Japan PR Fee to Rise to ¥200,000 in October 2026: Why Apply Before the Change
[Summary] The application fee for permanent residency (PR) in Japan will increase from ¥10,000 to ¥200,000 on October 1, 2026, under the amended cabinet order. According to the Immigration Services Agency, applications made on or before September 30, 2026 will be charged the current ¥10,000 fee even if the permit is granted on or after October 1, 2026. However, if you are considering applying for permanent residency, it is advisable to start preparing your application as soon as possible.
What is changing
The revised Immigration Control Act was passed in May 2026. Under the amended cabinet order, the PR fee will rise from 10,000 to 200,000 yen. Fees for visa extension and change of status will also increase, from 6,000 yen to between 10,000 and 75,000 yen depending on the period granted.
Reference: Immigration Services Agency
The date that matters: when your application is received
The new fee will likely apply to applications received on or after October 1, 2026. PR screening currently takes around a year or more, but what matters is the date your application is accepted, not the date of approval. If you apply on or before September 30, 2026, the current fee applies even if the permit is granted on or after October 1, 2026, according to the Immigration Services Agency.
For how long the review takes in practice, see How Long Does Permanent Residency Take in Japan?.
Can I still make it?
The answer is “Yes!” Preparing the documents usually takes 2 to 4 weeks. Tax certificates, pension records, and documents from your home country can take longer, so starting in July or August is strongly recommended.
For a step-by-step timeline, see How to Apply for PR in Japan Before the Fee Increase.
A note from TSUBASA
One requirement that applies to many PR applicants is documentation proving at least five years of employment. Obtaining these documents is not always easy. Even if you contact the HR department at a former employer, there is no guarantee that they will respond promptly. In some cases, the company may have changed its name or gone through major organizational changes, making it difficult to locate the correct contact information or identify the appropriate person to assist you.
Free consultation
Not sure if you can apply before the September deadline? We offer a free consultation in English.
Please contact us through our inquiry form (available in English). Document preparation usually takes 2-4 weeks, so please do not hesitate to reach out.
*The fees stated in this article are based on the amended cabinet order taking effect on October 1, 2026. According to the Immigration Services Agency, applications made on or before September 30, 2026 will be charged the current fee even if the permit is granted on or after October 1, 2026. For the latest information, please refer to the Immigration Services Agency or contact our office.
