Japan opens public comment on higher residence-permit fees, with permanent residence fee proposed at JPY 200,000

Japan has moved a proposed increase in residence-related administrative fees into the public-comment stage. The e-Gov public comment case `315000136` shows that the Immigration Services Agency is seeking comments on draft cabinet-order and ministerial-ordinance materials connected to immigration and residence procedures. The case was announced on 3 July 2026, with comments open until 3 August 2026 at 00:00.

The official draft cabinet order sets out a new fee table for residence-related procedures. Under the draft, fees for permission to change status of residence and extend the period of stay would move from a flat structure to a tiered schedule based on the approved period of stay. The listed amounts range from JPY 10,000 for three months or less to JPY 75,000 for five years or more, with lower amounts listed for certain electronic applications. The draft lists the fee for permanent residence permission at JPY 200,000.

For readers planning long-term residence in Japan, the issue is not only the size of the proposed increase. The practical questions are which procedure is involved, whether the application concerns a status change, period extension or permanent residence permission, when the application is accepted, whether electronic filing applies, and whether any reduced-fee category may be relevant.

The key boundary is that this remains a draft cabinet-order and public-comment process. It should not be described as a final enacted fee schedule or as a fee increase already in force. The official overview document lists 1 October 2026 as the planned enforcement date, but final wording and implementation should be checked against the official government release when available.

There is also a separate reduced-fee guideline draft. That does not mean a broad automatic exemption applies. The official materials describe categories and assessment logic for reduced fees, but individual eligibility would still need to be checked against the final rules and case facts.

For internationally mobile families, founders, workers and long-stay residents, the proposal is a cost-planning signal. Residence renewal, status change and permanent residence planning should be checked against the latest official documents and, where the timing matters, suitable immigration professionals or service providers.

FAQ

Have Japan’s residence-related fees already increased?

No. The current official documents show a draft cabinet-order and public-comment stage. The proposed fee table and planned enforcement date are listed in official materials, but the final version should be checked before publication or case planning.

Is the permanent residence permission fee really proposed at JPY 200,000?

Yes. The official draft cabinet order lists the fee for permanent residence permission at JPY 200,000. This should still be framed as a proposed amount in the draft process, not as a final fee already in force.

Which procedures may be affected?

The draft materials cover residence-related procedures such as permission to change status of residence, extension of period of stay and permanent residence permission. Visa issuance fees and residence-procedure fees should not be treated as the same thing.

Does the reduced-fee guideline mean most applicants can avoid the increase?

No. The reduced-fee guideline is a separate draft document and should not be read as a general automatic exemption. Whether it applies would depend on the final criteria and case-specific facts.

What should applicants check first?

Applicants should check the procedure type, expected filing or acceptance date, period of stay, electronic application route and whether any reduced-fee category could apply. For permanent residence, family relocation or business-owner planning, the latest official documents and professional review matter.

References

Source note: This draft uses Japan’s e-Gov public comment case `315000136` and its official attachments as the primary source, including the draft cabinet order, overview document, reduced-fee guideline draft and call-for-comments materials. Tokyo Shimbun and an administrative scrivener explainer are used only as background reading. The article treats the matter as a draft/public-comment process, not as a final enacted fee schedule.

e-Gov Public Comment case 315000136 / e-Gov draft cabinet order PDF / e-Gov overview PDF / e-Gov fee-reduction guideline materials / Tokyo Shimbun / Gyoseishoshi Office Tree