Daily Japan updates
Japan’s autumn rule changes put immigration fees and pension relief on the checklist
Two official notices affect people planning immigration applications or family life in Japan from October.
Developments
The most actionable policy signals are dates and procedures. Both items require checking an individual situation against the official rules.
1. Residence-permission fees rise for applications made from October 1
The Immigration Services Agency says revised fees for status change, period extension and permanent residence apply from October 1, 2026. Amounts vary by application and permission period. Applications made by September 30 keep the old fee even if permission comes later; payment routes are listed for online and counter applications. This is a timing and procedure notice, not individualized immigration advice. Open page 1 Open page 2
2. A national pension childcare exemption is scheduled for October
Japan Pension Service materials identify a National Pension childcare exemption effective October 1, 2026, and e-Gov provides the legal text. For families paying National Pension contributions, this may change planning around qualifying childcare periods. The announcement does not answer every eligibility, filing or transition question, so detailed guidance remains important. Open page 1 Open page 2
What to take away
Treat the October changes as planning prompts. Save the official pages, confirm the applicable category and do not infer an individual decision from a general notice.