Japan has increased the cost of permanent residency permits twentyfold. New requirements for income and language skills also change the path for foreign residents.
Japan just changed how it handles people who want to live there forever. The government raised the cost to apply for permanent residency by 20 times. It now costs 200,000 yen, or about $1,270, to file the paperwork.
Furthermore, applicants must meet new standards for income and language skills. These rules started on October 1, 2026. Many people rushed to immigration offices last week to file before the price went up.
Meanwhile, long lines stretched outside offices in Tokyo. Some people waited over seven hours to submit their forms. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi says these changes help manage the country's growing foreign population.
Why this matters
Also, this shift shows a big change in how Japan treats outsiders. The nation historically keeps strict control over its borders and immigration policies. Officials now say they want to ensure that society remains orderly.
However, the country faces a difficult problem with its aging population. Japan needs many more workers to keep its economy running well. These new rules might make it harder to attract the talent the nation requires.
Additionally, some residents worry about their future in the country. Many have lived in Japan for years and contribute to the workforce. They feel the new fees treat them more like revenue sources than long-term neighbors.
Still, the government claims it must address public concerns about social change. Record numbers of foreigners now live in Japan. The total count reached 4.12 million people by the end of 2025.
New Rules for Residency
Next, the government updated the costs for other types of visa stays as well. Before this week, people paid 6,000 yen to extend their stay. Now, the price depends on how long the person wants to stay.
After that, the costs range from 10,000 yen for short stays to 75,000 yen for five years. The government will offer discounts to refugees and those in serious financial trouble. These rules are part of a larger plan to control immigration.
For example, the government also raised general visa fees five times higher earlier this July. That move was the first visa price increase in 50 years. Officials blamed inflation and the value of the yen for those changes.
How we got here
- 2025: Japan’s foreign population hits a record high of 4.12 million.
- July 2026: The government increases standard visa fees by five times.
- September 2026: Long lines form at immigration offices before the fee hikes.
- October 1, 2026: The new 200,000 yen fee for permanent residency takes effect.
What happens next
Finally, experts expect to see fewer people apply for permanent residency in the coming months. Many will likely struggle to prove they earn the new required average income. This could lead to a decline in long-term foreign stability.
Also, the government will monitor how these rules impact the labor market. If businesses cannot find enough workers, officials might have to adjust their plans again. The debate over immigration will likely continue in the Japanese parliament.
Still, foreign residents will continue to watch for further policy shifts. Many will wait to see if the government adds more requirements soon. For now, the path to staying in Japan remains much more expensive and complex.