Japan residence permit in 2026: new fees, residence card and rules

Since 1 October 2026, renewing or changing a status of residence in Japan costs up to ¥75,000, compared with ¥6,000 before. Other changes are coming: a new combined card, checks on contributions and the JESTA travel authorisation. Here is what foreign residents need to know.

The main statuses of residence

At the end of 2025, Japan had 4,125,395 foreign residents. The most common statuses were (Adnkronos / Jiji Press):

• Permanent resident: 947,125 people. See our guide to Japan permanent residency.
• Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services: 475,790 people, the status of many expatriate professionals. See our guide to working in Japan.
• Student: 464,784 people.

To start a company, the Business Manager status has been thoroughly reformed: see our guide to the Business Manager visa.

Fees since 1 October 2026

The amount depends on the period of stay granted, and applying online costs less (Immigration Services Agency):

Before the reform, a renewal or change of status cost ¥6,000 at the counter (¥5,500 online). Permanent residency rises from ¥10,000 to ¥200,000. Online, you pay at a convenience store or through a bank, with extra payment fees, and revenue stamps cannot be used.

Our advice: include this cost in your relocation budget, for yourself and for each family member, and apply online whenever you can.

One card for residence and My Number

Since 14 June 2026, foreign residents can apply for the Specified Residence Card (tokutei zairyū card), which combines the residence card and the My Number card (Setagaya City; Erickson Immigration Group).

• It is optional.
• You normally apply at the immigration office, during another procedure such as a renewal or a change of status.
• Current cards remain valid.

Your contributions will soon be checked

From June 2027, payment of national health insurance and national pension contributions should be taken into account when you renew or change your status of residence, according to government plans. Not all the details have been set yet (Insurance Business, citing NHK; Solution Supporter).

Check now that your contributions are up to date. Our guide to health insurance and pension in Japan explains how they work.

For your visitors: JESTA

In May 2026, Japan's parliament passed the law creating JESTA, an electronic travel authorisation that visa-exempt visitors will request online before travelling. It must come into force by 31 March 2029 at the latest, and its fee has not been set yet (VisasNews).

Getting support

Kizuna Relo supports you with your settling-in formalities, from a change of address to your My Number card and health insurance. For every step of a full move, read our guide to moving to Tokyo.