How to extend your stay or change status in Japan

Both must be filed by the last day of your current stay. From 2026-10-01 the fee depends on the period granted. Here are the timing and cost rules.

Reviewed on 2026-10-26

Extension or change of status: what is the difference?

A change of status covers a foreign national who wants to move to a different status of residence. A change to Permanent Resident is excluded and handled as a separate permanent residence application. An extension is a separate procedure for lengthening the period of stay.

The examination standard for a change of status is that the intended activity is genuine, falls under an Annex I activity or an Annex II status other than Permanent Resident, and that there are considerable grounds to deem the change appropriate.

When must I apply?

A change of status must be applied for after the reason for the change arises and no later than the last day of the current period of stay. An extension can be filed up to the expiry date, and for people holding a period of 6 months or more the filing window opens 3 months before expiry.

The agency asks people who want the extension decided within the current period to apply between 3 months and 45 days before expiry. Offices may accept an application earlier in truly unavoidable cases, such as studying abroad, a long overseas assignment, pregnancy or hospitalization; the agency says to ask the office beforehand.

If no decision has been made by the expiry date, a residence card holder who filed in time may keep the previous status until the decision or until 2 months after the original expiry date, whichever is earlier. This does not apply when the period of stay at filing was 30 days or less.

How long does it take?

The standard processing period is 1 to 2 months for a change of status and 2 weeks to 1 month for an extension.

The Immigration Services Agency publishes monthly averages, counted from receipt to the notice of approval, with refusals and withdrawals excluded. For permits granted in 2026-08, the averages were 41.0 days for an extension and 51.3 days for a change of status for Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services, and 59.3 and 63.2 days for Student.

The agency says the averages include the days spent waiting for supplementary documents. For extensions and changes the notice date is the pick-up day, so the review itself is often shorter than the average.

What does it cost at the counter?

From 2026-10-01 the counter fee for a change of status or an extension depends on the period granted: 10,000 yen for up to 3 months, 18,000 for over 3 up to 6 months, 25,000 for over 6 months up to under 1 year and 33,000 for 1 year.

Longer periods cost 48,000 yen for over 1 year up to under 3 years, 64,000 for 3 up to under 5 years and 75,000 for 5 years or more. Counter fees are paid with revenue stamps.

By law the fee falls due when the permit is entered, issued or stamped. Nothing is paid when filing at the counter, and nothing is owed if the application is refused or withdrawn before a permit is issued.

Online fees, the old fee and reductions

Online applications received on or after 2026-10-01 pay less than at the counter for periods above 3 months: 10,000 yen up to 3 months, then 15,000, 21,000, 27,000 (1 year), 42,000, 56,000 and 65,000 yen for 5 years or more. A payment fee of 330 yen is added (550 yen for the 3-year and 5-year bands).

Online fees are paid by convenience-store or bank payment after the completion e-mail, not with revenue stamps; credit card and QR code payments are not supported. Applications received by 2026-09-30 still pay the old flat fee of 6,000 yen, even if the permit is issued on or after 2026-10-01.

A fee reduction may be granted only to a person who is both in hardship comparable to someone needing public assistance and in need of humanitarian consideration. The reduced fee is 10,000 yen for a change of status or an extension; online applications cannot be reduced, so the application must be made at the counter.

What does the office weigh, and who files?

Whether to grant a change or extension is left to the Minister of Justice's free discretion after weighing the intended activity, the stay record and the need to stay, using guidelines first issued in 2008 and last revised in 2026-06. Only the fit of the activity with the status is a hard requirement; the landing criteria are required in principle.

The other factors include past activity under the current status, good conduct, independent livelihood, proper employment conditions, tax duties and notification duties. Meeting all of them still does not guarantee a permit. Unpaid tax counts against an applicant, and so does a long absence abroad on a re-entry permit without a justifiable reason.

Applicants aged 18 or over must file themselves unless an approved agent files for them. The Immigration Services Agency procedure pages list no appeal method against a refusal.

Official source

Rulebook entries on this topic

What it is

The amended Immigration Control Act (Art. 67(3)) lets fees for change of status, extension and permanent residence be reduced or waived for people designated by cabinet order as having economic hardship or other special reasons.
令和８年１０月１日付け在留許可手数料の額の改定等について（出入国在留管理庁）手数料の減額又は免除について · Checked on 2026-10-23 · In force from 2026-10-01
The change-of-status procedure covers a foreign national who wants to move to a different status of residence; a change to permanent resident is excluded and is handled as a separate permanent residence application.
在留資格変更許可申請（出入国在留管理庁手続案内）手続対象者 · Checked on 2026-10-22
Mid- to long-term residents exclude people granted a period of 3 months or less, people with the Temporary Visitor, Diplomat or Official status, similar persons set by ministerial order, and special permanent residents.
在留資格の変更、在留期間の更新許可のガイドライン（出入国在留管理庁）ガイドライン＜中長期在留者の範囲＞ · Checked on 2026-10-22
A certificate of authorized employment is a document proving which income-earning activities a foreign national may perform under their current status of residence.
就労資格証明書交付申請（出入国在留管理庁手続案内）手続概要 · Checked on 2026-10-22
Permission to engage in activity outside the status of residence is required before doing income-earning business or paid work that the current status does not cover.
資格外活動許可について（出入国在留管理庁）資格外活動許可について · Checked on 2026-10-22
Statutory representatives are parents with parental authority or a minor's guardian for an applicant under 18, and an adult guardian for an applicant under adult guardianship.
法定代理人について · Checked on 2026-10-22
Holders of the Diplomat, Temporary Visitor or Designated Activity (departure preparation period) statuses, and people wanting to change into one of them, are excluded from online filing.
オンラインで申請可能な申請種別及び在留資格（対象範囲）申請可能な申請種別（注） · Checked on 2026-10-23
The ISA publishes average review times as a single national figure covering all regional immigration bureaus, in a monthly table counted from receipt of the application until the permit is notified, with refusals and withdrawals excluded.
在留審査処理期間 · Checked on 2026-10-23

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The averages count the time from receipt to the notice of permission, including the days waiting for supplementary documents, and leave out refusals and withdrawals; for extensions and changes the notice date is the pick-up day, so the review itself is often shorter.
在留審査処理期間（令和8年8月許可分）注 · Checked on 2026-10-22
The certificate of eligibility is valid for 3 months from issue, and that validity is separate from the visa's validity; the Q&A states no shorter validity for particular statuses.
出入国審査・在留審査Q&A Q6 · Checked on 2026-10-22
On the foreign national's application the Minister of Justice may issue a certificate stating which income-earning activities the person may perform (the certificate of authorized employment).
出入国管理及び難民認定法第19条の2第1項 · Checked on 2026-10-23

Who qualifies

A fee reduction may be granted only to a person who both is in hardship comparable to someone needing public assistance and needs humanitarian consideration; meeting only one of these conditions is not enough.
令和８年１０月１日付け在留許可手数料の額の改定等に関するQ&A 問８ · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2026-10-01
For permanent residence, a fee reduction is limited to applicants such as the spouse or child of a Japanese national, permanent resident or special permanent resident.
令和８年１０月１日以降における在留許可手数料の減額措置又は免除措置について概要 · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2026-10-01
The examination standard for a change of status is that the intended activity is genuine, falls under an Annex I activity or an Annex II status other than Permanent Resident, and that there are considerable grounds to deem the change appropriate.
在留資格変更許可申請（出入国在留管理庁手続案内）審査基準 · Checked on 2026-10-22
Offices may accept an extension application more than 3 months early when truly unavoidable special circumstances exist, such as studying abroad, a long overseas assignment, pregnancy or hospitalization, and the applicant should ask the office beforehand.
在留期間更新許可申請（出入国在留管理庁手続案内）申請期間 · Checked on 2026-10-22
Since the age of adulthood became 18, applicants aged 18 or over must file in person themselves, unless an approved agent files for them.
在留期間更新許可申請（出入国在留管理庁手続案内）申請提出者（留意事項） · Checked on 2026-10-22
An application for a change of status or extension is not refused merely because the applicant cannot show a health insurance card or equivalent proof, although the counter asks for it.
在留資格の変更、在留期間の更新許可のガイドライン（出入国在留管理庁）ガイドライン前文（注） · Checked on 2026-10-22
Among the factors weighed for a change of status or extension is whether the person has performed the notification duties required of mid- to long-term residents under the Immigration Control Act.
在留資格の変更、在留期間の更新許可のガイドライン（出入国在留管理庁）ガイドライン８ · Checked on 2026-10-22
The special period does not apply when the applicant held a period of stay of 30 days or less at the time of applying.
出入国管理及び難民認定法（e-Gov法令検索法令API 本文）第20条第6項 · Checked on 2026-10-22

