Short answer: you can apply to extend your period of stay at your regional Immigration Services Bureau (or online) up to three months before your residence card expires. From 1 October 2026 the old flat ¥6,000 fee is gone: you now pay a tiered fee of ¥10,000 to ¥75,000, depending on the period of stay you are granted and whether you applied at the counter or online. Applications received by 30 September 2026 still pay the old ¥6,000. The rest of this guide covers the new fee table, the documents for students and workers, the steps from application to card pickup, and the mistakes that most often cause delays.
Last checked: 6 October 2026. Fees are based on the Immigration Services Agency's revised schedule. Always confirm the amount on your result postcard.
Visa Extension Fees from 1 October 2026
The fee depends on the period of stay you are granted, not the one you ask for. Online applications cost less than counter applications:
| Period of stay granted | Counter application | Online application |
|---|---|---|
| 3 months or less | ¥10,000 | ¥10,000 |
| Over 3 months, up to 6 months | ¥18,000 | ¥15,000 |
| Over 6 months, under 1 year | ¥25,000 | ¥21,000 |
| 1 year | ¥33,000 | ¥27,000 |
| Over 1 year, under 3 years | ¥48,000 | ¥42,000 |
| 3 years, under 5 years | ¥64,000 | ¥56,000 |
| 5 years or more | ¥75,000 | ¥65,000 |
- Counter applicants pay with revenue stamps (収入印紙, shūnyū inshi) when they pick up the new card. The result postcard tells you the exact amount.
- Online applicants do not use stamps. They pay electronically, following the instructions in the online residence application system.
- Transition rule: if your application was received by 30 September 2026, you pay the old ¥6,000, even if the card is issued later.
Example: a language-school student granted another 1 year and 3 months now pays ¥48,000 at the counter, or ¥42,000 online, instead of ¥6,000. Build this into your budget before the renewal month.
When to Apply
You can apply up to three months before your current period of stay ends (for stays of six months or more). Apply early. The standard processing time is about two weeks to one month, and longer in busy seasons such as February to April.
If your card expires while the application is still being reviewed, you may stay legally until a decision is made, for up to two months after the expiry date. This is the special period (特例期間, tokurei kikan). Your residence card is stamped "application in progress" (申請中) on the back. Keep it with you, especially if you travel. Our re-entry permit guide explains what this means for trips abroad.
Document Checklist by Status
Some documents are required from everyone. Others depend on your status of residence:
| Required Document | Student Visa (Ryugaku) | Work Visa (e.g., Engineer/Specialist in Humanities) |
|---|---|---|
| Application Form | Yes (includes pages for the applicant and the school) | Yes (includes pages for the applicant and the employer) |
| Photo (4cm x 3cm) | Yes (taken within the last 3 months, plain background) | Yes (taken within the last 3 months, plain background) |
| Passport & Residence Card | Yes (show the originals at the counter) | Yes (show the originals at the counter) |
| Proof of Enrollment/Employment | Certificate of enrollment, attendance record and transcript from your school | Certificate of employment and company documents (category-dependent) |
| Financial Proof | Bank statements, scholarship certificates, or sponsor support documents | Residence tax certificates (課税証明書 and 納税証明書) from your city office |
Work-visa holders should also check our Japan work visa guide, and students our student visa guide, for status-specific requirements.
Step-by-Step Extension Procedure
- Get your school or employer pages: part of the application form is filled in and stamped by your school or employer. Ask for it a few weeks ahead. If you are also job hunting, our Rirekisho/CV Builder helps you prepare a Japanese-style CV.
- Prepare financial proof and tax papers: immigration wants to see that you can support yourself without public assistance. Get your tax certificates from the city office. Students with attendance below roughly 80% should add a written explanation.
- Submit the application: apply in person at the regional Immigration Services Bureau that covers your address, or online through the online residence application system if you have a My Number Card and a compatible smartphone or card reader. Online is cheaper under the new fee table.
- Wait for the result: at the counter you write your address on a postcard (はがき). Immigration mails it to you when the decision is ready. It lists what to bring and the fee due.
- Pick up your new card: bring your passport, current residence card, the postcard and revenue stamps for the amount shown. Post offices sell revenue stamps, and many bureaus have a stamp counter on site. Most convenience stores stock only low-value stamps.
Crucial Tips for a Smooth Renewal
- Attendance matters: for students, attendance is the single most important factor. Below 80%, expect closer scrutiny and a request for an explanation letter.
- Respect the 28-hour limit: with a work permit, students may work up to 28 hours per week during term. Going over the limit can lead to a refusal. See our 28-hour rule guide.
- Pay taxes and insurance: unpaid residence tax, National Health Insurance or pension can count against you. Clear any arrears before you apply.
- Keep your address up to date: make sure your current address is registered at the ward office and printed on the back of your residence card.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a visa extension cost in Japan in 2026?
For applications received from 1 October 2026, the fee ranges from ¥10,000 to ¥75,000, depending on the period of stay granted. At the counter, a 1-year extension costs ¥33,000 and a 3-year extension ¥64,000. Online applications are cheaper, for example ¥27,000 for 1 year.
I applied in September 2026. Do I pay the new fee?
No. Applications received by 30 September 2026 pay the old flat fee of ¥6,000, even if the new card is issued in October or later.
How early can I apply to extend my period of stay?
Up to three months before your current period of stay expires. Applying early gives you time to fix missing documents without stress.
Can I stay in Japan if my card expires during processing?
Yes. If you applied before the expiry date, you may stay until a decision is made, for up to two months after expiry (the special period). Your card is marked "application in progress" on the back.
Where do I buy revenue stamps for the fee?
At post offices, and at the stamp counter found in or near most immigration bureaus. Convenience stores usually only carry low-value stamps. Online applicants do not need stamps.