From October 1, 2026, the application fees for change of status of residence, extension of period of stay, and permanent residence are expected to be significantly revised.
In particular, the fee for permanent residence is expected to increase from 10,000 yen to 200,000 yen. Although the revision is still at the proposal stage, it is important to begin preparing early if you are considering applying.

 

〇 Fees for Change of Status, Extension of Period of Stay, and Permanent Residence Are Expected to Increase Significantly

From October 1, 2026, the fees for applications for change of status of residence, extension of period of stay, and permanent residence are expected to increase substantially.
One of the major changes is that the fees for change of status of residence and extension of period of stay, which have generally been fixed until now, are expected to vary depending on the period of stay granted.
In addition, the fee for permanent residence, which is currently 10,000 yen, is expected to increase to 200,000 yen after the revision.

〇 At Present, This Is Still a Draft Proposal Under Public Comment

As of July 2026, the proposed changes have not yet been officially finalized or promulgated. The proposal is currently at the public comment stage, during which the government invites opinions from the public on draft amendments to Cabinet Orders and Ministerial Ordinances.
According to government materials, the draft was announced on July 3, 2026, and the deadline for submitting opinions is August 3, 2026.
After the public comment period, the proposal is expected to proceed to Cabinet approval around mid to late August, promulgation around late August, and enforcement on October 1, 2026.
Therefore, at this stage, the proposal should be understood as a draft that is expected to be finalized. However, it is considered highly likely that the revision will be finalized and implemented largely as proposed.

〇 How Will the Fees Change After the Revision?

For applications for change of status of residence and extension of period of stay, the fees are expected to change according to the period of stay granted, as shown below.

Until now, the fee for applications for change of status of residence and extension of period of stay has been 6,000 yen for applications submitted at the immigration counter and 5,500 yen for online applications.
After the revision, the longer the period of stay granted, the higher the application fee will be.

〇 Permanent Residence Fee to Increase from 10,000 Yen to 200,000 Yen

The application most significantly affected by this proposed revision is the application for permanent residence.
The current fee for permanent residence is 10,000 yen. After the revision, it is expected to increase to 200,000 yen. This will be a very significant financial burden for those considering applying for permanent residence.
Of course, applying early does not mean that permanent residence will necessarily be granted. Permanent residence applications are examined comprehensively based on various factors, including income, tax payment status, pension and health insurance payment status, residence history, conduct, and overall circumstances.
However, if you already meet the requirements for permanent residence, or if your application documents are almost ready, we recommend checking as soon as possible whether you can submit your application before October 1, 2026.

〇 Cases Where You Should Consider Applying Before October 1

Based on the proposed revision, the following people may benefit from consulting a specialist, such as an administrative scrivener, at an early stage:
Those whose period of stay will expire soon, those planning to apply for a change of status of residence, those considering applying for permanent residence, and those who are concerned about their next renewal under their current status of residence.
In particular, the difference in the permanent residence application fee is very large. Therefore, if there is a possibility that you may be eligible to apply, you should begin checking your documents as early as possible.
For change of status and extension applications as well, the fee after the revision will vary depending on the period of stay granted. As a result, it will become more important than before to plan your application while taking the cost into account.

〇 Some Cases, Including Myanmar Designated Activities, May Be Eligible for Fee Reduction or Exemption

According to the materials, so-called “Myanmar Designated Activities” for Myanmar nationals are likely to be eligible for a fee reduction or exemption.
However, the specific scope of eligibility and the detailed handling of fee reductions or exemptions will need to be confirmed in the official Cabinet Orders, Ministerial Ordinances, or guidance from the Immigration Services Agency of Japan to be published in the future.
Therefore, even those with Myanmar Designated Activities should not simply assume that the fee will be reduced or exempted. It is important to continue checking the latest information and proceed with preparations carefully.

〇 Summary | Early Preparation for Residence Applications Is Important

From October 1, 2026, the fees for applications for change of status of residence, extension of period of stay, and permanent residence are expected to increase significantly.
In particular, the fee for permanent residence is expected to increase from 10,000 yen to 200,000 yen. This will have a major impact on those considering applying for permanent residence.
Although the revision has not yet been officially finalized, the new fee system is expected to begin on October 1, 2026, after the public comment process, Cabinet approval, and promulgation.
If you are planning to apply for change of status of residence, extension of period of stay, or permanent residence, we recommend that you do not wait until the end of September. Instead, you should check the required documents and your eligibility as early as possible.
Our office provides consultations regarding applications for change of status of residence, extension of period of stay, and permanent residence.
“I would like to know whether I can apply before October 1.”
“I would like to check whether I meet the requirements for permanent residence.”
“I am worried about my renewal application.”
If any of the above applies to you, please feel free to contact us as early as possible.
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