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Nobody, including an employer, may treat a foreign worker unfavorably merely because the worker does not present a certificate of authorized employment, when the permitted income-earning activity is already clear.
出入国管理及び難民認定法（e-Gov法令検索法令API 本文）第19条の2第2項 · Checked on 2026-10-23
People with Annex II statuses such as Permanent Resident and Long-Term Resident have no work restrictions, so permission for activity outside status does not apply to them.
資格外活動許可について（出入国在留管理庁）資格外活動許可について · Checked on 2026-10-22
A condition for permission is that the extra activity must not hinder the activity belonging to the person's current status of residence.
資格外活動許可について（出入国在留管理庁）１（１） · Checked on 2026-10-23
Activity at premises running a regulated amusement business, a shop-type sex-related special business or a specified late-night entertainment-and-dining business, or in the non-shop or telephone-introduction sex-related trades, cannot be permitted as activity outside status.
資格外活動許可について（出入国在留管理庁）１（４）イ · Checked on 2026-10-22
For holders of the group A statuses (activity-organization statuses such as Professor, Business Manager and Student), a report is needed when the organization where the activity takes place disappears or changes its name or location, or when the person leaves it or moves to a new organization.
所属機関等に関する届出・所属機関による届出Ｑ＆Ａ（出入国在留管理庁） Q1 · Checked on 2026-10-23
A person who changes jobs and is granted a change of status at the same time does not need to file the job-change report.
所属機関等に関する届出・所属機関による届出Ｑ＆Ａ（出入国在留管理庁） Q10 · Checked on 2026-10-22
A person who changes jobs and is granted an extension at the same time must still file the job-change report.
所属機関等に関する届出・所属機関による届出Ｑ＆Ａ（出入国在留管理庁） Q9 · Checked on 2026-10-22
A group A holder who takes a second long-term job or founds another company, so that there are two or more organizations, files a move report treating the current employer as the previous organization marked as a dual contract; group B holders file a new-contract report and mark the current employer the same way.
所属機関等に関する届出・所属機関による届出Ｑ＆Ａ（出入国在留管理庁） Q15 · Checked on 2026-10-22
No report is needed when only the contract terms change but the employer stays the same; reports are required when the activity or contract organization changes.
所属機関等に関する届出・所属機関による届出Ｑ＆Ａ（出入国在留管理庁） Q12 · Checked on 2026-10-22
For a dispatched worker in a group A status whose staffing agency stays the same but whose client site changes, a report of leaving the former site and moving to the new site is required; for group B statuses (such as Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services) a change of client site alone needs no report because the staffing agency is the contracting organization.
所属機関等に関する届出・所属機関による届出Ｑ＆Ａ（出入国在留管理庁） Q17 · Checked on 2026-10-23
A specific residence card, which merges the residence card with the My Number card, can be requested by mid- to long-term residents recorded in the resident register.
特定在留カード交付申請について（出入国在留管理庁）手続対象者 · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2026-06-14
Whether to grant a change of status or extension is left to the Minister of Justice's free discretion after weighing the intended activity, the stay record and the need to stay, using the ISA's Guidelines on Permission (originally 2008, last revised June 2026).
在留資格の変更、在留期間の更新許可のガイドライン · Checked on 2026-10-23
Good conduct is judged negatively for criminal dispositions comparable to grounds for deportation or for acts such as arranging illegal work, even for a first offense.
在留資格の変更、在留期間の更新許可のガイドライン４素行が不良でないこと · Checked on 2026-10-22
Unpaid tax is a negative factor in a change or extension: a person punished for non-payment is treated as not meeting the duty, and large or long-running arrears are treated the same way when malicious.
在留資格の変更、在留期間の更新許可のガイドライン７納税義務等を履行していること · Checked on 2026-10-22
Large or long-running arrears of statutory payments such as national health insurance premiums are treated like unpaid tax when malicious.
在留資格の変更、在留期間の更新許可のガイドライン７納税義務等を履行していること · Checked on 2026-10-22
A long absence abroad on a re-entry permit, including deemed re-entry, is a negative factor in an extension or change unless there is a justifiable reason, as is a student who stayed on after dropping out.
在留資格の変更、在留期間の更新許可のガイドライン３現に有する在留資格に応じた活動を行っていたこと · Checked on 2026-10-22
The law lets the Minister permit a change of status or an extension only when there are grounds to find it appropriate, judged on the documents the applicant submitted.
出入国管理及び難民認定法第20条第3項・第21条第3項 · Checked on 2026-10-22
A foreign national cannot use the online system if not a mid/long-term resident (Diplomat, Official, Temporary Visitor, or a period of 3 months or less) or if under 15; a relative may file only for an applicant under 16 or a person who cannot file because of illness or similar.
在留申請のオンライン手続対象（注４・注５） · Checked on 2026-10-23
The online system does not support the fee reduction, so a person with documents proving eligibility for a reduced fee must file at the counter.
オンライン申請における手数料額及び手数料納付方法について注３ · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2026-10-01
A relative, cohabitant or similar person may file for the applicant only if the applicant is under 16 or cannot appear because of illness or another reason, the bureau head finds the person suitable, and the person brings proof of the relationship such as a resident record.
在留資格変更許可申請申請提出者（３） · Checked on 2026-10-22
Being busy with work or commuting to work or school does not count as 'another reason' for being unable to appear, so such an applicant cannot send a relative instead; illness needs a medical certificate and other reasons need a written explanation.
在留資格変更許可申請申請提出者注１・注２ · Checked on 2026-10-22
A holder of Spouse of Japanese National or Spouse of Permanent Resident status (as a spouse, not as a child) who does not carry out the activity of being a spouse for six consecutive months or more can have the status revoked unless there is a justifiable reason.
在留資格の取消し（入管法第22条の４）第1項第7号 · Checked on 2026-10-22
Dependent (including a spouse dependent) is an Annex I status, so it falls under the three-month rule for not doing the status's activity, not the six-month spouse rule that applies only to Spouse of Japanese National and Spouse of Permanent Resident.
在留資格の取消し（入管法第22条の４）第1項第6号・別表第1の在留資格一覧 · Checked on 2026-10-23
Cases where the ISA does not revoke a spouse status include temporary refuge or protection from domestic violence, living apart for child-rearing or similar while still sharing finances, a long trip abroad on a re-entry permit for a relative's illness, and divorce mediation or a divorce suit in progress.
配偶者の身分を有する者としての活動を行わないことに正当な理由がある場合等在留資格の取消しを行わない具体例について · Checked on 2026-10-22
A holder of an Annex I status who is not doing that status's activity and is doing or planning other activity can have the status revoked without a three-month wait, unless there is a justifiable reason.
在留資格の取消し（入管法第22条の４）第1項第5号 · Checked on 2026-10-23
The fee reduction and waiver power covers only change of status, extension and permanent residence (the last only for spouses and children of Japanese nationals, permanent residents and special permanent residents, or recognized refugees); re-entry permits and the certificate of authorized employment are outside it.
出入国管理及び難民認定法第67条第3項 · Checked on 2026-10-22
Temporary Visitors are in principle not granted a re-entry permit and are not eligible for deemed re-entry, so leaving Japan during the stay ends it and the next entry is a new entry needing a visa unless visa-exempt.
出入国審査・在留審査Q&A Q62 · Checked on 2026-10-22
Deemed re-entry does not apply to people under revocation proceedings, those with a departure-confirmation hold or a detention order, asylum applicants on Designated Activity, or people the Minister certifies need an ordinary permit; they must obtain a normal re-entry permit.
みなし再入国許可（入管法第26条の2） · Checked on 2026-10-22
People without work restrictions (permanent residents, Long-Term Residents, special permanent residents) and Designated Activity or outside-status permission holders who may work submit the same basic documents as an unchanged-employer case.
就労資格証明書交付申請申請書・必要書類等３ · Checked on 2026-10-22
Outside-status permission is granted only if all general conditions hold: it does not hinder the main activity, the main activity is actually being done, the extra work is an allowed type, it is not in the excluded entertainment trades, no detention order or hearing notice, no bad conduct, and the sponsoring organization agrees.
資格外活動許可について１資格外活動許可の要件（一般原則） · Checked on 2026-10-22
For Designated Activity holders continuing a job search or waiting to start a job, comprehensive permission allows up to 28 hours per week, while internships as part of job hunting need an individual permission with a document from the host organization.
継続就職活動又は内定後就職までの在留を目的とする「特定活動」の在留資格に係る資格外活動許可について１包括許可・２個別許可 · Checked on 2026-10-22
For a job-hunting internship above 28 hours a week, a Student needs an individual permission, which the ISA expects to go to a university (not junior college) student in the final year with about nine-tenths or more of the graduation credits earned, or to a graduate student finishing that year; an enrolment certificate is required, plus a credit record for undergraduates.
「留学」の在留資格に係る資格外活動許可について２個別許可（１） · Checked on 2026-10-23
Cultural Activities holders who do student-like activity at a foreign university's Japan branch, a Japan studies center or a national research institute are treated like Students for outside-status permission.
「留学」の在留資格に係る資格外活動許可について３その他（３） · Checked on 2026-10-22
Running even a small own business under outside-status permission is limited to a lone, relatively small operation; founding a company, hiring staff or opening an office requires a change to Business Manager.
「家族滞在」の在留資格に係る資格外活動許可について３その他（１） · Checked on 2026-10-22
Even outside the job-hunting internship case, a Student can obtain permission to work more than 28 hours a week where the activity is closely tied to the major, for example practical training needed to earn credits.
「留学」の在留資格に係る資格外活動許可について２個別許可（１）ア（注） · Checked on 2026-10-23

