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Sharp fee hike for permanent residency, long queues at immigration offices

Japan has raised the fee charged for foreign permanent residency applications 20-fold to 200,000 yen. The move took effect as part of steps aimed at reshaping immigration policy while the country’s foreign population continues to grow rapidly.

Before the increase took effect, people hoping to file under the old rate flocked to immigration offices at the start of the week. At the main immigration bureau in Tokyo, waiting times were reported to have exceeded seven hours.

In July, visa fees for all foreigners were also raised fivefold. Officials defended the increase as a reflection of inflation and exchange-rate fluctuations.

Income, pension and language now key in new application rules

What criteria will be required for permanent residency?

Along with the fee increase, application requirements have also been tightened. Those seeking permanent residency will now be expected to show a stable income, meet pension eligibility requirements and later provide proof of Japanese language proficiency.

According to the latest figures released in July, Japan’s average household income stood at 5.75 million yen as of 2024. Under the new rule, applicants are expected to show regular income at or above that level.

  • The previous 6,000 yen fee for applications to change residency status or extend the length of stay has been abolished.
  • As of October 1, the fee will range from 10,000 yen to 75,000 yen, depending on the requested length of stay.
  • Discounts may be available for applicants facing financial hardship and for those classified as refugees.

Starting in April next year, a basic level of Japanese language ability will also be required for permanent residency applications. Local media say the expectation has driven up enrollments at Japanese language schools and applications for the Japanese-Language Proficiency Test.

Rising foreign population reignites immigration debate

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's administration has made immigration rules one of the government’s top priorities. The government says foreigner policy will be managed in a more “orderly” way to ease public concerns.

Japan’s foreign resident population surpassed 4.12 million by the end of 2025, hitting a record high. That marked an increase of 9.5% from the previous year.

At the same time, the country still needs more foreign workers because of its aging population and labor shortages. The politically sensitive immigration issue points to a new search for balance between the economy’s needs and concerns over social change.

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