Japan Permanent Residency Application Fee Increase 2026: What You Need to Know

Japan Permanent Residency Application Fee Increase 2026: What You Need to Know

Japan's permanent residency application — long regarded as one of the most affordable permanent residency processes among developed nations — has seen a significant fee increase in 2026. The changes affect both first-time PR applicants and those using immigration lawyers or administrative scriveners (行政書士) to assist with their applications.

This guide explains exactly what changed, when it took effect, and what it means for foreign residents planning to apply.

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The Previous Fee Structure vs. 2026

Historically, Japan's permanent residency application fee was remarkably low compared to other countries. A standard PR application at the Immigration Services Agency (出入国在留管理庁, known as Immigration) was largely a documentation exercise with minimal government fees.

However, the government has introduced revised fee structures as part of broader immigration system updates in 2025–2026.

Immigration Services Agency Fees (Government Fees)

Fee Item	Previous	2026
Permanent residency application (eijuken shinsei)	¥8,000 (on approval, revenue stamp)	¥8,000 (unchanged for government processing)
Certificate of Eligibility (if needed for related changes)	¥3,000	¥3,000
Residence card reissuance	¥1,600	¥1,600

The government processing fee itself has not significantly changed — what has increased substantially is the professional services fee environment and the overall compliance burden, which is discussed below.

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What Has Actually Changed in 2026

1. Mandatory Document Authentication Requirements

The Immigration Services Agency has significantly expanded its documentation requirements for PR applications, particularly for:

• Self-employed applicants and business owners
• Applicants who have held multiple visa status changes
• Applicants with family members not yet on Japanese residence cards