Most residence statuses are granted for a fixed period, from three months to five years. To stay longer in the same status, the holder applies for an extension, usually from three months before the expiry date. The application shows that the person is still doing the activity the status allows, with documents such as an employment certificate and tax and inhabitant tax records. Holders can now apply online, and the employer can file on the employee's behalf if registered to do so.
An extension is not automatic. The authorities look at whether the activity is genuine, whether income, taxes and social insurance have been in order, and whether the holder has met obligations such as reporting a change of employer within 14 days. The period granted can also change, up or down, and permanent residency applicants need to hold the longest period available for their status.
If the application is filed before expiry and is still pending, the person may stay in Japan and continue the same activity until the decision or two months after the expiry date, whichever is earlier. The residence card is stamped to show an application is in progress. The counter fee rose on 1 October 2026 from 6,000 yen to between 10,000 and 75,000 yen, depending on the period granted, with 33,000 yen for one year and lower fees online.
What it means for a foreign employer
- Track every expiry date. An employee whose period of stay lapses without an application cannot keep working. A calendar and reminders three months ahead are basic hygiene.
- Clean payroll records help. Late tax, unpaid inhabitant tax or missing social insurance enrolment can shorten the period granted or cause a refusal.
- Longer periods are now worth more. With fees rising with the period granted, a five-year grant saves repeated costs, and it is also what permanent residency applications need.
- Leaving Japan near expiry needs care. An employee who travels while an extension is pending must not let the two-month window run out abroad.
Sources
- Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act, Articles 21 and 19-16; Article 67 and the Order for Enforcement on fees, as amended in 2026.
- Immigration Services Agency, fee tables for applications from 1 October 2026 and guidance on online applications.