Visa Extension and Renewal: How to Extend Your Stay in Japan
This guide explains when and how to renew your Japanese status of residence, what documents to prepare by visa type, updated 2025 fees, online vs in-person filing, travel while pending, and common mistakes to avoidโso your stay continues smoothly.
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Quick facts
| Topic | What to know |
|---|---|
| When to apply | Usually from 3 months before your current period of stay ends. Apply no later than the expiry date. |
| While your renewal is pending | If you applied on time, you may keep staying (and continue your permitted activities) until a decision, up to 2 months past the expiry date, whichever comes first. Carry your application receipt. |
| 2025 fees (from Apr 1, 2025) | Extension/Change: ยฅ6,000 in person, ยฅ5,500 online. Re-entry: single ยฅ4,000 in person (ยฅ3,500 online); multiple ยฅ7,000 in person (ยฅ6,500 online). Pay with revenue stamps. |
| Where to file | Your Regional Immigration Services Bureau (the office with jurisdiction over your registered address) or online (see next row). |
| Online filing | Japanโs Online Residence Application accepts extension of period of stay for eligible users with a My Number card and PINs; some schools/employers also file online on your behalf. |
| Can tourists extend? | Generally no. Exceptions are very limited; some nationalities may extend a 90-day โTemporary Visitorโ up to 180 days. Confirm eligibility first. |
Extension vs. renewal vs. your residence card
- Extension of Period of Stay means renewing the time limit on your status of residence (what most people call a โvisaโ in daily life). You apply in Japan before your current period ends.
- Residence card validity: For Permanent Residents or Highly Skilled Professional (ii), thereโs no period of stay to extend, but your residence card itself expires (typically every 7 years) and must be updated.
Tip: For basics on the residence card and address procedures, see our guide: Residence Card and Address Registration Guide .
Who should extend
- People who plan to continue the same activities under the same status (e.g., keep studying on โStudentโ, keep working on โEngineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Servicesโ, continue as โDependentโ, etc.).
- If your purpose of stay has completed (e.g., you graduated and will work), you usually change status instead of extending. See our Changing Visa Status in Japan .
When to apply and how the โpending periodโ works
- Apply from 3 months before your expiry date (if your period of stay is 6 months or longer). Do not wait until the last day.
- If you apply on time and the decision hasnโt come by expiry, you may stay with the same status up to 2 months after the original expiry or until a resultโwhichever is earlier. That means students can keep studying, and workers can keep working during this deemed lawful stay.
Busy seasons at immigration are often the spring and fall; applying early helps avoid delays. (Universities and HR pages note this pattern.)
Where and how to file
Option A โ In person at Immigration
- Prepare documents (see tables below).
- Go to the Regional Immigration Services Bureau that covers your registered address. Bring passport, residence card, forms, photo, and any required certificates.
- Submit your application and receive an application receipt.
- When approved, pay the fee with revenue stamps and pick up your new residence card.
Option B โ Online Residence Application (for eligible users)
- Get a My Number card and know your two PINs (digital signature and user ID).
- Access the Online Residence Application portal; choose โForeign national (applicant) / otherโ and the Extension of period of stay procedure.
- Upload forms and data as instructed (some schools/employers submit the โfor organizationโ sections).
- When approved, pay the online fee and follow the instructions to receive your updated card.
Internal help: See our Japan Online Visa Filing Guide and Student Visa Extension Checklist .
2025 fees (effective April 1, 2025)
| Application | In person | Online |
|---|---|---|
| Extension of period of stay | ยฅ6,000 | ยฅ5,500 |
| Change of status of residence | ยฅ6,000 | ยฅ5,500 |
| Re-entry permit (single) | ยฅ4,000 | ยฅ3,500 |
| Re-entry permit (multiple) | ยฅ7,000 | ยฅ6,500 |
Fees are paid upon approval, usually by revenue stamps.
Required documents by status (what most people need)
Immigration publishes per-status lists; your office may ask for extra documents. Always check the exact list for your status before you go.
Common items for everyone
- Application for Extension of Period of Stay (downloadable form).
- Passport and Residence Card.
- Photo (4ร3 cm, recent).
- Proof of activity & financial support (varies by status).
Students (็ๅญฆ)
- Certificate of Enrollment and transcripts/attendance (as your school requires).
- Proof of funds (scholarship letter, bank balance, etc.).
- School often prepares โFor organizationโ pages for you.
Workers (e.g., Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services, Intra-company Transferee, Business Manager)
- Employment certificate/contract, company information as required.
- Tax documents may be requested (e.g., withholding slip, tax certificates).
- Your employer may prepare the โFor organizationโ pages and even file online. (Use the official per-status document lists linked from Immigration and JETRO.)
Dependents and Spouses
- Proof of relationship and sponsorโs status/income documents (as specified by Immigration). See our Dependent Visa Guide .
Step-by-step: in-person renewal day
- Check your window (you can apply from 3 months before expiry).
- Gather documents (application, photo, passport, card, per-status proofs).
- Go to the correct office (jurisdiction over your address).
- Submit & get receipt (keep it safe).
