How do I separate PET bottles correctly in Shibuya-ku?

Remove the cap and label, rinse the bottle, and crush it flat. In Shibuya-ku, PET bottles are collected on the designated recycling day. Place them in a transparent or semi-transparent bag separate from other recyclables.

Best mobile carrier for foreigners in Japan with English support?

Ahamo by NTT Docomo is popular among foreigners because the app is available in English, plans start at 2,970 yen per month for 20GB, and no Japanese credit card is required. Other foreigner-friendly options include Rakuten Mobile and IIJmio.

How to open a bank account in Japan without a Japanese phone number?

Japan Post Bank (Yucho) is the most foreigner-friendly option. They accept applications with just your residence card and do not strictly require a Japanese phone number at all branches. Visit a larger post office branch for the best experience.

How do I separate PET bottles correctly in Shibuya-ku?

Remove the cap and label, rinse the bottle, and crush it flat. In Shibuya-ku, PET bottles are collected on the designated recycling day. Place them in a transparent or semi-transparent bag separate from other recyclables.

Best mobile carrier for foreigners in Japan with English support?

Ahamo by NTT Docomo is popular among foreigners because the app is available in English, plans start at 2,970 yen per month for 20GB, and no Japanese credit card is required. Other foreigner-friendly options include Rakuten Mobile and IIJmio.

How to open a bank account in Japan without a Japanese phone number?

Japan Post Bank (Yucho) is the most foreigner-friendly option. They accept applications with just your residence card and do not strictly require a Japanese phone number at all branches. Visit a larger post office branch for the best experience.

How much does it cost to renew a work visa in Japan?

A standard work visa extension (zairyu kikan koushin) in Japan requires a revenue stamp (shunyu inshi) worth ¥4,000, purchased at a post office or convenience store and affixed to your application form. If you hire an immigration lawyer or administrative scrivener, expect professional fees of ¥50,000 to ¥200,000 depending on complexity. Additional costs include passport photos (¥800), and in some cases certified document translations (¥3,000 to ¥5,000 per document). Total DIY visa renewal cost is typically around ¥5,000.

What payment methods are accepted for Japan visa fees?

Japan visa application fees are paid using revenue stamps (shunyu inshi or gyosei shoshi shunyu inshi) rather than cash or card payment directly to immigration. Purchase these stamps at Japan Post offices, some convenience stores, or at the immigration bureau. Many immigration offices have now introduced cashless payment options including IC card and credit card payment for certain procedures, but revenue stamps remain the standard visa fee payment method for most applications.

Are there additional costs besides the visa fee at Japan immigration?

Beyond the ¥4,000 to ¥8,000 revenue stamp visa fee, budget for: passport-sized photos (¥800 at photo booths), transportation to your regional immigration bureau (¥500 to ¥2,000 each way), certified translations of foreign documents such as employment certificates or family records (¥3,000 to ¥5,000 per document), notarization fees if required, and potentially multiple visits if your application requires additional documents. Total out-of-pocket visa costs for a straightforward renewal typically run ¥5,000 to ¥10,000 DIY.

Is hiring an immigration lawyer in Japan worth the cost?

For routine visa renewals at the same company with the same visa category, the extra ¥50,000 to ¥200,000 for an immigration lawyer is generally not worth it since approval rates for standard renewals are high and the process is well-documented. A lawyer significantly improves your outcomes in complex situations: initial Business Manager Visa applications, appeals after a rejection, simultaneous employer changes and visa renewals, permanent residence applications, or any situation involving gaps in employment or prior immigration violations.

How long does visa processing take in Japan?

Processing time varies significantly by visa type and immigration bureau workload: standard work visa renewals typically take 2 to 4 weeks, initial Certificate of Eligibility applications take 1 to 3 months, Business Manager Visa applications can take 1 to 3 months, and Permanent Residence applications take 4 to 12 months in most cases. Always submit your visa renewal application well before your current status expires — immigration recommends applying 3 months before expiration for peace of mind.

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Japan Visa Fee Calculator 2026

在留資格手数料計算ツール

📋 Compare CURRENT vs FY2026 NEW fees.

See how much you'll save by applying BEFORE the fee hike.

🚨 Japan visa fees rising 5x–30x in FY2026.

New legal caps: ¥100,000 for renewals/status changes, ¥300,000 for Permanent Residency. Expected start: October 2026 – January 2027. Apply BEFORE the change to save. Read full breakdown →

🏛️ Citizenship Rule Change (April 1, 2026)

Japan now requires 10 years of continuous residence to apply for citizenship (帰化), up from 5 years. Tax records for 2 full years are now required. Health insurance compliance is now strictly reviewed. Source: Ministry of Justice, March 27, 2026.

Compare fee era:

Your Visa Details

Visa Type (在留資格)

Application Type

Use immigration agent (行政書士)

Recommended for complex cases or if you don't read Japanese

💡 Yamada Hack: Save Money on Visa

• Apply BEFORE FY2026 — current fees are 5x-30x cheaper than expected new fees
• DIY for extensions — if same job, you can do it yourself
• Photos at konbini — ¥800 vs ¥1,500 at photo shop
• Apply early — 3 months before expiry for extensions
• Online reservation — shorter wait at Immigration
• Ask employer — many companies cover visa fees as a benefit (put it in writing!)
• Aim for 5-year visa — fewer renewals over time = less paying the new high fee

❓ FAQ - Japan Visa Fees 2026

❓ Are Japan visa fees really going up in 2026?

