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Japan sharply raises residency fees for foreigners: permanent residency to cost 200,000 yen from October
N3 society Original · 1 min read · 70 views · 24 words

外国人の在留手数料を大幅引き上げ 10月から永住許可は20万円に

Japan sharply raises residency fees for foreigners: permanent residency to cost 200,000 yen from October

2026年8月25日、政府は外国人がいこくじんの在留ざいりゅう手続きに関する手数料てすうりょうの改定かいていを閣議決定かくぎけっていしました。10月から大幅に引き上げひきあげられます。

On 25 August 2026, the government approved a cabinet decision revising the fees for foreign residents’ status procedures. The fees will be sharply raised from October.

現在、在留資格ざいりゅうしかくの変更へんこうや更新こうしんの手数料は窓口で一律6000円です。改定後は、期間きかんに応じて1万円から最大7万5000円になります。5年以上の場合が最も高くなります。

Currently, the fee for changing or renewing residence status at the counter is a flat 6,000 yen. After the revision, it will range from 10,000 yen to a maximum of 75,000 yen depending on the period. The highest rate applies to periods of five years or more.

永住許可えいじゅうきょかの手数料は、現行の1万円から20万円に大幅おおはばに上がります。これは20倍の値上げねあげです。窓口での申請のみ対応し、オンライン申請はできません。

The fee for permanent residency permission will rise sharply from the current 10,000 yen to 200,000 yen. This is a twenty-fold increase. Applications are accepted only at the counter; online applications are not available.

一方で、生活困窮者せいかつこんきゅうしゃや難民なんみんなど、人道上じんどうじょうの配慮が必要な人には減額げんがく措置があります。更新・変更は1万円、永住許可は2万円まで下げられます。

On the other hand, fee reductions apply to those in financial hardship, refugees and others needing humanitarian consideration. The fee drops to 10,000 yen for renewals or changes and to 20,000 yen for permanent residency.

政府は、値上げ分を出入国管理しゅつにゅうこくかんりの費用や日本語にほんご学習の支援などに使うとしています。法務大臣ほうむだいじんは「秩序ある共生社会きょうせいしゃかいに向けた施策のため」と説明しています。

The government says the additional revenue will be used for immigration control costs and Japanese-language learning support. The Justice Minister explained that it is for measures aimed at an orderly coexistence society.

この改定は、5月に成立した改正入管法にゅうかんほうに基づくものです。外国人の増加ぞうかに対応するため、制度せいどを見直した形です。申請する人は、最新の情報を確認することが大切です。

This revision is based on the amended Immigration Control Act passed in May. It is a review of the system to respond to the increase in foreign residents. Applicants should check the latest information carefully.

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Frequently asked questions

How much does 在留手数料 increase compared to before?

Previously, changing/extending residency status was only 6,000 yen all at once. From October 2026, depending on the term: 3 months or less 10,000 yen, 1 year 33,000 yen, 5 years or more 75,000 yen. Applying for permanent residence from 10,000 yen to 200,000 yen.

Who gets reduced fees?

People with economic hardship at an equivalent level receive living allowances and need humanitarian consideration (such as refugees, Japanese single-parents, etc.). The reduction is 10,000 yen for change/extension and 20,000 yen for permanent residence.

Is the entry visa application fee (査証) relevant?

Not directly. Short-term entry visa fees have increased from July 2026 (one time about 15,000 yen, multiple times about 30,000 yen). This time it is the residence procedure fee after being in Japan.

Source: Reading exercises compiled by JNews

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