Numbers and tests

Comprehensive permission lets holders such as students and dependents work up to 28 hours per week in part-time style work.
資格外活動許可について（出入国在留管理庁）２（１）包括許可 · Checked on 2026-10-22
Students under comprehensive permission may work up to 8 hours per day during the long school vacations of their institution.
「留学」の在留資格に係る資格外活動許可について（出入国在留管理庁）１包括許可 · Checked on 2026-10-22
From residence cards issued on or after 14 June 2026 a photo is required for applicants aged 1 or over (before that date only people under 16 were exempt); no photo is needed for a baby under 1 on the card issue date, for a change to a status that does not make the person a mid- to long-term resident, or for an extension of 3 months or less.
在留資格「技術・人文知識・国際業務」在留期間更新許可申請提出書類 · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2026-06-14
The statutory ceilings in the Act are 100,000 yen for a change of status, 100,000 yen for an extension, 300,000 yen for permanent residence and 10,000 yen for a re-entry permit; the cabinet order sets the actual fees below these caps.
出入国管理及び難民認定法第67条第1項 · Checked on 2026-10-22
Dependents with comprehensive permission may work up to 28 hours per week with only the application form, and the page lists no school-holiday extension.
「家族滞在」の在留資格に係る資格外活動許可について１包括許可 · Checked on 2026-10-22
Under the Enforcement Regulations the 28-hours-per-week comprehensive permission is raised to 8 hours per day only for Student holders during their institution's long vacations, and only while enrolled.
出入国管理及び難民認定法施行規則第19条第5項第1号 · Checked on 2026-10-22
The 28-hours-per-week cap is a combined cap: the ISA says the total hours of all permitted extra activities, comprehensive and individual permissions together, must be within 28 hours a week.
遊技場営業店舗における資格外活動許可について２（５）許可の要件 · Checked on 2026-10-23

Periods

The standard processing period for a change of status is one to two months.
在留資格変更許可申請（出入国在留管理庁手続案内）標準処理期間 · Checked on 2026-10-22
The standard processing period for an extension of the period of stay is two weeks to one month.
在留期間更新許可申請（出入国在留管理庁手続案内）標準処理期間 · Checked on 2026-10-22
If a holder of a residence card files an extension or change application and no decision is made by the expiry date, the person may keep the previous status until the decision or until two months after the original expiry date, whichever is earlier.
特例期間とは？（出入国在留管理庁）特例期間とは？ · Checked on 2026-10-22
The standard processing period for a certificate of eligibility is one to three months, and mailed applications are not accepted.
在留資格認定証明書交付申請（出入国在留管理庁手続案内）標準処理期間 · Checked on 2026-10-22
A certificate of eligibility is valid for 3 months from issue and loses effect if the landing application is not made within that time; its validity is separate from the visa's validity.
出入国審査・在留審査Q&A（出入国在留管理庁） Q6 · Checked on 2026-10-22
The standard processing period for acquisition of status is within 60 days of the event that triggered the acquisition, and same-day processing is sometimes possible.
在留資格取得許可申請（出入国在留管理庁手続案内）標準処理期間 · Checked on 2026-10-22
The standard processing period for permission to engage in activity outside status is two weeks to two months.
資格外活動許可申請（出入国在留管理庁手続案内）標準処理期間 · Checked on 2026-10-22
The standard processing period for a permanent residence application is four to six months.
永住許可申請（出入国在留管理庁手続案内）標準処理期間 · Checked on 2026-10-22

