Japan Visa Renewal Fees Rise October 1, 2026: What Foreign Teachers Need to Know
Updated: August 26, 2026
Japan is preparing a major increase in immigration fees from October 1, 2026, and the change could be particularly noticeable for foreign teachers who regularly renew their status of residence.
Under the new fee schedule published by the Immigration Services Agency, a one-year renewal will cost ¥33,000 at an immigration office or ¥27,000 online, while a five-year permission will cost ¥75,000 in person or ¥65,000 online. Permanent Residence permission is set at ¥200,000, compared with ¥10,000 under the current fee schedule. [2]
The change moved an important step beyond the proposal stage on August 25, 2026, when the Japanese Cabinet formally approved the relevant commencement-date decree and the decree amending the Immigration Control Act Enforcement Order. The new system is scheduled to take effect on October 1, 2026. [1]
For ALTs, eikaiwa instructors, private-school teachers, international-school teachers, university instructors and other foreign educators, here is what you need to know.
At a Glance: Japan’s New Immigration Fees
Effective date stated in the Immigration Services Agency materials: October 1, 2026.
For comparison, the current standard fee is ¥6,000 for an in-person extension or change of status and ¥5,500 online. Permanent Residence currently costs ¥10,000 when permission is granted. [5]
First: Is This Still Just a Proposal?
The fee increase itself is no longer simply a proposal.
There have been several stages, which is why older articles and social-media posts may give different answers.
On May 29, 2026, the Diet passed the 2026 amendment to the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act. It was promulgated on June 5, 2026 as Act No. 32 of 2026. The amendment raised the legal ceilings for status changes and extensions to ¥100,000, and for Permanent Residence to ¥300,000, while leaving the exact amounts to be set by government order. [4]
On July 3, the Immigration Services Agency opened the detailed implementing regulations for public comment. The official materials contained the ¥10,000–¥75,000 renewal/change schedule, the ¥200,000 Permanent Residence fee and an October 1 start date. The public-comment period closed on August 3. [2][3]
Then, on August 25, the Cabinet formally approved both the decree setting the commencement date and the decree amending the Immigration Control Act Enforcement Order. [1]
Source-status note
As of August 26, 2026, the Cabinet approval is official and confirmed. The Immigration Services Agency's detailed fee schedule is also official government material. However, the e-Gov public-comment page has not yet been updated with a final results notice or newly promulgated decree text following the August 25 Cabinet meeting.
Japan has approved the implementing decrees for the new immigration fee system, scheduled for October 1, 2026. The detailed fee schedule above is the schedule officially published by the Immigration Services Agency during that implementation process.
This article distinguishes that from saying the new fees are already in force — they are not. The effective date is October 1.
“Visa Renewal” Is the Common Term — but Technically It Is a Period-of-Stay Extension
Foreign residents often call the process a “visa renewal.”
Technically, once you are living in Japan, the immigration procedure is generally an Extension of Period of Stay (在留期間更新許可) rather than renewing an entry visa.
That is the procedure affected by these new fees.
The same fee table also applies to a Change of Status of Residence (在留資格変更許可).
So if you change from one eligible residence status to another — for example, because your work situation changes — the new fee structure may also be relevant.
What Does This Mean for English Teachers in Japan?
The change is especially relevant to teachers because many common teaching residence statuses can be granted for one, three or five years.
The Immigration Services Agency lists language teachers at schools such as junior high schools and high schools as examples of the Instructor (教育) status. It lists private-company language teachers as examples under Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services (技術・人文知識・国際業務). Both statuses can normally be granted for five years, three years, one year or three months. [7]
That lines up directly with the new fee structure.
If you receive a one-year period of stay
Current in-person fee: ¥6,000
New in-person fee: ¥33,000
New online fee: ¥27,000
For a teacher who has repeatedly received one-year periods, this turns what was previously a relatively small immigration expense into a much more noticeable cost.
If you receive a three-year period of stay
Current in-person fee: ¥6,000
New in-person fee: ¥64,000
New online fee: ¥56,000
A three-year permission falls into the government’s “three years or more, under five years” category. That is an increase of ¥58,000 compared with today’s standard in-person fee.
If you receive a five-year period of stay
Current in-person fee: ¥6,000
New in-person fee: ¥75,000
New online fee: ¥65,000
The new in-person cost is more than 12 times the current ¥6,000 fee.
These are not different fees for ALTs, eikaiwa teachers or international-school teachers. The amount is based principally on the period of stay granted, not your teaching job title.
Important: The Fee Is Based on the Period Immigration Grants You
The new schedule refers to the period of stay decided when permission is granted. [2]
In other words, you do not simply choose to pay the one-year, three-year or five-year fee. Immigration determines the period of stay.
For example, if you hope to receive a five-year period but Immigration grants you three years, the relevant category is the three-year category.
