Japan increases permanent residency fee from $300 to $6,000

Japan has increased the fee for foreigners seeking permanent residency by 20 times, now costing 200,000 yen (about US$1,270 or £955). The new fee, effective 1 October, is coupled with stricter requirements: applicants must show a stable income at or above the national average, prove pension contributions, and demonstrate sufficient Japanese‑language proficiency. Those who cannot meet these criteria will be denied the status that allows them to stay and work without a visa renewal.

The hike is part of a broader overhaul of Japan’s immigration policy led by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, who took office in October last year. In July the government raised all visa fees fivefold, its first increase in 50 years, citing inflation and currency swings. Japan’s foreign resident population hit 4.12 million at the end of 2025, a 9.5 % jump from the previous year, as the ageing workforce forces the country to rely more on overseas workers. Immigration remains a politically sensitive issue, so the administration has framed the changes as a way to manage growth while maintaining social stability.

Other residency fees now vary with the length of stay, from 10,000 yen for up to three months to 75,000 yen for five years or more. Applicants who are refugees or experiencing financial hardship can receive discounts. Long lines outside Tokyo’s main immigration office, with wait times exceeding seven hours, reflected the public’s scramble to secure permits before the new costs took effect. Micaiah Stevens, a 37‑year‑old expatriate who has lived in Tokyo for a decade, said the new rules feel “too convenient” for foreigners, forcing them to earn more than the average Japanese person to stay in the country. Takaichi acknowledged that some citizens might feel uneasy about the changes and promised the government would keep policies orderly so both Japanese and foreign residents can live safely.

The fee hike is likely to slow the pace of permanent residency applications, as many will reassess whether they can meet the income and language thresholds. The move may also prompt the government to offer additional support or incentives to attract skilled workers. As Japan grapples with a shrinking domestic labor force, the policy shift signals a tighter grip on immigration while attempting to balance economic needs with public sentiment.