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A certificate of authorized employment is normally issued on the day of application, but takes one to three months when the person has changed employers.
就労資格証明書交付申請（出入国在留管理庁手続案内）標準処理期間 · Checked on 2026-10-22
For permits granted in August 2026, the Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services status averaged 47.1 days for a certificate of eligibility, 41.0 days for an extension and 51.3 days for a change of status, measured to the notice of approval.
在留審査処理期間（日数）令和8年8月許可分（出入国在留管理庁）令和8年8月許可分 · Checked on 2026-10-22
For permits granted in August 2026, the Student status averaged 63.7 days for a certificate of eligibility, 59.3 days for an extension and 63.2 days for a change of status.
在留審査処理期間（日数）令和8年8月許可分（出入国在留管理庁）令和8年8月許可分 · Checked on 2026-10-22
For permits granted in August 2026, the Business Manager status averaged 226.7 days for a certificate of eligibility, 44.4 days for an extension and 177.4 days for a change of status.
在留審査処理期間（日数）令和8年8月許可分（出入国在留管理庁）令和8年8月許可分 · Checked on 2026-10-22
In the August 2026 data, permanent residence applications took on average 309.0 days to the notice of approval and 292.6 days to the end of examination.
在留審査処理期間（日数）令和8年8月許可分（出入国在留管理庁）令和8年8月許可分 · Checked on 2026-10-22
A person who loses Japanese nationality or is born in Japan without going through landing procedures may remain without a status of residence for up to 60 days from the triggering date.
出入国管理及び難民認定法（e-Gov法令検索法令API 本文）第22条の2第1項 · Checked on 2026-10-22
Deemed re-entry permission lets a holder of a valid passport (and a residence card) who is not on a 3-month-or-less period or Temporary Visitor status leave and return within one year without an ordinary permit; it is valid for one year from departure, or until the period of stay ends if that comes first.
みなし再入国許可（入管法第26条の2）（出入国在留管理庁）みなし再入国許可（入管法第26条の2） · Checked on 2026-10-22
An ordinary re-entry permit is valid up to five years, limited to the remaining period of stay, and must be obtained before leaving Japan.
再入国許可申請（出入国在留管理庁）再入国許可申請 · Checked on 2026-10-22
The period of stay for Dependent is set individually by the Minister of Justice within a maximum of five years, so the fee tier cannot be known before the decision.
在留資格「家族滞在」在留期間 · Checked on 2026-10-22
The period of stay is decided case by case: five years reflects points such as notification compliance, tax compliance, school attendance of children and the employer's business, and applicants who do not get five years are given three years, one year or similar based on planned stay, stay record and employer track record.
出入国審査・在留審査Q&A Q18 在留資格・在留期間とは何ですか · Checked on 2026-10-22
A longer granted period lowers the fee per year, because the agency says people given long periods generally have a good stay record.
令和８年１０月１日付け在留許可手数料の額の改定等に関するQ&A 問5 · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2026-10-01
A residence card of an ordinary status is valid until the end of the period of stay, so it needs no separate renewal; only permanent residents and Highly Skilled Professional No. 2 holders have a card validity that is renewed on its own.
出入国管理及び難民認定法第19条の5第1項第3号 · Checked on 2026-10-22
A permanent resident's or Highly Skilled Professional No. 2 holder's card is valid until the 10th birthday after the issue date, and a permanent resident under 18 on the issue date gets a card valid until the 5th birthday after issue.
出入国管理及び難民認定法第19条の5第1項第1号・第2号 · Checked on 2026-10-22
When a status is revoked on grounds other than fraud at landing (items 1 and 2), a period of up to 30 days to leave Japan is normally designated, except that this need not be given when the revocation is for pursuing other activity (item 5) and the person is suspected of absconding.
出入国管理及び難民認定法第22条の4第7項 · Checked on 2026-10-22
ISA average processing days for permits granted in August 2026 for Spouse of Japanese National: certificate of eligibility 120.9; extension 45.0 days to notice and 31.7 to end of review; change of status 53.1 and 42.9.
在留審査処理期間（令和8年8月許可分） · Checked on 2026-10-22
ISA average processing days for permits granted in August 2026 for Dependent: certificate of eligibility 74.1; extension 39.2 days to notice and 28.9 to end of review; change 38.6 and 29.7. Long-Term Resident: 93.9; 39.8 and 25.8; 56.8 and 45.2.
在留審査処理期間（令和8年8月許可分） · Checked on 2026-10-22
ISA average processing days for permits granted in August 2026 for Designated Activity: certificate of eligibility 29.2; extension 32.7 days to notice and 20.1 to end of review; change 53.6 and 41.7; processing varies with the specific activity.
在留審査処理期間（令和8年8月許可分） · Checked on 2026-10-22
ISA average processing days for permits granted in August 2026 for Specified Skilled Worker No. 1: 62.7 for the certificate, 38.7 and 26.7 for extension, 60.7 and 42.5 for change; and No. 2: 58.3, 37.8 and 25.8, 51.3 and 38.0 (for No. 1 the certificate and change figures exclude the food-service field).
在留審査処理期間（令和8年8月許可分） · Checked on 2026-10-22
ISA average processing days for permits granted in August 2026 for Highly Skilled Professional: No.1(a) 24.3 for the certificate, 43.2 and 31.0 for extension, 45.6 and 35.5 for change; No.1(b) 43.0, 46.4 and 34.5, 51.7 and 39.7; No.1(c) 37.8, 67.8 and 58.0, 66.9 and 59.4; No.2 change only 62.8 and 51.6.
在留審査処理期間（令和8年8月許可分） · Checked on 2026-10-22
ISA monthly processing data for permits granted in July 2026 show Spouse of Japanese National extension taking 45.2 days to notice; Spouse of Permanent Resident 116.1 for the certificate, 42.8 and 30.1 for extension, 60.6 and 50.7 for change; and permanent residence 310.2 days to notice.
在留審査処理期間（令和8年7月許可分） · Checked on 2026-10-22
The June 2026 release shows Business Manager certificate of eligibility at 212.3 days, Student extension at 42.2 and change at 50.3, Engineer/Specialist 41.7 for extension, and permanent residence 289.1 days to notice, giving the earlier point of the trend.
在留審査処理期間（令和8年6月許可分） · Checked on 2026-10-22
Student processing is lengthened every year by the April and October course starts, and work-status processing by the April job-start rush.
在留審査処理期間（令和8年8月許可分）注 · Checked on 2026-10-22
For special permanent residents, deemed re-entry permission lasts two years from departure, against one year for other eligible holders.
みなし再入国許可（入管法第26条の2） · Checked on 2026-10-22
An individual outside-status permission for a Dependent also requires that the work period not exceed half of the period of stay granted.
「家族滞在」の在留資格に係る資格外活動許可について２個別許可 · Checked on 2026-10-22
A re-entry permit, single or multiple, is granted for a validity set within the current period of stay and of at most five years, or six years for special permanent residents.
再入国許可申請（出入国在留管理庁）再入国許可とは · Checked on 2026-10-23

Deadlines

A change of status must be applied for after the reason for the change arises and no later than the last day of the current period of stay.
在留資格変更許可申請（出入国在留管理庁手続案内）申請期間 · Checked on 2026-10-22
An extension of the period of stay can be filed up to the expiry date, and for people holding a period of 6 months or more the filing window opens 3 months before expiry.
在留期間更新許可申請（出入国在留管理庁手続案内）申請期間 · Checked on 2026-10-22
The agency asks people who want the extension decided within the current period to apply between 3 months and 45 days before expiry.
在留期間内での変更又は更新許可を希望する場合について（出入国在留管理庁 FAQ）在留期間更新許可申請 · Checked on 2026-10-22
A person who is not a mid- to long-term resident and holds a period of stay of 3 months or less may apply for an extension once roughly half of that period has elapsed.
在留期間内での変更又は更新許可を希望する場合について（出入国在留管理庁 FAQ）注２ · Checked on 2026-10-22
An application for acquisition of status of residence must be filed within 30 days of the event giving rise to it.
在留資格取得許可申請（出入国在留管理庁手続案内）申請期間 · Checked on 2026-10-22
After landing, a mid- to long-term resident must report the place of residence to the municipal office within 14 days of deciding where to live.
新規上陸後の住居地の届出（中長期在留者）（出入国在留管理庁）届出期間 · Checked on 2026-10-22
A mid- to long-term resident who moves must report the new address to the municipal office within 14 days of moving in.
住居地の変更届出（中長期在留者）（出入国在留管理庁）届出期間 · Checked on 2026-10-22
A change to name, date of birth, sex or nationality/region on the residence card must be reported to the regional immigration office within 14 days of the change.
住居地以外の在留カード記載事項の変更届出（出入国在留管理庁）届出時期 · Checked on 2026-10-22

