What Are the Costs for a Visa Application?
Government Fees & Professional Charges
1. Government Fees
Revenue stamp fees paid to the government
2. Professional Fees
Immigration Specialist service charges
3. Additional Expenses
Translation, postage, etc.
1Government Fees (Revenue Stamps)
| Type of Procedure | Amount |
|---|---|
| Certificate of Eligibility (COE) | 0 JPY |
| Change / Extension of Status | 10,000-75,000 JPY (depends on the period of stay granted) |
| Permanent Residency Application | 200,000 JPY |
[Note] Amounts for applications accepted on or after October 1, 2026 (counter applications; online applications are slightly cheaper). For applications accepted by September 30: change/extension 6,000 JPY, permanent residency 10,000 JPY. See the new fee table article for details.
2Immigration Specialist Fees (Estimates)
| Application Type | Market Range |
|---|---|
| COE Application | 100,000-200,000 JPY |
| Change of Status | 80,000-180,000 JPY |
| Extension (Simple) | 30,000-60,000 JPY |
| Extension (Complex) | 80,000-150,000 JPY |
| Permanent Residency | 120,000-250,000 JPY |
*Fees vary depending on case difficulty.
Smart Tip for Choosing a Specialist
Don't judge by price alone. Ask: "Are translations included?" "Are expenses separate?" "What happens if the application is denied?"
Always confirm the full scope of service and total cost.
"I want to hire a professional, but I'm anxious because I don't know the standard fees..."
Hello, I'm Shizuka Wakabayashi, a certified Immigration Specialist.
When considering a residence status application, costs generally fall into three categories:
- Government fees (revenue stamps)
- Professional fees (Immigration Specialist)
- Other expenses such as translation and postage
1. Government Fees (Revenue Stamps)
These fees are required when your application is approved.
| Type of Procedure | Amount |
|---|---|
| Certificate of Eligibility (COE) | 0 JPY |
| Change / Extension of Status | 10,000-75,000 JPY (depends on the period of stay granted; counter application) |
| Permanent Residency Application | 200,000 JPY |
[Important] Fees Were Revised on October 1, 2026
The table above shows the amounts for applications accepted on or after October 1, 2026. For change/extension, the fee is set by the period of stay granted, and online applications cost less than counter applications. Applications accepted by September 30, 2026 are charged the previous amounts (change/extension 6,000 JPY <online 5,500 JPY>, permanent residency 10,000 JPY). See the new fee table article for details.
2. Professional Fees (Immigration Specialist)
| Type of Procedure | Estimated Range |
|---|---|
| Certificate of Eligibility (COE) | 100,000-200,000 JPY |
| Change of Status | 80,000-180,000 JPY |
| Extension (Simple) | 30,000-60,000 JPY |
| Extension (Complex) | 80,000-150,000 JPY |
| Permanent Residency | 120,000-250,000 JPY |
Why Is There Such a Wide Range?
Because the professional's workload varies significantly depending on the case difficulty, type of application, and scope of support provided.
3. Other Expenses & Important Notes
- Translation feesSeveral thousand - 10,000 JPY/document
- Certificate issuance feesSeveral hundred JPY/document
- PostageLetterpack costs, etc.
[Note] Overseas Visa Application Fees Are Separate!
When inviting someone from overseas, additional fees apply for the "visa (entry visa)" issuance at the local Japanese embassy.
Summary
When choosing a specialist, don't focus solely on the lowest fee. Before signing a contract, always confirm "what services are included" and "what additional expenses may apply."
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