How to Stay in Japan: Visa, Renewal & PR Guide 2027

An English guide (39 A5 pages) to Japan visa renewal and permanent residency for foreign residents, updated for the 2026 fee changes and the 2027 PR rules. Japan visa renewal fees changed on 1 October 2026: the fee now depends on the period you are granted, from ¥10,000 up to ¥75,000 at the counter, with lower fees for online renewal (1 year: ¥27,000 online vs ¥33,000). The Japan permanent residency fee is now ¥200,000. Japan permanent residency requirements 2027: what changes from 1 April 2027, including Japanese at B1 level, the longest period of stay for your status (and the 31 March 2027 timing for 3-year visa holders), paying taxes, pension and insurance on time, the spouse route moving from 3+1 to 5+3 years, and the new PR revocation rules. Also covers how to get permanent residency in Japan through the Highly Skilled Professional points fast track, Japan visa renewal online with your My Number Card, renewal requirements and documents, processing times, changing or losing a job (the 14-day notification and 3-month rule), marriage, divorce and spouse visa renewal, re-entry permits for PR holders, PR vs naturalization, Specified Skilled Worker and 育成就労, overstays, and how to spot visa fee scams and fake residence cards. Includes a fee table, a deadline calendar, document checklists, a PR self-check, 18 questions people actually ask, Japanese terms in brackets, clickable contents and numbered official sources. Data as of 30 October 2026.