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A report about the affiliated or contracting organization must be filed within 14 days of the event, such as quitting a job or joining a new company.
所属機関等に関する届出・所属機関による届出Ｑ＆Ａ（出入国在留管理庁） Q4 · Checked on 2026-10-22
A spouse holding Dependent (as a spouse), Spouse of Japanese National or Spouse of Permanent Resident status must also report a divorce or the spouse's death within 14 days of the event.
出入国管理及び難民認定法（e-Gov法令検索法令API 本文）第19条の16第3号 · Checked on 2026-10-22
A lost or stolen residence card must be reissued by applying within 14 days of learning of the loss, or within 14 days of first entering Japan if learned while abroad.
紛失等による在留カードの再交付申請（出入国在留管理庁）申請期間 · Checked on 2026-10-22
A residence card that has lost validity because the holder is no longer a mid- to long-term resident, the card expired, or the holder failed to re-enter within a re-entry permit must be returned within 14 days.
在留カード等の返納（出入国在留管理庁）１（２）返納までの期間 · Checked on 2026-10-22
Permanent residents aged 16 or over, and Highly Skilled Professional No. 2 holders, may apply to renew the residence card validity from 3 months before the card expiry date until that date.
在留カードの有効期間の更新申請（出入国在留管理庁）申請期間 · Checked on 2026-10-22
The photo for a residence application must have been taken within 6 months before the day of filing, and its back must carry the applicant's name unless it is printed directly on the form.
提出写真の規格撮影時期 · Checked on 2026-10-22
Every certificate issued in Japan that is attached to a residence application (for example residence, tax or family-register documents) must be dated within 3 months before filing, and documents in a foreign language need a Japanese translation.
在留資格「技術・人文知識・国際業務」申請に当たっての留意事項 · Checked on 2026-10-22
The online system cannot be used on the last day of the period of stay itself; that application must be made at the regional immigration office.
在留申請のオンライン手続利用可能な期間 · Checked on 2026-10-22
An applicant who still has no result when two months have passed since the expiry date can no longer stay in Japan.
在留申請時のお知らせ及び注意在留資格変更許可申請、在留期間更新許可申請をした人へ · Checked on 2026-10-22
A person who has not received a result of an acquisition application by 60 days after the event, such as a birth, can no longer stay in Japan.
在留申請時のお知らせ及び注意在留資格取得許可申請をした人へ · Checked on 2026-10-22

Fees

For applications filed at the counter on or after 1 October 2026, the fee for a change of status depends on the period granted: 10,000 yen for up to 3 months, 18,000 for over 3 up to 6 months, 25,000 for over 6 months up to under 1 year, 33,000 for 1 year, 48,000 for over 1 year up to under 3 years, 64,000 for 3 up to under 5 years and 75,000 for 5 years or more.
在留資格変更許可申請（出入国在留管理庁手続案内）手数料（窓口申請の場合） · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2026-10-01
The counter fee for an extension of the period of stay on or after 1 October 2026 is the same per-period scale as for a change of status: 10,000 yen (up to 3 months), 18,000 (to 6 months), 25,000 (under 1 year), 33,000 (1 year), 48,000 (under 3 years), 64,000 (under 5 years) and 75,000 yen (5 years or more).
在留期間更新許可申請（出入国在留管理庁手続案内）手数料（窓口申請の場合） · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2026-10-01
The fee for a permanent residence permit is 200,000 yen for applications received on or after 1 October 2026, up from the old 10,000 yen, which still applies to applications received by 30 September 2026.
永住許可申請（出入国在留管理庁手続案内）手数料 · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2026-10-01
For online applications received on or after 1 October 2026 the fee is lower than at the counter: 10,000 yen (up to 3 months), 15,000, 21,000, 27,000 (1 year), 42,000, 56,000 and 65,000 yen (5 years or more), plus a payment-processing fee of 330 yen (550 yen for the 3-year and 5-year bands).
オンライン申請における手数料額及び手数料納付方法について(２０２６年１０月１日以降の申請分のみに適用) オンライン申請の手数料額 · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2026-10-01
When a reduction is granted, the reduced fee is 10,000 yen for a change of status, 10,000 yen for an extension and 20,000 yen for permanent residence; online applications cannot be reduced, so the application must be made at the counter.
令和８年１０月１日以降における在留許可手数料の減額措置又は免除措置について１（３）減額後の手数料 · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2026-10-01
When a fee is due for a specific residence card (the card combined with the My Number card), the Immigration Services Agency charges 1,900 yen paid with a revenue stamp on the payment form, and J-LIS separately charges 600 yen (800 yen with an electronic certificate) for the My Number side.
特定在留カード交付申請について（出入国在留管理庁）手数料 · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2026-06-14
A specific residence card (My Number-integrated) is generally free for a person holding a card issued up to 13 June 2026 when it is issued at the first listed procedure on or after 14 June 2026; later cases, such as asking for an exchange, can carry a fee, and holders of a card issued from 14 June 2026 may have to pay at the first procedure.
特定在留カード交付申請について（出入国在留管理庁）手数料 · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2026-06-14
Asking for a replacement residence card when the current card is not badly damaged or soiled costs 1,900 yen, paid with revenue stamps.
交換希望による在留カードの再交付申請（出入国在留管理庁）手数料 · Checked on 2026-10-22

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Reissue of a lost or stolen residence card is free of charge.
紛失等による在留カードの再交付申請（出入国在留管理庁）手数料 · Checked on 2026-10-22
A re-entry permit costs 4,000 yen for a single trip or 7,000 yen for multiple trips when applied for at the counter, paid with revenue stamps.
再入国許可申請（出入国在留管理庁）手数料 · Checked on 2026-10-22
For re-entry permit applications made online on or after 1 October 2026 the fee is 3,500 yen (single) or 6,500 yen (multiple) plus a 220-yen settlement fee, 3,720 or 6,720 yen in total, paid by convenience-store or bank settlement instead of revenue stamps; the ISA re-entry page still carries the older stamp wording.
オンライン申請における手数料額及び手数料納付方法についてオンライン申請の手数料額 · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2026-10-01
A certificate of authorized employment costs 2,000 yen at the counter, paid with revenue stamps, and 1,600 yen for an online application.
就労資格証明書交付申請（出入国在留管理庁手続案内）手数料 · Checked on 2026-10-22
Applying for acquisition of a status of residence, for example after birth in Japan, is free of charge.
在留資格取得許可申請（出入国在留管理庁手続案内）手数料 · Checked on 2026-10-22
Applying for a certificate of eligibility is free of charge.
在留資格認定証明書交付申請（出入国在留管理庁手続案内）手数料 · Checked on 2026-10-22
An application for permission to engage in activity outside the status of residence is free of charge.
資格外活動許可申請（出入国在留管理庁手続案内）手数料 · Checked on 2026-10-22
The online settlement fees reconcile as follows: 220 yen for the fixed-fee items (re-entry permit, certificate of authorized employment), 330 yen on change/extension fees for periods under 3 years and 550 yen for 3 years or more; the 220 and 330/550 yen are different charges by service, not conflicting figures, and are the same for convenience-store and bank payment.
オンライン申請における手数料額及び手数料納付方法についてオンライン申請の手数料額 · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2026-10-01
Because the fee depends on the period granted, the stamp value needed is known only after approval; the ISA's minimum-stamp combinations are 10,000 for 3 months or less, 10,000+8,000 for over 3 to 6 months, 20,000+5,000 for under 1 year, 30,000+3,000 for 1 year, 40,000+8,000 for 1 to under 3 years, 60,000+4,000 for 3 to under 5 years and 60,000+10,000+5,000 for 5 years or more; permanent residence is 100,000+100,000.
収入印紙の購入について最低枚数となる組合せ · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2026-10-01
Under the cabinet order the reduced fee is capped at 10,000 yen for a change of status or extension (the 3-month tier is already 10,000 yen) and 20,000 yen for permanent residence, the latter only in the cases of the proviso to Art. 22(2) or Art. 61-2-14 of the Act, and a waiver is possible for changes or extensions of the diplomat/official-type holders.
出入国管理及び難民認定法施行令第25条第3項・第4項 · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2026-10-01
The lower online fees are written into the cabinet order itself: for applications made electronically the fee is 15,000 yen instead of 18,000 for over 3 to 6 months, and similar 3,000 to 10,000 yen reductions for longer periods, while re-entry is 3,500 and 6,500 yen online.
出入国管理及び難民認定法施行令第25条第1項 · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2026-10-01
A fee reduction for a change of status or an extension lowers the fee actually paid to 10,000 yen only for a person granted a period of stay of more than 3 months; for permanent residence the fee can be lowered to 20,000 yen.
令和８年１０月１日付け在留許可手数料の額の改定等に関するQ&A 問９ · Checked on 2026-10-23 · In force from 2026-10-01

