Japan Immigration Fees Rise October 2026
Japan's Immigration Services Agency will implement new fees for residence applications from October 1, 2026, while keeping Certificate of Eligibility
Japan will increase immigration application fees starting October 1, 2026. The overhaul, adopted by government ordinance on August 25, 2026, will see residence filings cost between ¥10,000 and ¥75,000 when submitted in person. Applications for a Certificate of Eligibility (COE), however, will remain free of charge.
The new fee schedule applies to applications received by the Immigration Services Agency of Japan on or after the October start date. Filings received before that date will retain the old fee of JPY 6,000, even if the decision is made later. This change is part of a broader update to the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act and related procedures.
Residence status applications affected include changes of status, extensions of period of stay, and permanent residence applications. The new system introduces a tiered pricing grid based on the length of stay authorized, replacing the previous flat fee. Online applications will be cheaper than in-person submissions across all bands.
New Tiered Fee Schedule for Residence Applications
The following table outlines the new fee structure, comparing in-person and online application costs based on the authorized period of stay.
| Authorized Period of Stay | In-Person Fee (¥) | Online Fee (¥) |
|---|---|---|
| Shortest band | 10,000 | 10,000 |
| Next band | 18,000 | 15,000 |
| Following band | 25,000 | 21,000 |
| Subsequent band | 33,000 | 27,000 |
| Longer period band | 48,000 | 42,000 |
| Next longest band | 64,000 | 56,000 |
| Longest band | 75,000 | 65,000 |
The gap between in-person and online fees widens with longer authorized stays. The largest discount for online filing is ¥10,000, which applies at the longest band. This tiered system represents a significant shift from the previous uniform charge.
One Application Sees Twenty-Fold Increase
A single application type will see its fee skyrocket from ¥10,000 to ¥200,000. This twenty-fold increase is the most dramatic jump in the entire new schedule. No other fee comes close to this level.
Visa Fees and Exemptions Are Separate
Consular visa fees for applications made at Japanese embassies and consulates abroad are not part of this October 2026 grid. Those fees moved on a separate schedule, changing on July 1, 2026. Single-entry visas now cost ¥15,000, and multiple-entry visas cost ¥30,000.
Full fee waivers under the revised system are very narrow. Only diplomatic and official visa holders qualify for full exemptions. Other applicants may only apply for fee reductions, which lower the cost but do not eliminate it entirely. The list for full waivers is short.
The government's move adjusts the financial requirements for obtaining and maintaining status in Japan. Applicants should check the latest fixtures for official filing deadlines and procedures to ensure they use the correct fee. Understanding these updated costs is crucial for anyone navigating the immigration benefits system, as planning for the correct fee amount is now more complex.
