29/08/2026
JAPAN TO INCREASE RESIDENCY FEES FOR FOREIGN NATIONALS FROM OCTOBER 2026.
KEY DETAILS:
The Japanese government has approved a new fee structure for foreign nationals applying to extend their period of stay, change their status of residence, or obtain permanent residency.
The new fees will take effect from October 1, 2026, following Cabinet approval on August 25, 2026.
What is changing?
Foreign nationals currently pay a flat ÂĄ6,000 for in-person applications to extend their period of stay or change their status of residence.
From October, the fee will depend on the length of residence granted, meaning applicants receiving longer residence periods will pay significantly higher fees.
The biggest change is for permanent residency, with the application fee increasing from ÂĄ10,000 to ÂĄ200,000, a 20-fold increase.
NEW RESIDENCY FEES:
For applications made at an immigration counter:
- Up to 3 months: ÂĄ10,000
- More than 3 months to 6 months: ÂĄ18,000
- More than 6 months to under 1 year: ÂĄ25,000
- 1 year: ÂĄ33,000
- More than 1 year to under 3 years: ÂĄ48,000
- 3 years to under 5 years: ÂĄ64,000
- 5 years or more: ÂĄ75,000
- Permanent residency: ÂĄ200,000
Online applications will generally attract lower fees, with discounts of between ÂĄ3,000 and ÂĄ10,000 depending on the application.
HOW WILL THIS AFFECT NIGERIANS?
The changes will affect Nigerians who are already living in Japan or planning to move there for work, study or other long-term purposes.
Nigerians living in Japan will have to budget more for future residence renewals or changes of status. Those seeking permanent residency will face the most significant increase, with the government application fee rising to ÂĄ200,000.
For Nigerians considering Japan as a migration destination, the increase means that long-term immigration costs will need to be considered alongside other relocation expenses, rather than focusing only on the initial visa and travel costs.
WHY IS JAPAN INCREASING THE FEES?
The Japanese government says the increases are intended to better reflect the administrative costs of processing immigration procedures and managing the country's growing foreign-resident population.
The changes also follow amendments to Japan's immigration law in May 2026, which increased the maximum fees that could legally be charged for residency and permanent residency procedures.
Japan is also encouraging applicants to use online application procedures by offering lower fees for most online applications.
Overall, the change signals that while Japan continues to rely on foreign workers and residents, the financial cost of maintaining and obtaining long-term residence in the country is becoming significantly higher.
https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/01_00643.html
https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/08/25/japan/society/foreigners-residency-fees-october/
The fee hikes were included in the revised immigration control and refugee recognition law enacted in May.
