Japan has sharply increased the cost and tightened the criteria for foreign nationals seeking permanent residency, part of a broader shift in immigration policy under Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. From 1 October, the application fee for permanent residency rose twentyfold to 200,000 yen (about $1,270), and new eligibility rules now include income, pension, and language requirements. The changes have prompted a rush to immigration offices as applicants hurried to file before the higher fees took effect.
The fee hike is the latest in a series of moves tightening immigration procedures. In July, Japan raised visa application fees for all foreigners by five times — the first such increase in five decades — citing the need to account for inflation and exchange-rate changes. The new residency fee marks a significant escalation and has sparked criticism and concern among long-term residents and prospective applicants.
Japan’s foreign resident population has been growing rapidly. At the end of 2025, it exceeded 4.12 million people, a near 9.5% rise from the previous year. This growth has intensified public debate about immigration and social cohesion. Takaichi, who became prime minister in October last year, has emphasized managing this rise as a top priority. In a post on X before the fee increase, she acknowledged public unease about demographic shifts and said the government aimed to make policies that allow both Japanese citizens and foreign residents to live “safely and securely.”
The fee changes prompted long queues at immigration centers around the country earlier this week. Tokyo’s main immigration bureau reported wait times exceeding seven hours as people tried to lodge applications under the previous, lower fee. Some applicants were unable to complete their paperwork in time. For example, Micaiah Stevens, a 37-year-old who has lived and worked in Tokyo for a decade, missed the deadline to submit his permanent residency documents before the price rise. He remains determined to apply but voiced frustration at the new requirements, saying they appear to place extra burdens on foreigners who already face language and cultural barriers.
Under the revised fee structure for non-permanent residents seeking to change status or extend their stay, costs now vary by the length of the stay requested. Fees start at 10,000 yen for short extensions of three months or less and scale up to 75,000 yen for requests seeking a five-year period or more. Those judged to be in financial hardship and refugees may receive discounted fees.
More substantial are the new eligibility standards for permanent residency applicants. Beginning now and tightening further in April next year, applicants must demonstrate a stable income at or above the national average household income. Japan’s most recent data, released in July, put average household income at 5.75 million yen (about $36,500) for 2024. In addition, applicants must show expected pension benefits equivalent to someone enrolled in the employee pension system for 30 years; if pension benefits fall short, authorities may consider the applicant’s financial assets to fill the gap.
From April, basic Japanese-language proficiency will also be required for permanent residency. That impending rule has already spurred increased enrollment in language schools and a rise in registrations for the Japanese-Language Proficiency Test, according to local media reports. The language requirement aims to ensure new permanent residents can participate more fully in Japanese society, but critics argue it may deter skilled foreign workers who contribute to the labor market but lack fluency.
Japan’s tightening stance on immigration comes amid a persistent labor shortage driven by an aging population and low birth rate. While the government appears intent on limiting unplanned or rapid demographic change, it must still attract and retain foreign workers in sectors where domestic labor supply is insufficient. The new measures reflect an attempt to balance those competing priorities: managing the social impact of rising numbers of foreign residents while maintaining the inflow of necessary talent.
Reactions among foreigners vary. Some understand the government’s desire for orderly immigration, but many express concern that higher costs and stricter thresholds will make Japan less accessible — particularly for mid-career professionals, skilled workers lacking Japanese proficiency, and families with limited assets. Supporters of the tougher rules argue they will help integrate long-term residents by ensuring financial stability and language ability, while opponents say the measures risk alienating valuable contributors to Japan’s economy.
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As the new rules take hold, immigration offices are expected to face continued demand, both from those preparing to meet the higher standards and from newcomers trying to navigate the revised system. Whether the changes will successfully balance public concerns about social cohesion with Japan’s economic needs remains to be seen. For many foreigners already living in Japan, the updated requirements represent a significant new hurdle on the path to permanent residency.
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