✅ Yes. The Diet passed a law in March 2026 raising the legal cap from ¥6,000-¥10,000 to ¥100,000-¥300,000 depending on visa type. The actual amounts are set by Cabinet Order, expected October 2026 – January 2027.

❓ How much does Permanent Residence cost now vs FY2026?

✅ Currently ¥10,000. After the fee hike, up to ¥300,000 (legal cap). Best estimate: ¥100,000-¥200,000. If you qualify for PR, apply NOW before the change.

❓ Do I need an agent (行政書士)?

✅ Not required, but helpful for complex cases (Business Manager, PR with gaps in pension) or if you don't read Japanese. Extensions of work visas are usually easy to DIY.

❓ How long does processing take in 2026?

✅ Engineer/Spouse renewal: 1-3 months. Business Manager new: 2-4 months. PR: 12-18 months (longer due to volume). Apply 3+ months before expiry.

❓ Can I work while waiting for renewal?

✅ Yes, if you applied before your visa expired. You'll receive a special stamp allowing you to continue working until decision.

❓ What is the Engineer Visa Category 3 & 4 document rule?

✅ From April 15, 2026, employees of small/new companies (Category 3 or 4) in language-heavy roles must submit JLPT/BJT proof. See our Engineer Visa Category 3 & 4 blog for details.

❓ Does the new PR rule about 'maximum visa period' affect me?

✅ Yes. From May 2026, you must hold the maximum visa period (usually 5 years) before applying for PR. If you have 1 or 3 years, renew to 5 years first.

❓ What documents do I need for PR in 2026?

✅ 5 years of tax records, 2 years of pension records, your 5-year visa card, guarantor, reason statement, and standard ID. Pension gaps are the #1 rejection reason.

❓ What if my application is rejected?

✅ You can reapply with stronger documentation. For PR rejections, you may need to wait 6 months. Hiring an agent for the second attempt is recommended.

❓ Where can I check the official current fees?

✅ Immigration Services Agency (出入国在留管理庁): https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/. Look for '在留資格手数料' section.

Important Notes

• Fees shown are estimates — actual costs may vary at time of application
• Agent fees vary widely (¥30,000 – ¥300,000+)
• FY2026 amounts are best estimates based on legal cap; final amounts set by Cabinet Order
• Always check the official Immigration Services Agency (入管) website for current requirements
• Processing times change based on season and applicant volume

Japan Visa Application Fees Explained (2026 Edition)

Japan visa fees in 2026 are at a turning point. The Japanese Diet passed a major reform in March 2026 raising the legal maximum for residence status (在留資格) application fees from ¥6,000-¥10,000 to ¥100,000-¥300,000. This affects every foreign resident — workers, students, families, and PR applicants.

Current government fees (as of May 2026): Engineer/Humanities visa (技人国): ¥6,000; Business Manager (経営・管理): ¥6,000; Student (留学): ¥4,000; Spouse of Japanese: ¥6,000; Permanent Residence (永住): ¥10,000; Specified Skilled Worker (特定技能): ¥6,000. These are the CURRENT fees you pay at Immigration when you apply.

FY2026 expected fees: Engineer/Humanities: ¥30,000-¥40,000; Business Manager: ¥40,000-¥50,000; Student: ¥10,000-¥20,000; Spouse: ¥30,000; PR: ¥100,000-¥200,000. The actual rates are set by Cabinet Order (政令), expected to take effect between October 2026 and January 2027.

Other costs to consider: Document translations (¥3,000-¥10,000 per document), photos (¥700-¥1,500), certificate of taxation from city office (¥300 per copy), pension record from Nenkin Net (free), and professional help from an immigration lawyer (行政書士 or gyoseishoshi, ¥50,000-¥300,000 depending on case complexity).

How to save money on Japan visa fees in 2026: Apply BEFORE the FY2026 fee hike takes effect. Aim for a 5-year visa instead of 1 or 3 year (fewer renewals = pay the new high fee fewer times). DIY simple extensions instead of using an agent. Use konbini photos (¥800) instead of photo studios. Get your employer to pay the fee as a benefit — many big Japanese companies do this and will put it in your contract.

2026 visa application rule changes you must know:

Japan PR 5-Year Visa Rule (Feb 2026) — you must hold the maximum visa period (5 years for most) to apply for permanent residence
Engineer Visa Cat 3 & 4 Docs (April 15, 2026) — small/new employer foreign hires need language test proof
Citizenship 10-Year Rule — 5 years tax proof + 2 years pension proof required
Ikusei Shuro (2027) — Technical Intern Training Program replaced
Departure Tax Triple (July 2026) — ¥1,000 to ¥3,000 per person to leave Japan

For the complete breakdown of every visa type and the FY2026 fee hike,read our full Japan Visa Fee Hike 2026 guide. Processing times: Certificate of Eligibility (CoE) takes 1-3 months, visa stamp at embassy 1-2 weeks, renewals 2-4 weeks (work visas) or 12-18 months (PR). Plan ahead and apply before your current status expires.

⚠️ Apply NOW if possible. Current fees (¥4,000-¥10,000) are 5x-30x cheaper than expected FY2026 fees. The Cabinet Order setting actual amounts has not been published yet (May 2026), but the change window is October 2026 to early 2027. Permanent Residence applicants in particular should apply this year.