That matters for teachers because two people doing similar jobs can receive different periods of stay depending on their individual applications and circumstances.
Permanent Residence Will Cost ¥200,000
The biggest single increase is for Permanent Residence (永住許可).
Current fee: ¥10,000
New fee: ¥200,000
That is 20 times the current amount.
The current Immigration Services Agency procedure makes clear that the PR fee is payable when permission is granted. In other words, it is a permission fee rather than simply a ¥10,000 charge for submitting the application. [5]
For teachers who have spent many years in Japan and are considering Permanent Residence, the new ¥200,000 figure is therefore worth factoring into long-term financial planning.
This article is focused specifically on fees. Japan is also reviewing other aspects of its Permanent Residence system, but those are separate reforms with their own implementation dates and should not be confused with the October 1 fee change.
Why Is Japan Raising the Fees So Much?
The Immigration Services Agency has published unusually detailed information explaining how it calculated the new amounts. [2]
For a status change or extension, the agency estimated the direct cost of processing an application at roughly ¥10,000, including personnel, systems and administrative expenses.
The government also considered what it describes as a benefit-related element connected with the costs of immigration and residence administration. In addition, it considered policy factors and comparable immigration fees overseas.
For Permanent Residence, the agency's explanatory material calculated approximately:
- ¥20,000 in examination costs;
- ¥180,000 as the additional benefit-related element.
That produces the ¥200,000 Permanent Residence fee.
The government also examined residence-permission and permanent-residence costs in countries including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, France, Italy, Germany and South Korea when considering the new fee structure.
Online Applications Will Be Cheaper
Another clear message in the new system is that the government wants more people to use online immigration procedures.
For most periods longer than three months, online applications will cost less.
The Immigration Services Agency says the difference is intended to encourage online applications, improve convenience and reduce congestion at immigration counters. [2]
The agency already operates an online residence-application system for eligible procedures, including period-of-stay extensions.
For teachers who are eligible to apply online, the savings will become much more significant after October.
Can You Renew Early Before October 1?
This is likely to be one of the biggest questions for teachers whose residence cards expire around autumn 2026.
Under the Immigration Services Agency's normal rules, a person with a period of stay of six months or longer can generally apply for an extension from around three months before the expiry date. Earlier filing may be possible in special circumstances such as hospitalization or a long business trip. [6]
Do not assume that simply filing before October 1 automatically guarantees the old fee.
When Japan increased immigration fees in April 2025, the Immigration Services Agency explicitly announced a transitional rule based on when applications were received. Applications accepted by March 31 remained subject to the old fee even when approval came later. [5]
As of August 26, the agency has not yet published an equivalent general transition notice for the October 2026 fee change on its main fee-information page.
Therefore, SenseiJob does not recommend assuming that the 2025 transition rule will automatically be repeated in exactly the same way.
If your application falls close to October 1, check the Immigration Services Agency's final transition guidance before making a decision based purely on the filing date.
Are There Any Fee Reductions or Exemptions?
Yes, but ordinary foreign workers should not assume they qualify.
The government's materials provide exemptions for certain Diplomatic and Official status cases and related categories. [2]
They also provide limited reductions for people in serious financial hardship who fall within specified humanitarian categories, such as certain recognized refugees or people requiring humanitarian consideration.
Under those provisions, qualifying cases may receive reductions of up to ¥10,000 for certain status changes or extensions and up to ¥20,000 for Permanent Residence.
These are targeted exceptions rather than a general discount for low-paid workers.
An ordinary ALT or eikaiwa teacher should therefore budget on the basis of the standard fee unless Immigration confirms that a reduction or exemption applies.
Timeline: How We Got Here
March 10, 2026 — Cabinet approves the bill
The Cabinet approved the bill containing the proposed immigration-law amendments for submission to the Diet. [4]
May 29, 2026 — The Diet passes the law
The 2026 immigration-law amendment was passed by the 221st Diet. [4]
June 5, 2026 — The law is promulgated
The amendment was promulgated as Act No. 32 of 2026. It raised the statutory fee ceilings while leaving the exact amounts to government order. [4]
July 3, 2026 — Detailed fees are published
The Immigration Services Agency opened the implementing regulations for public comment. Its official materials showed the detailed ¥10,000–¥75,000 fee structure, the ¥200,000 PR fee and the planned October 1 effective date. [2][3]
August 3, 2026 — Public comment closes
The e-Gov public-comment period formally ended at midnight on August 3. [3]
August 25, 2026 — Cabinet approves the implementing decrees
The Cabinet formally approved the decree setting the commencement date and the decree amending the Immigration Control Act Enforcement Order. [1]
October 1, 2026 — New system scheduled to begin
The Immigration Services Agency's implementation materials specify October 1, 2026 as the effective date. [2]
What Foreign Teachers Should Do Now
✅ Check the expiry date on your residence card. If your status expires in late 2026, find out when you are eligible to submit your renewal.
