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 is expected to increase from ¥10,000 to ¥200,000 on October 1, 2026, under a draft government ordinance published in July 2026. It is not yet clear whether only applications submitted by the end of September will qualify for the current ¥10,000 fee. 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 draft ordinance, 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.
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 by the end of September, the current fee is expected to apply even if the result comes next year.
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.
*Note: The fee amounts and timing mentioned in this article are based on a proposed cabinet order currently open for public comment (as of July 2026) and are not final.
