What people call a "visa renewal" in Japan is officially an application for extension of the period of stay (在留期間更新許可申請). It is for staying longer while keeping the same status of residence.[1] If your activity is changing, for example from student to employee, that is a different application: a change of status.
When you can apply
If your period of stay is 6 months or longer, you can apply from 3 months before it ends, up to the day it ends.[1]
If there is a genuinely unavoidable reason, the Immigration Services Agency may accept your application earlier. Its examples include going abroad to study, a long overseas assignment for work, and giving birth around the time you would apply. Contact the regional immigration office in advance, with documents that show the reason.[1]
Where and how to apply
- In person: at the regional immigration office that covers the place you live.[1]
- Hours: weekdays, 9 a.m. to 12 noon and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Some procedures have their own days or times, so check with the office or the information centre first.[1]
- Online: the extension can also be filed through the online residence application system.[1]
You do not always have to go yourself. An authorised staff member of your employer or school, or a lawyer or gyoseishoshi registered with the regional bureau, can file for you. You still need to be in Japan while they do.[1]
The fee
The fee depends on the period of stay you are granted. For an application at the counter, you pay it with revenue stamps (収入印紙) when the extension is granted.[1]
For applications received from 1 October 2026, the agency's page lists these counter fees.[1]
| Period of stay granted | Fee |
|---|---|
| 3 months or less | ¥10,000 |
| Over 3 months, up to 6 months | ¥18,000 |
| Over 6 months, under 1 year | ¥25,000 |
| 1 year | ¥33,000 |
| Over 1 year, under 3 years | ¥48,000 |
| 3 years or more, under 5 years | ¥64,000 |
| 5 years or more | ¥75,000 |
Applications received by 30 September 2026 pay the earlier fee of ¥6,000, even if the permission comes on or after 1 October.[1]
The fee may be reduced or waived for people who meet certain conditions. Online applications have their own amounts and payment method, which the agency lists on a separate page.[1]
How long it takes
The standard processing period is 2 weeks to 1 month.[1] It can take longer, so it is safer to apply early in the window than at the last minute.
If your period of stay ends while you wait
Say you applied by the last day of your period of stay, and the decision has not come by then. You can stay in Japan on your current status and keep doing the same activities. This lasts until the decision, or until 2 months after the end date, whichever comes first.[2]
For a counter application, the back of your residence card is marked to show the application is pending. Online applications get no such mark.[2]
What you need to bring
The application form and documents depend on your status of residence, and the agency lists them status by status.[1] An employee on the Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services status needs different papers from a dependent or a student.
Clerfy turns the official list for your status into a checklist, with the source behind each item, and works out the dates from the expiry date you enter. Find your procedure to see yours.