How it works

Fees for online applications received on or after 1 October 2026 can no longer be paid with revenue stamps; they are paid by convenience-store or bank payment after the completion e-mail, and credit-card and QR-code payments are not supported.
オンライン申請における手数料額及び手数料納付方法について(２０２６年１０月１日以降の申請分のみに適用) オンライン申請の手数料納付方法 · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2026-10-01
Official fee payment e-mails for online applications come only from the addresses ending in @service-dgft.com and @veritrans.jp; the agency warns that any other message demanding a fee is a scam.
オンライン申請における手数料額及び手数料納付方法について(２０２６年１０月１日以降の申請分のみに適用) 【注意】詐欺メールへの注意喚起 · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2026-10-01
Window applications continue to pay fees with revenue stamps after 1 October 2026; cashless payment is only for applications made through the online system.
オンライン申請における手数料額及び手数料納付方法について(２０２６年１０月１日以降の申請分のみに適用) Q&A Q5 · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2026-10-01
Revenue stamps for counter fees must be bought with cash, and stamp stock at shops and convenience stores inside immigration offices is limited, so applicants are asked to buy the exact stamps in advance at a large post office.
令和８年１０月１日付け在留許可手数料の額の改定等について（出入国在留管理庁）収入印紙について · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2026-10-01
Extension applications are filed with the regional immigration office that covers the applicant's place of residence.
在留期間更新許可申請（出入国在留管理庁手続案内）申請先・受付時間・相談窓口 · Checked on 2026-10-22
Counter hours for residence applications are weekdays from 9:00 to 12:00 and from 13:00 to 16:00, although some procedures set specific days or hours.
在留期間更新許可申請（出入国在留管理庁手続案内）申請先・受付時間・相談窓口 · Checked on 2026-10-23
While an extension or change application is pending, the back of the residence card is annotated that the application is under way, except for online applications, so check the back when the front expiry date has passed.
特例期間とは？（出入国在留管理庁）特例期間とは？ · Checked on 2026-10-22
If the period of stay runs out while a permanent residence application is pending, a separate extension application must be filed by the expiry date.
永住許可申請（出入国在留管理庁手続案内）申請期間 · Checked on 2026-10-22

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The agency publishes average processing days for certificate of eligibility, extension, change of status and permanent residence applications every month, counted from acceptance to the notice of approval.
在留審査処理期間（出入国在留管理庁）在留審査処理期間 · Checked on 2026-10-22
Permission for activity outside status can be applied for online only when filed together with a change of status, extension or status-acquisition application.
資格外活動許可申請（出入国在留管理庁手続案内）オンライン申請 · Checked on 2026-10-22
Showing the residence card at the city office when filing the resident-registration move notice counts as the immigration address change notification, so no separate form is needed, and the notification is free.
住居地の変更届出（中長期在留者）（出入国在留管理庁）住居地の変更届出 · Checked on 2026-10-22
A report filed after the 14-day period needs an additional document explaining the reason for the delay.
住居地以外の在留カード記載事項の変更届出（出入国在留管理庁）届出書・必要書類等 · Checked on 2026-10-22
A report cannot be filed in advance with a future date as the event date; it must be made after the job change has actually happened.
所属機関等に関する届出・所属機関による届出Ｑ＆Ａ（出入国在留管理庁） Q6 · Checked on 2026-10-22
Reports about the contracting organization can be filed online through the electronic notification system around the clock, in person at a regional immigration office with the residence card, or by post with a copy of the card.
所属（契約）機関に関する届出（出入国在留管理庁）届出方法 · Checked on 2026-10-22
No supporting documents such as an employment contract are required for a report of the affiliated organization; when posting it, enclose a copy of the residence card.
所属機関等に関する届出・所属機関による届出Ｑ＆Ａ（出入国在留管理庁） Q3 · Checked on 2026-10-22
Mid- to long-term residents must receive their residence card and carry it at all times; people under 16 are not required to carry it.
出入国管理及び難民認定法（e-Gov法令検索法令API 本文）第23条第2項 · Checked on 2026-10-23
The residence card is normally reissued on the same day when a name, date of birth, sex or nationality change is reported and a photo is required, but same-day issue may not happen if the passport has not first been corrected or reissued.
住居地以外の在留カード記載事項の変更届出（出入国在留管理庁）標準処理期間 · Checked on 2026-10-22
Incomplete applications can cause major delays or an unfavorable decision, and the office may ask for documents beyond the published list during examination; submitted documents are in principle not returned.
在留資格「家族滞在」申請に当たっての留意事項 · Checked on 2026-10-22
If someone other than the applicant files, that person must show an identity document proving the right to file, such as an approved agent's certificate or a family register, in addition to showing the applicant's passport and residence card.
在留資格「技術・人文知識・国際業務」在留期間更新許可申請提出書類 · Checked on 2026-10-22
A permit for change of status or extension takes effect at the moment the residence card is issued or the new status or period is endorsed, not on the decision date, which is why the fee is paid at pick-up.
出入国管理及び難民認定法第20条第4項・第5項 · Checked on 2026-10-22
Foreign nationals themselves who apply online for a work, study or similar status must attach the employer-prepared or supporter-prepared application form that matches the status.
在留申請のオンライン手続留意事項外国人本人の方がオンライン申請を行う場合の注意事項 · Checked on 2026-10-22
A residence card approved online can be delivered by post or collected at the office counter, except that post is not available when a re-entry permit is applied for at the same time, the permit is stamped in the passport instead of a card (for example a period of 3 months or less), a kanji name is being added, or a card validity renewal is involved.
在留申請のオンライン手続留意事項在留カード・就労資格証明書の受領方法 · Checked on 2026-10-23
When an approved agent files an extension, the applicant need not go to the office but must be in Japan, and may still be asked to appear if the office wants to question them.
在留期間更新許可申請申請提出者留意事項 · Checked on 2026-10-22
Fee payment for online applications is made per application: each application gets its own payment-link email, so an agent handling many applications cannot pay them together, and the amount cannot be changed.
オンライン申請における手数料額及び手数料納付方法について Q6 · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2026-10-01
For online applications received from 1 October 2026 the payment guidance email comes only after the examination-complete email and states the exact fee for the granted period, and the agency asks applicants to pay by the day before the card is collected.
オンライン申請における手数料額及び手数料納付方法について Q3・Q4・Q8 · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2026-10-01
By law the change or extension fee falls due when the permit is entered, issued or stamped, so nothing is paid when filing at the counter and nothing is owed if the application is refused or withdrawn before a permit is issued.
出入国管理及び難民認定法第67条第1項 · Checked on 2026-10-22
At the counter, the office sends a postcard stating the stamp amount after approval; the applicant should buy revenue stamps for that amount in cash beforehand (the shops inside the offices run short) and bring them to collect the card.
収入印紙の購入について · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2026-10-01
Revenue stamps of the wrong denomination cannot be turned into cash at a post office or tax office; unused stamps, or stamps already pasted on the fee form, can only be exchanged at a post office for other stamps of the same total value for 5 yen per stamp, and stained or damaged stamps are not accepted.
収入印紙の購入について誤った額面の収入印紙を購入した場合 · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2026-10-01
The ISA procedure page for extension of the period of stay lists 'none' under the appeal method, and the pages for change of status, acquisition, outside-status permission and the certificate of authorized employment carry the same entry, so no administrative appeal against a refusal is described.
在留期間更新許可申請不服申立方法 · Checked on 2026-10-22
If something in the application changes while it is pending, such as quitting the job or divorcing, the applicant must tell the immigration office at once, and a permit obtained without telling them can lead to revocation of the status.
在留申請時のお知らせ及び注意申請をしたすべての人へ · Checked on 2026-10-22
A card issued up to 13 June 2026 whose expiry is the holder's 16th birthday (or the day before) must be renewed by applying from 6 months before that birthday until the card expires, free of charge; this is a window running up to the expiry, not 6 months after the birthday.
在留カードの有効期間の更新申請申請期間・手数料 · Checked on 2026-10-23
A damaged, soiled or IC-chip-broken residence card is reissued free of charge with no deadline unless ordered, in which case it must be applied for within 14 days of the order; issuance is normally the same day.
汚損等による在留カードの再交付申請申請期間・手数料・標準処理期間 · Checked on 2026-10-22
A person aged under 16 does not file the card procedures personally: a relative aged 16 or over living with the child files, and an ill or unavailable applicant can be represented the same way.
汚損等による在留カードの再交付申請申請者 · Checked on 2026-10-22
Before revoking a spouse status for six months of non-activity, the Minister must consider giving the person a chance to apply for a change of status or for permanent residence instead.
出入国管理及び難民認定法第22条の5 · Checked on 2026-10-23
Revocation requires a hearing: an immigration inspector takes the person's statement after a notice stating the date, place and grounds is served, and the person or a representative may state their view and submit evidence; the hearing can be skipped if the person fails to attend without good reason.
出入国管理及び難民認定法第22条の4第2項〜第5項 · Checked on 2026-10-22
For acquisition of status the figures are different clocks: the person may stay without a status for up to 60 days after the event, must file within 30 days of it, and the page's standard processing period is worded as 60 days from the event.
在留資格取得許可申請手続概要・申請期間・標準処理期間 · Checked on 2026-10-23
Deemed re-entry permission cannot be extended while abroad, whereas an ordinary re-entry permit can be extended abroad by up to one year, with a total of no more than six years from the date it took effect.
出入国管理及び難民認定法第26条第5項・第26条の2第3項 · Checked on 2026-10-22
A person with a pending extension or change who leaves on deemed re-entry must be back by the earlier of two months after the old period of stay ended or one year after departure, and must collect the result at the bureau before that two-month point or become an overstayer.
出入国審査・在留審査Q&A Q61 · Checked on 2026-10-22
If the period of stay will end while the person is abroad, the extension cannot be filed at a Japanese embassy or consulate; the person must re-enter before the expiry date and file at the bureau that covers their address.
出入国審査・在留審査Q&A Q64 · Checked on 2026-10-22
A person with a valid re-entry permit may have its validity extended up to the end of the special period when they file an extension or change application.
出入国管理及び難民認定法第26条第4項 · Checked on 2026-10-22

