--- title: "Japan Student visa requirements 2026: 51-month stay" url: https://settleanywhere.com/countries/japan/student/ lang: en updated: 2026-10-12 --- Japan · Student # Japan Student visa **First stay:** 4 yrs 3 mo Student status of residence (留学) Checked against official sources on 12 Oct 2026 [Change log](https://settleanywhere.com/changes/) - **First stay:** 4 yrs 3 mo (Period set individually by the Minister of Justice, not exceeding 4 years 3 months.) - **Who can apply:** Any passport - **Work:** Limited (Study only; part-time work only after permission and within applicable limits.) - **Tax angle:** Tax relief (Non-permanent resident foreign-source income treatment: Non-permanent residents are taxed in Japan on Japan-source income and on foreign-source income paid in or remitted to Japan; foreign-source income paid and kept abroad is outside the Japanese tax base.) ## Key facts Student visa is a student route for Japan. Local work: limited. Checked 2026-10-12 against the official source. - **Government fees:** ¥10k ≈ $63 · +6 more - **Processing:** 1–3 months - **First stay:** 4 yrs 3 mo ## Cost, time and long term To apply: 7 government fees listed below; decision: 1–3 months. No lawyer or agent fee is included. **Government fees: ¥10k ≈ $63 · +6 more** - JPY 10,000 (≈ $63) Extension of stay or change of status, online application filed from 1 October 2026: fee when the period granted is 3 months or less; a payment-processing charge of JPY 330 (≈ $2) (JPY 550 (≈ $3) from 3 years) is added. - JPY 15,000 (≈ $95) Extension of stay or change of status, online application filed from 1 October 2026: fee when the period granted is over 3 months up to 6 months; a payment-processing charge of JPY 330 (≈ $2) (JPY 550 (≈ $3) from 3 years) is added. - JPY 21,000 (≈ $130) Extension of stay or change of status, online application filed from 1 October 2026: fee when the period granted is over 6 months and under 1 year; a payment-processing charge of JPY 330 (≈ $2) (JPY 550 (≈ $3) from 3 years) is added. - JPY 27,000 (≈ $170) Extension of stay or change of status, online application filed from 1 October 2026: fee when the period granted is 1 year; a payment-processing charge of JPY 330 (≈ $2) (JPY 550 (≈ $3) from 3 years) is added. - JPY 42,000 (≈ $260) Extension of stay or change of status, online application filed from 1 October 2026: fee when the period granted is over 1 year and under 3 years; a payment-processing charge of JPY 330 (≈ $2) (JPY 550 (≈ $3) from 3 years) is added. - JPY 56,000 (≈ $350) Extension of stay or change of status, online application filed from 1 October 2026: fee when the period granted is 3 years or more and under 5 years; a payment-processing charge of JPY 330 (≈ $2) (JPY 550 (≈ $3) from 3 years) is added. - JPY 65,000 (≈ $410) Extension of stay or change of status, online application filed from 1 October 2026: fee when the period granted is 5 years or more; a payment-processing charge of JPY 330 (≈ $2) (JPY 550 (≈ $3) from 3 years) is added. **Renewal: Renewable** Renewable in Japan; the period is set individually and does not exceed 4 years 3 months. [Immigration Services Agency of Japan](https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/applications/status/student.html?hl=en) **Permanent residence: After 10 years of residence** Years as a student count toward the 10 years of residence needed for permanent residence, but not toward the 5 years that must be on a work or residence status. Under the guideline revised on 1 October 2026 the ministry also looks at whether you hold the longest period of stay allowed for your status (a 3-year period counts as the longest for applications filed up to 31 March 2027), and an absence from Japan of 6 months or more in one trip, or 2 years 6 months in total, in the last 10 years without good reason counts against the application. [Immigration Services Agency of Japan](https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/applications/resources/nyukan_nyukan50.html) **Citizenship: After 10 years of residence** The Nationality Act (Article 5) sets a minimum of 5 consecutive years of lawful residence in Japan, plus conduct, livelihood and other conditions. The Ministry of Justice's naturalisation Q&A adds that integration into Japanese society is required, such as 10 years or more of residence and Japanese good enough for daily life (speaking, reading and writing). Meeting the conditions does not guarantee permission. [Civil Affairs Bureau, Ministry of Justice of Japan](https://www.moj.go.jp/MINJI/minji78.html) **Processing: 1–3 months** Standard processing: 1 to 3 months for a Certificate of Eligibility, 1 to 2 months for a change of status inside Japan and 2 weeks to 1 month for an extension. [Immigration Services Agency of Japan, Ministry of Justice](https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/applications/procedures/16-1.html) **Where to apply: Abroad or in-country** Apply for a Certificate of Eligibility through the school, or change status inside Japan if you already hold another status. [Immigration Services Agency of Japan](https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/applications/status/student.html?hl=en) ## Why this route may not fit Check this before you apply. - Needs a place at a school or university in Japan - Work rights are limited ### What you'll need #### Who can apply - The applicant is admitted to and enrolled at an eligible institution in Japan. #### What you must show - Fees for online extension of stay or change of status from 1 October 2026 run from JPY 10,000 (≈ $63) (3 months or less) to JPY 65,000 (≈ $410) (5 years or more). #### Documents - A statement of who pays the costs of study and stay is part of the application. - Confirmation forms are prepared by the school the applicant attends or will attend, not by the applicant. #### Steps 1. Applicants abroad apply for a Certificate of Eligibility with the application form, one photo and a stamped return envelope. 