Japan Online Visa Application Payments from October 2026
office-babaakiraThe payment process for online residence applications in Japan changes for applications filed on or after October 1, 2026.
Under the new system, the permission or issuance fee for an online application will be paid through a convenience-store payment or bank payment process.
Credit card and QR-code payments are not supported under the official procedure.
Which applications are affected?
The new payment procedure applies to relevant residence applications submitted online on or after October 1, 2026.
It concerns fees payable when permission or a relevant document is granted or issued, including online applications for matters such as:
- extension of the period of stay
- change of status of residence
- acquisition of status of residence
- certain other procedures available through the online system
The availability of online filing depends on the type of procedure and the applicant or representative using the system.
How will the payment process work?
The official guidance describes a two-stage email process after examination.
- The online application is submitted and examined.
- An examination-completion email is sent through the residence application system.
- A separate payment-guidance email is later sent by the designated payment service.
- The recipient follows the official instructions and selects convenience-store or bank payment.
- The required payment is completed before the remaining issuance procedure.
The amount may depend on the type of permission and, for an extension or change application, the period of stay granted.
A separate settlement fee is also added to online payments. The official fee page should be checked for the applicable total.
What is the official payment email address?
The Immigration Services Agency states that the payment-guidance email will be sent only from:
An email requesting payment from a different sender address should not be treated as an official payment instruction.
Check more than the displayed sender name
A sender name such as “Immigration Services Agency” can be imitated. Check the full email address rather than relying only on the name shown in the inbox.
Before paying, compare the message with your actual application:
- Did you or your authorized representative submit an online application?
- Has the online system already sent an examination-completion notice?
- Does the sender exactly match the official address?
- Does the application information correspond to the pending case?
- Is the payment method limited to the methods stated in the official guidance?
- Can the status be checked through the official online application system?
If the message is unexpected or inconsistent, do not use the link in the email while attempting to confirm its authenticity.
Can the fee be paid by credit card or QR code?
No.
The official guidance for applications filed on or after October 1, 2026 states that the online payment methods are:
- convenience-store payment
- bank payment
Credit card payments and QR-code payments are not supported.
Not every convenience store participates, so the available options shown in the official payment process should be confirmed before selecting a method.
What about applications filed by September 30?
The new online payment procedure applies to applications submitted on or after October 1, 2026.
Applications received by September 30 remain subject to the former fee treatment even if permission is granted later.
This distinction is based on the filing date, not merely the date on which the examination finishes.
What records should be preserved?
- the online application receipt and application number
- the examination-completion email
- the official payment-guidance email
- the payment reference number
- the convenience-store or bank payment receipt
- screenshots or PDF records showing successful payment
- communications with an authorized representative
These records may be useful if a payment-status question arises or if the applicant needs to distinguish the official message from a fraudulent one.
Applicants using a representative
Where an employer, lawyer, administrative scrivener or other authorized user filed the application through an online account, confirm in advance who will receive the examination and payment communications.
The applicant and representative should avoid making duplicate payments or assuming that the other person has completed the procedure.
Final message
The new process changes how online application fees are paid. It does not change the need to verify the result, amount, sender and application details before making a payment.
The practical rule is: wait for the examination-completion notice, verify the official payment email, use only the published payment methods and preserve the receipt.
Official references: Online application fees and payment methods / October 2026 immigration fee revision
Initial Inquiry & Contact
An initial inquiry is free and is used to confirm whether the matter is within this office’s scope and which service may be appropriate.
Case-specific advice on an online application, required documents, status eligibility or filing timing is provided through a paid consultation or Decision Check. The scope and fee will be explained before work begins.
