Japan's revised Immigration Control Act was enacted May 29, 2026 and promulgated June 5, 2026. The statutory cap on residence status change/renewal fees rises from ¥10,000 to ¥100,000, and the permanent residence fee cap rises from ¥10,000 to ¥300,000. The law is expected to take effect October 1, 2026; applications accepted before then remain subject to current fees.
Separately, applications for the new "Specified Residence Card" — integrating residence card and MyNumber Card functions into one — opened June 14, 2026, available to mid- to long-term residents and special permanent residents recorded in Japan's Basic Resident Register. Acquisition is optional; holders may keep using separate cards as before.
- Revised Immigration Control Act enacted May 29, 2026; promulgated June 5, 2026; effective October 1, 2026 (expected)
- Residence status change/renewal fee cap: ¥10,000 → ¥100,000
- Permanent residence fee cap: ¥10,000 → ¥300,000
- Specified Residence Card available since June 14, 2026; acquisition is optional
Actual fee amounts will be set separately by cabinet order. Employers should review cost-bearing policies and consider filing applications before the increase takes effect.
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⚖️ Expert Commentary from a Licensed Gyoseishoshi
📋 Practical Impact
The fee increase could reach up to 30-fold for permanent residence applications, with significant implications for hiring and residence-management costs. Since the Specified Residence Card is optional, obtaining one is simply a matter of individual convenience.
✅ Actions to Take Now
Check your foreign employees' residence expiration dates to identify renewal or permanent residence applications that could be filed before the fee increase (by end of September 2026). For consultations, contact Sakura Central Legal Office.