2. Applicants already in Japan under another status apply for a change of status as soon as they start the activity. #### After you arrive - Work outside the study activity requires permission for activity outside the status. - The residence address must be reported to the authorities after arrival and after any move. ## When you become tax resident How Japan decides tax residence and treats foreign-source income, from its tax records. - **Stay on this route:** **Up to 51 months at first, renewable** - **Tax residence:** Resident individuals are domiciled in Japan or have continuous residence of 1 year or more. - **Foreign-source income:** **Remittance basis** Non-permanent residents are taxed in Japan on Japan-source income and on foreign-source income paid in or remitted to Japan; foreign-source income paid and kept abroad is outside the Japanese tax base. - **Special regime:** **Non-permanent resident foreign-source income treatment** · Tax relief [All tax rules for Japan](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/japan/tax/) Tax records checked 11 Oct 2026 **Full official text** Residence status for study at a Japanese university, college of technology, high school, junior high school, elementary school, special training school, miscellaneous school or equivalent institution. (sources 1, 2) #### What you must show and pay - A fee of JPY 10,000 (≈ $63) · Extension of stay or change of status, online application filed from 1 October 2026: fee when the period granted is 3 months or less; a payment-processing charge of JPY 330 (≈ $2) (JPY 550 (≈ $3) from 3 years) is added. (source 3) - A fee of JPY 15,000 (≈ $95) · Extension of stay or change of status, online application filed from 1 October 2026: fee when the period granted is over 3 months up to 6 months; a payment-processing charge of JPY 330 (≈ $2) (JPY 550 (≈ $3) from 3 years) is added. (source 3) - A fee of JPY 21,000 (≈ $130) · Extension of stay or change of status, online application filed from 1 October 2026: fee when the period granted is over 6 months and under 1 year; a payment-processing charge of JPY 330 (≈ $2) (JPY 550 (≈ $3) from 3 years) is added. (source 3) - A fee of JPY 27,000 (≈ $170) · Extension of stay or change of status, online application filed from 1 October 2026: fee when the period granted is 1 year; a payment-processing charge of JPY 330 (≈ $2) (JPY 550 (≈ $3) from 3 years) is added. (source 3) - A fee of JPY 42,000 (≈ $260) · Extension of stay or change of status, online application filed from 1 October 2026: fee when the period granted is over 1 year and under 3 years; a payment-processing charge of JPY 330 (≈ $2) (JPY 550 (≈ $3) from 3 years) is added. (source 3) - A fee of JPY 56,000 (≈ $350) · Extension of stay or change of status, online application filed from 1 October 2026: fee when the period granted is 3 years or more and under 5 years; a payment-processing charge of JPY 330 (≈ $2) (JPY 550 (≈ $3) from 3 years) is added. (source 3) - A fee of JPY 65,000 (≈ $410) · Extension of stay or change of status, online application filed from 1 October 2026: fee when the period granted is 5 years or more; a payment-processing charge of JPY 330 (≈ $2) (JPY 550 (≈ $3) from 3 years) is added. (source 3) #### Requirements - The applicant is admitted to and enrolled at an eligible institution in Japan. (source 1) - Fees for online extension of stay or change of status from 1 October 2026 run from JPY 10,000 (≈ $63) (3 months or less) to JPY 65,000 (≈ $410) (5 years or more). (source 3) - A statement of who pays the costs of study and stay is part of the application. (source 1) - Confirmation forms are prepared by the school the applicant attends or will attend, not by the applicant. (source 1) - Applicants abroad apply for a Certificate of Eligibility with the application form, one photo and a stamped return envelope. (source 1) - Applicants already in Japan under another status apply for a change of status as soon as they start the activity. (source 1) - Work outside the study activity requires permission for activity outside the status. (source 1) - The residence address must be reported to the authorities after arrival and after any move. (source 1) #### Stay - Period set individually by the Minister of Justice, not exceeding 4 years 3 months. - First stay: up to 51 months, decided case by case. - Renewable, subject to the conditions in force at renewal. #### Work Study only; part-time work only after permission and within applicable limits. #### Family Spouse and children may apply separately for Dependent status. Checked 2026-10-12 ## Official sources 1. [Student status of residence](https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/applications/status/student.html?hl=en) · Immigration Services Agency of Japan · checked 2026-10-10 2. [Residence status: Business Manager](https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/applications/status/businessmanager.html?language=eng) · Immigration Services Agency of