Japan raises permanent residency fee twentyfold for foreigners

Japan has dramatically increased the cost for foreigners applying for permanent residency. The fee has risen twentyfold, from its previous level to 200,000 yen, or roughly 1,270 US dollars. At the same time, the eligibility requirements for permanent residency have changed, affecting applicants' income, pension contributions and Japanese language proficiency.

Before the new rules took effect, hour-long queues formed outside immigration offices as foreigners rushed to file their paperwork under the old conditions.

Temporary residence fees also rise

Starting October 1, the fee for temporary residence status increased as well. Previously, foreigners paid 6,000 yen (about 38 dollars) when applying to change their status or extend their stay. The fee is now tied to the length of residence requested, with permits for up to three months starting at 10,000 yen (about 63 dollars).

In July, Japan raised its visa fees for the first time since 1978, increasing them fivefold.

Immigration policy a government priority

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, elected in 2025, has made migration policy one of her government's key priorities. At the same time, Japan needs foreign labor due to its aging population. As of the end of 2025, roughly four million foreigners lived in Japan, a country of about 122 million people.