- Wait for the postcard/email or the pickup date.
- Pay the fee with revenue stamps and receive your new card.
Online filing: what you need to know
- You can submit Extension of period of stay through the Online Residence Application. Youโll scan your My Number card with an IC reader (or compatible device), enter the PINs, and follow the prompts. Schools and employers can also submit as authorized organizations.
- Universities such as APU publish step-by-step screenshots for the extension flow.
See our Online Renewal Walkthrough.
Travel and re-entry while your renewal is pending
- If you applied on time, youโre allowed to stay and keep your activities during the deemed lawful stay (up to 2 months past expiry). If you need to travel, plan carefully.
- For most trips under a year, you can use the Special Re-entry Permit by ticking the box on the ED (embarkation/disembarkation) card at departure. You must return within 1 year or before your status expires, whichever comes first. You cannot extend this while abroad.
- For longer absences or multiple trips, consider a Re-entry Permit (single/multiple) before leaving Japan. (See the fee table above.)
Related read: Re-entry Permits Explained .
If you changed school, employer, or address
- You must notify changes within 14 days (e.g., move to a new address; change or leave an employer/school; name/nationality change).
- Permanent Residents and HSP(ii) must renew the residence card validity before it expires (separate from status extensions).
More: Residence Card and Address Registration Guide.
Typical processing times (what to expect)
Processing varies by office and case. Many schools and practitioners report about 2โ6 weeks for standard renewals, but it can take around a month or more in busy seasonsโanother reason to apply early.
Reasons renewals get refused (and how to avoid them)
- Late filing (even 1 day late makes you an overstayer). Apply early and keep reminders.
- Missing/incorrect documents (e.g., no proof of enrollment or income). Follow the per-status lists.
- Not maintaining permitted activities (e.g., poor attendance for students). Schools often stress attendance and credits.
- Not notifying required changes (address, employer/school). This is mandatory within 14 days.
Special notes
- Tourists: Extension of โTemporary Visitorโ is rare; in principle only for truly exceptional humanitarian reasons. Some nationalities (Ireland, Austria, Switzerland, Germany, Liechtenstein, UK, Mexico) may extend to 180 days if permitted by Immigration before 90 days ends.
- Part-time work permission (่ณๆ ผๅคๆดปๅ่จฑๅฏ): If you extend your โStudentโ or โDependentโ stay and you need the part-time work permission, re-apply after you receive your new card (schools commonly advise this).
Learn more: Working Part-Time on a Student/Dependent Visa .
Document checklists by status
Use these as a starting point and always verify the latest per-status list.
Student status (example set)
- Application form (for applicant + for organization parts)
- Photo 4ร3 cm (recent)
- Passport and residence card
- Certificate of Enrollment; Transcript/attendance proof
- Proof of funds (scholarship letter, bank balance, etc.)
- Schoolโs โfor organizationโ forms (picked up after internal screening)
Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services (example set)
- Application form (for applicant + for organization)
- Passport and residence card; photo
- Employment certificate/contract; company info as required
- Tax/withholding documents (as requested)
- Any status-specific supporting docs listed by Immigration/links via JETRO
Dependent (example set)
- Application form
- Passport and residence card; photo
- Marriage/Birth certificate (as applicable)
- Sponsorโs employment and income/tax proofs (as requested by Immigration)
Frequently asked questions
Can I renew from overseas?
No. Extensions are a domestic procedure; if youโre abroad, plan to return before your status or re-entry validity ends. A Special Re-entry Permit cannot be extended while abroad.
Can I travel while my renewal is pending?
Yesโif you applied on time youโre still in valid status during the deemed two-month window. Use Special Re-entry for short trips, but return within 1 year or before your status expires, whichever comes first.
How do fees work now?
From April 1, 2025, extension/change is ยฅ6,000 in person (ยฅ5,500 online). Re-entry is ยฅ4,000 (single) / ยฅ7,000 (multiple) in person, with slightly lower online fees for single/multiple. Pay by revenue stamps at approval.
What if Immigration asks for extra documents?
Thatโs common. Respond quickly. Processing time extends until you submit them. (2โ6 weeks is a common range.)
I changed jobs/schools. Do I need to tell anyone?
Yes. Notify Immigration within 14 days.
Related internal links to keep readers moving
- Residence Card and Address Registration Guide
- Japan Working Holiday Visa Guide
- English Teaching Visa in Japan Instructor Visa Guide
- Moving to Japan Checklist 2025
- National Health Insurance for New Residents
- How to Change Status of Residence
Final checklist before you go
- Add your renewal deadline to your calendar (3 months before expiry).
- Confirm your document list for your exact status.
- Decide in-person vs online (do you have a My Number card and PINs?).
- If youโll travel, decide Special Re-entry vs Re-entry Permit, and return on time.
- After approval, buy revenue stamps and collect your new residence card.
Youโve got thisโapply early, follow the list for your status, and your new card should be in your hands without stress.
Disclaimer
This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Laws, prices and regulations vary by location and change over time. Consult a qualified professional for guidance on your specific situation.
