Japan Permanent Residency Fee will rise sharply from October 1, 2026, with the application charge increasing from ¥10,000 to ¥200,000.
The new fee is equivalent to around ₹1.22 lakh and marks a twentyfold increase for foreign residents applying for permanent residency.
The revised charges will also affect applications for changing residence status and extending the period of stay.
The amount for these applications will depend on the period of stay granted, with longer periods attracting higher fees.
Japan Permanent Residency Fee Jumps to ¥200,000
Until September 30, the permanent residency application fee is ¥10,000. From October 1, applicants will have to pay ¥200,000, meaning the charge will increase by ¥190,000.
Unlike residence-status changes and stay extensions, the permanent residency fee does not vary according to the length of stay because permanent residency does not have a fixed period of stay.
The revised fee applies to applications received from October 1.
Applications received by September 30 will continue to be charged under the existing fee structure, even if the decision is issued on or after October 1.
Japan Residence Fees Also Set to Increase
For changes in residence status and extensions of stay, the current flat fee of ¥6,000 will be replaced by a fee based on the period granted.
For a stay of three months or less, the new counter fee will be ¥10,000.
It will rise to ¥18,000 for periods above three months and up to six months, while a stay of more than six months but less than one year will cost ¥25,000 at the counter.
A one-year period will cost ¥33,000, while periods of more than one year but less than three years will cost ¥48,000.
The charge rises to ¥64,000 for periods of three years or more but less than five years, and ¥75,000 for five years or more.
Online applications will have lower fees for several of these categories.
Depending on the period granted, the online charge will range from ¥10,000 to ¥65,000, with a separate payment processing fee applicable.
New Payment System for Online Applications
Japan is also changing how immigration fees are paid for online applications from October 1.
Instead of revenue stamps, applicants will be able to pay through convenience stores or bank payments, including internet banking.
The Immigration Services Agency has clarified that the revised charges apply according to the date the application is received.
Online applications submitted from October 1 will follow the new payment process.
The agency has also provided for fee reductions or exemptions in certain circumstances, including cases involving economic hardship and special reasons
Eligibility depends on the applicable rules and supporting circumstances.
For foreign residents planning to apply for permanent residency or renew or change their residence status in Japan, the Japan Permanent Residency Fee increase is therefore an important change from October 1, particularly because the permanent residency charge will rise from ¥10,000 to ¥200,000.