✅ Budget for the new fee. A one-, three- or five-year renewal could cost substantially more than before.
✅ Check whether online application is available to you. The savings can reach ¥10,000 compared with applying at an immigration counter.
✅ Do not assume you can choose your fee by requesting a particular period. The amount depends on the period Immigration actually grants.
✅ If your application crosses the October 1 transition, check the latest ISA guidance. Do not rely on rumors or automatically assume the same transition rule used in 2025.
✅ If you are considering Permanent Residence, plan for a ¥200,000 permission fee under the new schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Japan visa renewal fees really increasing on October 1, 2026?
Japan has already enacted the underlying law raising the permitted fee ceilings, and on August 25 the Cabinet approved the relevant implementing decrees. Immigration Services Agency materials specify October 1, 2026 as the effective date for the new fee system.
How much will a one-year Japan visa renewal cost?
The official fee schedule lists ¥33,000 at an immigration office or ¥27,000 online for a one-year period of stay.
How much will a three-year renewal cost?
For a period of three years or more but under five years, the fee schedule is ¥64,000 in person or ¥56,000 online.
How much will a five-year renewal cost?
For a period of five years or more, the fee schedule is ¥75,000 at the counter or ¥65,000 online.
How much will Permanent Residence cost?
The new schedule sets Permanent Residence permission at ¥200,000, compared with the current ¥10,000 fee.
Does this only affect English teachers?
No. The system applies much more broadly to foreign residents changing their status or extending their period of stay. This article focuses on teachers because Instructor and Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services are common statuses among foreign educators, and both can carry one-, three- and five-year periods of stay.
Is an online application cheaper?
Usually, yes. For periods over three months, the published schedule generally makes online applications ¥3,000 to ¥10,000 cheaper than counter applications. The Immigration Services Agency says this difference is intended partly to encourage greater online use.
Can I renew three months early?
If your current period of stay is six months or longer, the Immigration Services Agency says renewal applications are generally accepted from around three months before expiry. However, that does not by itself answer which fee will apply to an application crossing the October 1 transition. Check the agency's specific transition guidance when it is published.
Bottom Line for Foreign Teachers in Japan
For years, the cost of renewing a residence status in Japan has been relatively small.
From October 1, 2026, that is set to change dramatically.
A foreign teacher who currently pays ¥6,000 at an immigration office could face:
- ¥33,000 for a one-year period
- ¥64,000 for a three-year period
- ¥75,000 for a five-year period
Online applications will generally be somewhat cheaper.
For long-term residents, the biggest increase is Permanent Residence: ¥200,000 instead of the current ¥10,000.
This is no longer merely an early proposal.
The underlying law has passed, the detailed fee system has gone through public consultation, and the Cabinet approved the relevant implementing decrees on August 25, 2026. The scheduled effective date is October 1, 2026.
Foreign teachers whose renewals are approaching should check their residence-card expiry dates now, consider online filing where eligible, and follow the Immigration Services Agency for any final transition instructions.
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Official Japanese Government Sources
[1] Prime Minister's Office of Japan (首相官邸) — Regular Cabinet Meeting Items, August 25, 2026. Confirms Cabinet approval of the commencement-date decree and the decree amending the Immigration Control Act Enforcement Order.
View the August 25 Cabinet decision
[2] Immigration Services Agency of Japan / e-Gov — Residence Permission Fee Amounts and Persons Eligible for Reductions or Exemptions. Contains the detailed new fee table, ¥200,000 Permanent Residence fee, reduction/exemption provisions and October 1, 2026 effective date.
View the official fee materials
[3] e-Gov Public Comment — Amendment to the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act Enforcement Order and related regulations. Records the July 3–August 3 public-comment process.
View the e-Gov public-comment record
[4] Immigration Services Agency of Japan — 2026 Amendment to the Immigration Control Act. Confirms passage on May 29, promulgation on June 5 as Act No. 32 of 2026 and the increase in statutory fee ceilings.
View the 2026 immigration-law amendment
[5] Immigration Services Agency of Japan — Current Residence Procedure Fees. Current fees remain ¥6,000 in person and ¥5,500 online for extensions/changes, with ¥10,000 for Permanent Residence under the existing schedule.
View the current ISA fee information
[6] Immigration Services Agency of Japan — Application for Extension of Period of Stay. Explains the renewal procedure, online availability and the general application window of around three months before expiry for people holding periods of six months or longer.
View the official renewal procedure
[7] Immigration Services Agency of Japan — Instructor and Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services Statuses. Official descriptions identifying school language teachers and private-company language teachers and listing available periods of stay.
View the official status information
This article is for general informational purposes and does not constitute individual immigration or legal advice. Immigration procedures and transition arrangements can be updated. Always confirm the latest requirements for your own application with the Immigration Services Agency of Japan or an appropriately qualified immigration professional.