Penalties

During the special period a bank account may face restrictions from the day after the expiry date unless the bank has been notified by that date, and the My Number card must be renewed at the city office before the printed expiry date.
在留期間内での変更又は更新許可を希望する場合について（出入国在留管理庁 FAQ）在留期間内での変更又は更新許可を希望する場合について · Checked on 2026-10-22
Working outside the permitted activities without permission is punishable by up to one year in prison or a fine of up to 2,000,000 yen, or both; if the unauthorised work is clearly the person's main activity, the heavier penalty of up to three years or 3,000,000 yen under Art. 70(1)(4) applies.
出入国管理及び難民認定法（e-Gov法令検索法令API 本文）第73条第1号 · Checked on 2026-10-23
An employer who has a foreign national perform unauthorized work in the course of business faces up to three years in prison or a fine of up to 3,000,000 yen, or both.
出入国管理及び難民認定法（e-Gov法令検索法令API 本文）第73条の2第1項第1号 · Checked on 2026-10-23
Failing to report a residence address, a change to card details or an affiliated organization change is punishable by a fine of up to 200,000 yen.
出入国管理及び難民認定法（e-Gov法令検索法令API 本文）第71条の5 · Checked on 2026-10-23
Filing a false residence, card-detail or affiliated-organization report is punishable by up to one year in prison or a fine of up to 200,000 yen.
出入国管理及び難民認定法（e-Gov法令検索法令API 本文）第71条の2第1項第1号 · Checked on 2026-10-23
Status of residence can be revoked if a newly arrived mid- to long-term resident does not report an address within 90 days of landing or permission, or if someone who has moved out of a reported address does not report the new address within 90 days, unless there is a justifiable reason.
出入国管理及び難民認定法（e-Gov法令検索法令API 本文）第22条の4第1項第8号 · Checked on 2026-10-23
A holder of an Annex I status (such as a work or study status) who stays for three consecutive months or more without carrying out the activity of that status, without a justifiable reason, can have the status revoked; the period is six months for Highly Skilled Professional No. 2.
出入国管理及び難民認定法（e-Gov法令検索法令API 本文）第22条の4第1項第6号 · Checked on 2026-10-23

Lists and tables

Holders of Professor, Highly Skilled Professional 1(c) and 2(c), Business Manager, Legal/Accounting Services, Medical Services, Instructor, Intra-company Transferee, Technical Intern Training, Student and Trainee status report changes of the organization where they carry out their activity (group A).
所属機関等に関する届出・所属機関による届出Ｑ＆Ａ（出入国在留管理庁） Aグループ · Checked on 2026-10-22
Holders of Highly Skilled Professional 1(a)/(b) and 2(a)/(b), Researcher, Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services, Nursing Care, Entertainer (when working under a contract with a domestic organization), Skilled Labor and Specified Skilled Worker status report changes of their contracting organization (group B).
所属機関等に関する届出・所属機関による届出Ｑ＆Ａ（出入国在留管理庁） Bグループ · Checked on 2026-10-22
The photo attached to an extension, change-of-status or acquisition application must measure 4 cm high by 3 cm wide, show only the applicant facing the camera with no hat and no background or shadow, and be sharp.
提出写真の規格写真のサイズ · Checked on 2026-10-22
An extension application is filed with the extension form, one photo and the presentation of the passport and residence card, plus the evidence set that depends on the status and, for work statuses, on the employer's category 1 to 4.
在留資格「技術・人文知識・国際業務」在留期間更新許可申請提出書類【共通】 · Checked on 2026-10-23
A change-of-status application for the Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services status is filed with the change form, a photo and the passport and residence card shown, plus employer-category-dependent evidence; the ISA's change-of-status page says the documents differ by the status applied for.
在留資格「技術・人文知識・国際業務」在留資格変更許可申請提出書類【共通】 · Checked on 2026-10-23
An application for acquisition of a status of residence needs the acquisition form, one photo, the passport shown, and one document proving the event (a nationality-renunciation certificate, or proof of birth or the other reason), with no residence card because none has been issued yet.
在留資格「技術・人文知識・国際業務」在留資格取得許可申請提出書類 · Checked on 2026-10-22
For the Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services status, applications are sorted by the employer's category 1 to 4: for categories 1 and 2 (listed companies, public bodies, large withholding-tax payers) little beyond the proof of category is needed, while for initial and change-of-status filings categories 3 and 4 must add contracts, registry and financial documents.
在留資格「技術・人文知識・国際業務」提出書類（カテゴリー別） · Checked on 2026-10-23
For an Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services change of status in categories 3 and 4, the employer-side evidence includes a labor-conditions document or officer-pay resolution, the applicant's degree or work-history proof, the company's registry certificate, a description of the business and the latest financial statements or a business plan.
在留資格「技術・人文知識・国際業務」在留資格変更許可申請提出書類（カテゴリー３・４） · Checked on 2026-10-23

