Japan has sharply increased residency-related fees for foreign nationals as the country introduces tighter immigration requirements.
The biggest increase affects permanent residency applications, with the fee rising to 200,000 yen, or about $1,280. Previously, applicants paid just 10,000 yen.
The steep increase triggered a rush among foreign residents who wanted to submit their applications before the new charges took effect. As a result, immigration offices saw long queues earlier this week.
Meanwhile, heavy traffic on the government’s online application platform made it difficult for some applicants to complete their submissions.
Japan Tightens Permanent Residency Requirements
The higher fees come alongside stricter conditions for foreigners seeking permanent residency in Japan.
Under the new requirements, applicants are expected to demonstrate sufficient income and pension coverage. In addition, further Japanese-language requirements are scheduled to take effect next year.
The changes form part of a broader overhaul of Japan’s immigration policies under Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. Her government has made managing the country’s growing foreign population a priority.
Japan has also increased visa fees. In July, authorities raised the charges fivefold, marking the first such adjustment in five decades.
Officials said that increase was intended to account for inflation and changes in foreign exchange rates.
Foreign Population Reaches Record Level
Although Japan has traditionally maintained a cautious approach to immigration, its reliance on foreign workers has increased.
The country is facing persistent labour shortages as its population ages. Consequently, the number of foreign residents has continued to rise.
Foreign residents reached a record 4.12 million at the end of 2025. This represented a 9.5% increase from the previous year.
However, the rapid growth has also intensified public debate over immigration and its effects on Japanese society.
Takaichi has repeatedly highlighted the issue since taking office in October last year.
In a post on X shortly before the new residency fees were introduced, Takaichi acknowledged that the growth in the foreign population could cause “concern or unfairness” among some members of the public.
She said the government wanted immigration policies to be orderly while ensuring that both Japanese citizens and foreign residents could live safely and securely.
New Fees for Residency Extensions
Japan has also changed the fee structure for non-permanent residents seeking to change their status or extend their stay.
Previously, applicants paid 6,000 yen whenever they applied to change their residency status or extend their stay.
From October 1, the amount depends on the length of the requested extension.
Applicants requesting stays of three months or less will pay 10,000 yen. Meanwhile, applications for periods of five years or longer will cost 75,000 yen.
Reduced fees remain available for applicants facing financial hardship. They are also available to people with recognised refugee status.
Income Requirements Become More Important
The requirements for permanent residency have also become more demanding.
Applicants are expected to have a stable income at least equal to Japan’s average. Government data released in July placed the average household income at 5.75 million yen in 2024.
Therefore, prospective permanent residents may need to demonstrate stronger financial stability under the revised requirements.
The changes are particularly significant for foreign residents planning to remain in Japan permanently.
Japanese-Language Requirement Coming Next Year
Further changes are scheduled for April next year.
Under the planned requirements, applicants will also need to demonstrate basic Japanese-language ability.
Japanese media have reported growing demand for language courses and the Japanese-Language Proficiency Test.
As a result, prospective applicants are already preparing for the additional requirement before it takes effect.
Pension Coverage Under New Rules
Pension eligibility is another factor being considered in permanent residency applications.
Applicants’ projected pension benefits are expected to be comparable to those of a person who has contributed to the employee pension system for 30 years.
However, immigration authorities may consider an applicant’s financial assets if their projected pension income falls below that benchmark.
The combination of higher fees, stricter financial requirements and upcoming language conditions marks a significant change for foreign residents seeking long-term status in Japan.
For those planning to apply for permanent residency or extend their stay, the revised fee structure and eligibility conditions will therefore be important considerations.
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