Renewing your visa in Japan: timing, documents and the new 2026 fees

When you can apply

You apply for an extension of your period of stay (在留期間更新許可申請, zairyū kikan kōshin kyoka shinsei) before your current period runs out. If your period is six months or longer, you can apply from three months before the expiry date.

Applied in time, but the decision hasn't come? You may stay and work as before while you wait, until the decision or two months after your old expiry date, whichever comes first (the special period, 特例期間). Your card gets a stamp on the back showing you've applied.

Don't leave it to the last week. Offices get busy before holidays and in spring, and a missing document can mean a second trip.

The fee, since 1 October 2026

Japan raised immigration fees on 1 October 2026. For extensions and changes of status, the fee now depends on the length of stay you're granted, paid with a revenue stamp (収入印紙) when you collect your new card:

• Applications received by 30 September 2026 pay the old fee (¥6,000), even if the approval comes later.
• Some people qualify for a reduced fee of ¥10,000 or an exemption. Check the immigration page for whether you do.
• Online applications have their own fee page.

What to bring

The exact list depends on your status. Pick yours on the Immigration Services Agency's page. Almost everyone needs:

• The application form for your status (from the immigration website).
• One photo, 4 cm × 3 cm, taken within the last three months.
• Your passport and residence card.
• Tax certificates from your city office: the certificate of taxation (課税証明書, kazei shōmeisho) and certificate of tax payment (納税証明書, nōzei shōmeisho) for the last year. Many cities issue them at convenience stores with a My Number card.
• Proof of your activity: for work visas, an employment certificate (在職証明書) and often documents about your employer; for students, enrolment and attendance; for spouses, documents about the marriage and household.

What immigration looks at

Beyond your status itself, they look at whether you've met your obligations living here:

• Taxes: resident tax and income tax paid on time.
• Health insurance and pension: enrolled and paid, or properly exempted.
• Notifications: address changes and changes of employer or school reported within 14 days.
• Your actual activity matches your status, including any side work you need permission for. Side work on your visa.

Behind on something? Sort it out before you apply: pay, or arrange instalments, and keep the receipts. That letter from the city.

Applying: at the counter or online

1. 1At the counter: go to the regional immigration office that covers your address. Take a number, submit the form and documents. Expect a long wait at busy offices; go early.
2. 2Online: the residence application online system (在留申請オンラインシステム) lets you apply with a My Number card, without the queue.
3. 3Wait for the result. It usually takes a few weeks to a couple of months. You'll get a postcard (はがき) or email when it's ready.
4. 4Collect your new card, with the revenue stamp for the fee, your passport, your old card and the postcard.

Getting help: what's fine and what needs a licence

• Fine for anyone: explaining the process, going with you to the office, helping you gather the city certificates, reading the postcard.
• Needs a licence: preparing or submitting the application for you for a fee. That's work for an immigration lawyer (申請取次 行政書士 or 弁護士). Your employer's or school's staff can sometimes submit for you as well.
• Free advice: the Foreign Residents Support Center (FRESC, 0570-011000) answers questions in several languages.