Japan · checked 2026-10-10 3. [Fees for extension of stay, change of status and permanent residence applied for online from 1 October 2026](https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/11_00107.html) · Immigration Services Agency of Japan · checked 2026-10-11 4. [Guidelines for Permission for Permanent Residence (revised 24 February 2026)](https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/applications/resources/nyukan_nyukan50.html) · Immigration Services Agency of Japan · checked 2026-10-11 · published 2026-02-24 5. [Guidelines for Permission for Permanent Residence (revised 1 October 2026)](https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/10_00279.html) · Immigration Services Agency of Japan · checked 2026-10-12 · published 2026-10-01 6. [Naturalization: conditions and procedure (Q&A)](https://www.moj.go.jp/MINJI/minji78.html) · Civil Affairs Bureau, Ministry of Justice of Japan · checked 2026-10-12 7. [Certificate of Eligibility application: standard processing period](https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/applications/procedures/16-1.html) · Immigration Services Agency of Japan, Ministry of Justice · checked 2026-10-11 8. [Application for change of status of residence: standard processing period](https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/applications/procedures/16-2.html) · Immigration Services Agency of Japan, Ministry of Justice · checked 2026-10-11 9. [Application for extension of period of stay: standard processing period](https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/applications/procedures/16-3.html) · Immigration Services Agency of Japan, Ministry of Justice · checked 2026-10-11 ## Student visa and its alternatives | Route | Money needed | Stay | Work | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Student visa | – | 4.3 yr, renewable | Limited | | [Study visa (ED)](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/thailand/nonimmigrant-ed-study/) Thailand | – | 3 mo, renewable | No | | [Student visa · Non-formal](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/indonesia/e30-education/) Indonesia | – | 4 yr, renewable | No | | [Student visa](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/united-arab-emirates/student-visa/) United Arab Emirates | – | – | – | | [Student's Pass](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/singapore/students-pass/) Singapore | – | – | No | ## Questions people ask ### How much money do I need for the Student visa? A fee of JPY 10,000 (≈ $63). Extension of stay or change of status, online application filed from 1 October 2026: fee when the period granted is 3 months or less; a payment-processing charge of JPY 330 (≈ $2) (JPY 550 (≈ $3) from 3 years) is added. A fee of JPY 15,000 (≈ $95). Extension of stay or change of status, online application filed from 1 October 2026: fee when the period granted is over 3 months up to 6 months; a payment-processing charge of JPY 330 (≈ $2) (JPY 550 (≈ $3) from 3 years) is added. A fee of JPY 21,000 (≈ $130). Extension of stay or change of status, online application filed from 1 October 2026: fee when the period granted is over 6 months and under 1 year; a payment-processing charge of JPY 330 (≈ $2) (JPY 550 (≈ $3) from 3 years) is added. A fee of JPY 27,000 (≈ $170). Extension of stay or change of status, online application filed from 1 October 2026: fee when the period granted is 1 year; a payment-processing charge of JPY 330 (≈ $2) (JPY 550 (≈ $3) from 3 years) is added. ### How long can I stay on the Student visa? Period set individually by the Minister of Justice, not exceeding 4 years 3 months. ### How long does the Student visa take to process? Standard processing: 1 to 3 months for a Certificate of Eligibility, 1 to 2 months for a change of status inside Japan and 2 weeks to 1 month for an extension. ### Can I work on the Student visa? Limited. Study only; part-time work only after permission and within applicable limits. ### Can I bring my family on the Student visa? Spouse and children may apply separately for Dependent status. ### Does the Student visa lead to permanent residence in Japan? Time on the Student visa counts toward permanent residence in Japan, which the rules allow after 10 years of residence. Time on the Student visa counts toward citizenship, which the rules allow after 10 years of residence. ### Is there a tax break for Student visa holders in Japan? Non-permanent resident foreign-source income treatment: Non-permanent residents are taxed in Japan on Japan-source income and on foreign-source income paid in or remitted to Japan; foreign-source income paid and kept abroad is outside the Japanese tax base. It's separate from the visa and has its own conditions. ## Tax Special regime ### [Non-permanent resident foreign-source income treatment](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/japan/tax/#tax-jp-non-permanent-resident-remittance-basis) Tax relief Foreign-source income: Remittance basis **Details** - Who: Resident: domicile or continuous residence in Japan for one year or more Non-permanent residents are taxed in Japan on Japan-source income and on foreign-source income paid in or remitted to Japan; foreign-source income paid and kept abroad is outside the Japanese tax base. #### Taxed on Income tax on all Japan-source income plus foreign-source income that is paid in Japan or remitted to Japan from abroad, at the progressive national rates of 5% to 45%. #### Who it applies to - Resident: domicile or continuous residence in Japan for one year or more. - Non-Japanese nationality. - Domicile or residence in Japan for an aggregate of five years or less within the preceding ten years. #### Exclusions - Japan-source income, including pay for work performed in Japan, is taxed in full. - Residents who are not non-permanent residents are taxed on worldwide income. #### Tax residence Resident = domicile, or continuous residence of one year or more. Non-permanent resident = non-Japanese national resident for an aggregate of five years or less in the preceding ten years. Based on facts, not visa type. #### Visas No visa grants this treatment; it follows tax residence and nationality. #### Other taxes Consumption tax: standard rate 10% (7.8% national plus 2.2% local) and reduced rate 8% (6.24% national plus 1.76% local). Local inhabitant tax and social insurance are separate. Checked against official sources on 10 Oct 2026 [Change log](https://settleanywhere.com/changes/) [Full page →](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/japan/tax/) ## More in Japan [J-Find](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/japan/j-find/) [Working Holiday](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/japan/working-holiday/) [Digital nomad visa](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/japan/designated-activities-digital-nomad/) [Business Manager](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/japan/business-manager/) [Startup visa](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/japan/startup-designated-activities/) [Engineer/Specialist visa](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/japan/engineer-specialist/) [Highly Skilled Professional](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/japan/highly-skilled-professional/) [Instructor visa](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/japan/instructor/) ## Study visas elsewhere [🇰🇷 D-4 language study](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/south-korea/d4-language-trainee/) [🇭🇰 Student visa](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/hong-kong/student-visa/) [🇦🇺 Student visa 500](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/australia/student-500/) [🇳🇿 Student visa](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/new-zealand/fee-paying-student/) [🇰🇭 Student extension (ES)](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/cambodia/es-student-extension/) [🇱🇰 Education visa](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/sri-lanka/education-residence-visa/) ≈ USD figures are approximate: daily reference rates from ExchangeRate-API, dated 12 Oct 2026, refreshed when the site is updated. ## How this was checked **Checked on 2026-10-12 against 9 official sources.** Status: verified against the official sources. Every figure on this page comes from the official source it links to. The record was researched against these sources, then reviewed separately, with special attention to effective dates and amendments. Where a source does not state something, the page leaves it out. 1. [Student status of residence](https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/applications/status/student.html?hl=en) · Immigration Services Agency of Japan · checked 2026-10-10 2. [Residence status: Business Manager](https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/applications/status/businessmanager.html?language=eng) · Immigration Services Agency of Japan · checked 2026-10-10 3. [Fees for extension of stay, change of status and permanent residence applied for online from 1 October 2026](https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/11_00107.html) · Immigration Services Agency of Japan · checked 2026-10-11 4. [Guidelines for Permission for Permanent Residence (revised 24 February 2026)](https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/applications/resources/nyukan_nyukan50.html) · Immigration Services Agency of Japan · checked 2026-10-11 5. [Guidelines for Permission for Permanent Residence (revised 1 October 2026)](https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/10_00279.html) · Immigration Services Agency of Japan · checked 2026-10-12 6. [Naturalization: conditions and procedure (Q&A)](https://www.moj.go.jp/MINJI/minji78.html) · Civil Affairs Bureau, Ministry of Justice of Japan · checked 2026-10-12 7. [Certificate of Eligibility application: standard processing period](https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/applications/procedures/16-1.html) · Immigration Services Agency of Japan, Ministry of Justice · checked 2026-10-11 8. [Application for change of status of residence: standard processing period](https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/applications/procedures/16-2.html) · Immigration Services Agency of Japan, Ministry of Justice · checked 2026-10-11 9. [Application for extension of period of stay: standard processing period](https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/applications/procedures/16-3.html) · Immigration Services Agency of Japan, Ministry of Justice · checked 2026-10-11 Tracked since 2026-10-10. Rule changes and corrections are listed on the [changes page](https://settleanywhere.com/changes/), and the [methodology page](https://settleanywhere.com/methodology/) explains how facts are checked. Found something out of date? Email [contact@stayglobe.app](mailto:contact@stayglobe.app?subject=Correction) with a link to the official source.