Japan has increased the fee for foreign nationals seeking permanent residency by twenty times, to ¥200,000 (about $1,270). The new policy is paired with tougher requirements: applicants must now show a stable income that meets or exceeds the national average, hold pension benefits equivalent to a 30‑year employee, and demonstrate basic Japanese language proficiency.
Earlier this week, queues outside Tokyo’s main immigration bureau ran long as citizens rushed to pre‑pay the new fee. Waiting times exceeded seven hours, according to the bureau’s chief. The surge in visitors highlighted the public’s frustration amid a country that is still perceived as restrictive in its immigration approach.
The fee hike comes as Japan’s foreign resident population topped 4.12 million at the end of 2025, a record rise of 9.5 % from the previous year. The surge has amplified worries about social change, yet the government views skilled foreign workers as essential to fill gaps left by an ageing workforce and declining birth rate.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi introduced the measure in the first month of her tenure, stating that the government recognises public concerns over a rapidly growing foreign community. She said the new framework aims to keep immigration “orderly” and to ensure a safe coexistence for both Japanese citizens and foreign residents.
Previously, non‑permanent residents paid a modest ¥6,000 fee each time they applied to change status or extend their stay, with varying amounts depending on the length of the requested residence period. From October 1, those fees range from ¥10,000 for a three‑month stay up to ¥75,000 for five‑year or longer stays. Applicants in financial hardship or those designated as refugees may receive discounts.
The most recent policy changes will be reinforced next year, when officials announced plans to tighten language prerequisites further and scrutinize pension contributions more closely. This has spurred a spike in enrolments at Japanese language schools and a surge in applicants preparing for the Japanese‑Language Proficiency Test.
While some expatriates argue the law places foreigners at a disadvantage, others predict it will ultimately attract higher‑quality talent willing to meet the stringent benchmarks.
