including internet banking.
Process from application to payment
● Submit the application through the Immigration online system
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● Immigration examines the application
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● Receive an email notifying you that the examination has been completed
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● Receive a separate email with payment instructions → pay according to the instructions
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● Complete the collection procedure either at the Immigration office or by mail
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● Receive the new residence card
For online applications, you can choose at the time of filing whether to receive the residence card at the Immigration office or by mail.
Permanent residence applications are currently accepted only at Immigration office counters. Accordingly, when collecting the approval, the fee will continue to be paid using revenue stamps.
The revised system also introduces certain fee reductions and exemptions, although eligibility is quite limited. For details, please refer to the Immigration Services Agency guidance below:
https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/10_00273.html
The new fee structure will significantly increase the financial burden on foreign nationals and companies.
For ordinary change-of-status and extension applications, however, applying online may reduce the fee slightly. We therefore recommend considering online filing where available.
IMS also handles ordinary change-of-status and extension applications online, except for permanent residence applications (which must be submitted in-person). If you would like to keep Immigration fees as low as possible, please feel free to contact us.
This article is intended for general informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. For guidance specific to your situation, please consult directly with a qualified Gyoseishoshi.
