Japan to sharply raise residence permit fees for foreign nationals from October 2026

Japan is set to sharply increase the fees for foreign nationals applying for residence permits, according to a draft regulation released by the Immigration Services Agency on Friday. The new charges, which will apply to changes in residence status and extensions of stay, will range from 10,000 yen to 75,000 yen, depending on the duration of the permit. Currently, the fee for an extension application is a flat 4,000 yen, regardless of the length of stay. The cost of obtaining permanent residency will surge from 10,000 yen to 200,000 yen. The revised fees are expected to come into effect in October 2026, following a public comment period that began on Friday. The proposed increases have drawn sharp criticism from foreign residents, opposition lawmakers, and civil society groups, who argue that the substantial fee hikes place an undue financial burden on foreign households without providing improved integration or livelihood support.