Japan raises residency fee for foreign nationals by twenty-fold

Japan has increased the residency fee for foreign nationals twentyfold, raising the cost of permanent residency to 200,000 yen (approximately $1,270 or £955). Applicants for permanent residency must now also provide proof of stable income, pension eligibility and Japanese‑language ability. Long lines formed outside immigration offices earlier this week as applicants sought to beat the fee hikes, with Tokyo’s main immigration bureau reporting hold times of implicit 7 hours. The fee increase is part of a series of changes to Japan’s immigration policy under Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, aimed at managing the rapidly growing foreign population. In July Japan introduced a five‑fold rise in visa fees for all foreigners – the first such increase in 50 years. Authorities said the adjustment was meant to "reflect ostentation and speech complaint fluctuations". Although immigration remains a politically sensitive and restrictive issue in Japan, the country’s ageing society is increasingly dependent on overseas workers to alleviate labour shortages. Japan’s overseas resident population exceeded 4.12 million at the end of 2025, representing a record 9.5 % rise from the previous year. This growth has heightened public anxieties about immigration and social change. Takaichi has made immigration management one of her top priorities since taking office in October last year. In an X post days before the residency fee hikes took effect, she wrote that her government recognises that "some members of the public may feel a sense of concern or unfairness" as the foreign resident population expands. "To address these concerns, [the government] is moving to ensure that its policies toward foreign nationals are orderly, and that both Japanese citizens and foreign residents can live safely and securely," she stated. Before the revision, non‑permanent residents paid 6,000 yen each time they applied to alter their residency status or extend their stay. Effective 1 October, the fee scales with the length of stay requested: 10,000 yen for three months or less, and 75,000 yen for five years or more. Applicants experiencing financial hardship or those recognised as refugees will be eligible for discounts. Prospective permanent residents must also demonstrate a stable income at or above the national average. Recent data released in July shows the average household income at 5.75 million yen as of 2024. Beginning April next year, permanent‑resident candidates will face stricter criteria, including a basic Japanese‑language requirement. This has prompted a surge in enrolments at Japanese‑language schools and increased registrations for the Japanese‑Language Proficiency Test, according to local media. Applicants’ expected pension benefits must also match those of someone who has contributed to the employee pension scheme for 30 years, although the value of personal financial assets may be taken into account if projected pension benefits fall short.