Want to stay in Japan permanently? It just got 20 times more expensive

International

THE PRICE of staying permanently in Japan has just gone up 20-fold.

Foreign nationals seeking permanent residency must now pay 200,000 yen ($1,270; £955), while meeting tougher financial and other requirements.

The increase is part of a broader overhaul of Japan’s immigration system, with new rules also covering income, pension benefits and, from next year, Japanese-language proficiency.

Long queues formed outside immigration offices earlier this week as applicants rushed to submit their applications before the higher fee took effect. Tokyo’s main immigration bureau reported wait times of more than seven hours.

Japan’s foreign resident population reached a record 4.12 million at the end of 2025, up 9.5% from the previous year. The increase has coincided with growing concerns over immigration and social change.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has made managing immigration a key policy priority since taking office in October last year. Days before the new residency fee took effect, she said the government recognised that some members of the public could feel concern or unfairness as the foreign population grows.

The government has said it is working to ensure immigration policies are orderly while allowing Japanese citizens and foreign residents to live safely and securely.

The latest increase follows a fivefold rise in visa fees introduced in July, the first such increase in 50 years.

According to a BBC report, authorities said the change was intended to “reflect inflation and exchange rate fluctuations”.

Since 1 October, fees for non-permanent residents applying to change their status or extend their stay have also increased, ranging from 10,000 yen for stays of three months or less to 75,000 yen for five years or more. Discounts will be available to people facing financial hardship and those designated as refugees.

Permanent residency applicants must now demonstrate a stable income at or above the Japanese average. Data released in July put average household income at 5.75 million yen in 2024.

The higher fee and income threshold have drawn criticism from some foreign residents, with concerns that the measures could make Japan less attractive to overseas talent and place a greater financial burden on people who work and pay taxes in the country.

From April next year, applicants will also need basic Japanese-language proficiency. Local media have reported increased enrolment at language schools and interest in the Japanese-Language Proficiency Test.

Applicants’ expected pension benefits must also match those of someone enrolled in the employee pension system for 30 years, although financial assets may be considered if benefits fall short.(MyTVCebu)