Show 18 more

From applications on 15 April 2026, category 3 and 4 employers must additionally submit a declaration about the organization's representative, and where the job mainly uses a language skill (for example interpreting or hotel front desk) proof of CEFR B2-level ability in that language.
在留資格「技術・人文知識・国際業務」お知らせ · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2026-04-15
For an Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services extension, only category 3 and 4 employers' staff must add the latest-year resident-tax certificate (taxed or non-taxed) and tax-payment certificate, whereas category 1 and 2 need nothing further in principle; the first extension after moving to a category 3 or 4 employer adds the contract, registry and financial documents again.
在留資格「技術・人文知識・国際業務」在留期間更新許可申請提出書類 · Checked on 2026-10-23
A Dependent extension or change application needs a document proving the family relationship (family register, marriage or birth certificate), a copy of the supporter's residence card or passport, and proof of the supporter's occupation and income such as an employment certificate and tax certificates (or, if the supporter is not earning, for example a student, a bank balance or scholarship certificate).
在留資格「家族滞在」在留期間更新許可申請提出書類 · Checked on 2026-10-22
A tax certificate and a resident-tax certificate are each requested, but a single certificate that shows both the year's total income and the tax payment status is accepted instead; they are issued by the ward or city office for the address held on 1 January.
在留資格「家族滞在」在留期間更新許可申請提出書類 · Checked on 2026-10-22
A change of status to Spouse of Japanese National needs the Japanese spouse's family-register extract showing the marriage (within 3 months), the foreign marriage certificate, proof of living costs, the Japanese spouse's guarantee letter and household resident record, a questionnaire, and 2 to 3 snapshots of the couple, with SNS or call records also accepted as proof of contact.
在留資格「日本人の配偶者等」（配偶者）在留資格変更許可申請提出書類 · Checked on 2026-10-22
A Spouse of Japanese National extension needs the Japanese spouse's family-register extract, proof of living costs (the supporting person's tax and tax-payment certificates for the latest year), the spouse's guarantee letter and the spouse's household resident record; the questionnaire and couple snapshots required for a change of status are not listed.
在留資格「日本人の配偶者等」（配偶者）在留期間更新許可申請提出書類 · Checked on 2026-10-22
The school-prepared confirmation forms that accompany a Student extension or change are written by the enrolled or planned school, not by the applicant, and are not required for non-language vocational schools, high schools, certain graduates from listed countries, or applicants whose school has not changed since the last filing.
在留資格「留学」在留諸申請における各種確認書 · Checked on 2026-10-22
A Student change of status needs a statement of expense payment, while a Student extension needs a declaration of living-cost payment; both come with a list of accepted scholarship certificates and a form note on which documents are required for the applicant's nationality.
在留資格「留学」在留資格変更許可申請・在留期間更新許可申請提出書類 · Checked on 2026-10-22
The guideline's eight points are: the activity fits the status (a must), landing criteria are met (in principle), and then representative factors: past activity under the current status, good conduct, independent livelihood, proper employment conditions, tax duties, and notification duties; meeting all of them still does not guarantee permission.
在留資格の変更、在留期間の更新許可のガイドライン · Checked on 2026-10-23
The online residence application system can be used by staff of the sponsoring organization, lawyers and administrative scriveners, staff of public-interest corporations and registered support organizations, the foreign national, a statutory representative, and a spouse, child or parent as a relative.
在留申請のオンライン手続対象 · Checked on 2026-10-22
Online filing covers certificate of eligibility, change of status, extension, acquisition and certificate of authorized employment applications, and re-entry and outside-status permission only together with a change, extension or acquisition; Diplomat, Temporary Visitor and the departure-preparation Designated Activity are excluded.
オンラインで申請可能な申請種別及び在留資格（対象範囲）申請可能な申請種別 · Checked on 2026-10-22
Applications may be filed for the applicant by approved agents (staff of the employing or educating organization, supervising bodies and certain public-interest corporations approved by the regional bureau head) or by lawyers and administrative scriveners who have notified the regional bureau; relatives may file for a child under 16 or an ill applicant.
在留期間更新許可申請申請提出者 · Checked on 2026-10-23
The persons the cabinet order designates for a fee reduction or waiver are: people near public-assistance level who need humanitarian consideration (such as recognized refugees); people changing to Diplomat or Official; Official holders extending; and others set by ministerial ordinance.
出入国管理及び難民認定法施行令第25条第2項 · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2026-10-01
The poverty test in the ISA fee-reduction guideline covers four types: people receiving protection on par with public assistance, people receiving protection payments while an asylum claim is pending, people receiving support benefits as returned Japanese-descent war orphans, and others judged equally destitute (only for certain humanitarian categories, judged on assets and work status).
在留資格の変更又は在留期間の更新の許可に係る手数料の減額対象者のガイドライン（本文）１ · Checked on 2026-10-23 · In force from 2026-10-01
The humanitarian side of the test has 12 types, including recognized refugees and their long-term-resident extension, third-country resettlement refugees, Indochinese refugees, returned war orphans, victims of trafficking, children in child-welfare facilities, patients with designated intractable diseases and their carers, and children with disabilities; a person must meet one poverty type and one humanitarian type.
在留資格の変更又は在留期間の更新の許可に係る手数料の減額対象者のガイドライン（本文）２ · Checked on 2026-10-23 · In force from 2026-10-01
Evidence for a fee reduction differs by type: a public-assistance recipient certificate, a payment receipt dated within the last 2 months, a support-benefit identification, or for the 'equally destitute' type a year of income-tax or non-taxation certificates plus a copy of a bankbook, and for some humanitarian types a child-welfare placement certificate or a medical or allowance certificate.
令和８年１０月１日以降における在留許可手数料の減額措置又は免除措置について１（２）減額対象者に係る疎明資料 · Checked on 2026-10-23 · In force from 2026-10-01
The fee can be waived entirely for people changing to Diplomat or Official, Official holders extending, and certain Designated Activity holders who work for or are family of staff of the Japan-Taiwan exchange association office or the Palestinian delegation in Japan, including their extensions.
令和８年１０月１日以降における在留許可手数料の減額措置又は免除措置について２免除措置について · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2026-10-01
A certificate of authorized employment needs the application form, the outside-status permission if held, the residence card and passport shown; if the employer or activity changed after the last permit, documents showing the new workplace and activity are added.
就労資格証明書交付申請申請書・必要書類等 · Checked on 2026-10-22

Recent changes

Before the October 2026 revision the counter fee for a change of status or an extension was a flat 6,000 yen, and that old amount still applies to any application received by 30 September 2026 even if the permit is issued on or after 1 October.
在留資格変更許可申請（出入国在留管理庁手続案内）手数料（注１） · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2026-10-01
The Immigration Services Agency raised the residence permit fees for change of status, extension and permanent residence from 1 October 2026 (Reiwa 8).
令和８年１０月１日付け在留許可手数料の額の改定等に関するQ&A（出入国在留管理庁）問10 · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2026-10-01
Applications received by 30 September 2026 pay the pre-revision fee even if the permit is granted on or after 1 October 2026; the new fees apply only to applications made on or after 1 October 2026.
令和８年１０月１日付け在留許可手数料の額の改定等について（出入国在留管理庁）概要 · Checked on 2026-10-22 · In force from 2026-10-01
The June 2026 revision of the guidelines adds a note to the tax-duty item saying the agency may decide using information on tax and similar payments that other agencies supply on request.
在留資格の変更、在留期間の更新許可のガイドライン７納税義務等を履行していること（注） · Checked on 2026-10-23

Information only. Not legal advice and not an official service. Check the official source and consult the Immigration Services Agency or a licensed administrative scrivener (行政書士) before you decide.