Japan to Sharply Increase Residence Permit Fees for Foreign Nationals from October 1

TOKYO: The Japanese government has decided to significantly increase fees for residence permits and related documents for foreign nationals, with the new charges set to take effect from October 1, 2026.

According to Japanese authorities, the fee for a one-year residence permit will be increased to as much as 33,000 yen, depending on the type of application, while applicants submitting their applications online will be charged 27,000 yen.

For residence permits valid for 5 years or longer, the fee will rise to as much as 75,000 yen for applications submitted at an immigration office and 65,000 yen for online applications.

Japan’s Ministry of Justice said the fee increase is aimed at making the administrative system dealing with foreign nationals more effective and ensuring the smooth implementation of policies for an orderly and sustainable coexistence between Japanese citizens and foreign residents.

Japanese Justice Minister Hiroshi Hiraguchi said that exemptions or reductions would be available for people facing financial difficulties. Certain fee exemptions would also be available in some cases for recognized refugees.

The Japanese government said it would continue to monitor the system and ensure its effective implementation despite the fee increases. The decision comes amid a growing number of foreign residents in Japan and the government’s efforts to strengthen the management of their residence and administrative affairs.

The new fees will come into effect on October 1, 2026.