In Japan, the cost for foreigners to obtain permanent residency has seen a dramatic rise. As of October 1, 2026, the fee has increased twentyfold to 200,000 yen, equivalent to approximately $1,270 or £955. This change is accompanied by new criteria, including income, pension, and language requirements that applicants must meet.
Impact on Immigration Offices
In response to the impending fee hike, there were long queues at immigration offices across Japan, with Tokyo’s main immigration bureau experiencing wait times exceeding seven hours. Many applicants were eager to submit their paperwork before the new fees took effect.
This fee adjustment is part of broader immigration policy reforms initiated by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. These reforms aim to address the challenges posed by Japan’s growing foreign population, which is driven by the need to fill labor shortages in an aging society.
Historical Context and Political Sensitivity
The increase in residency fees follows a previous rise in visa fees in July, which went up fivefold, marking the first such increase in fifty years. Officials justified these hikes by citing inflation and fluctuations in exchange rates.
Despite the sensitivity of immigration issues in Japan, the country has seen a steady rise in its foreign resident population, which reached over 4.12 million by the end of 2025—a 9.5% increase from the previous year. This demographic shift has sparked debates about social changes and national identity.
Prime Minister’s Stance and Public Reaction
Prime Minister Takaichi has prioritized the regulation of immigration since taking office. She acknowledged in a social media post that the growing foreign population might cause public concern about fairness and societal impacts. Her administration aims to create policies that ensure safety and security for both Japanese citizens and foreign residents.
Before the increased fees, non-permanent residents paid 6,000 yen for modifications to their residency status. The new fee structure varies based on the duration of stay, ranging from 10,000 yen for a three-month stay to 75,000 yen for a stay of five years or more. Discounts are available for those facing financial hardships or designated as refugees.
New Requirements for Permanent Residency
To qualify for permanent residency, applicants must now demonstrate a stable income at or above the national average, which was 5.75 million yen as of 2024. This requirement has spurred debates among foreign residents, some of whom feel the new measures are excessively burdensome.
Micaiah Stevens, a long-term resident of Tokyo, expressed concerns over the fairness of these requirements, noting that foreigners are being asked to earn more than the average Japanese citizen and pay higher fees.
Starting in April next year, additional requirements will be enforced, including basic proficiency in the Japanese language. This has led to increased enrollment in language schools and a surge in registrations for the Japanese-Language Proficiency Test.
Applicants must also demonstrate pension benefits equivalent to 30 years of participation in the employee pension system, though financial assets may be considered if pension benefits fall short.
