Japan has increased the cost of permanent residency for foreign nationals by twenty times, to 200,000 yen, as part of broader immigration policy reforms aimed at managing its growing foreign population.
Japan has significantly increased residency fees for foreign nationals, with the cost of permanent residency rising 20 times to 200,000 yen. The changes are part of broader immigration policy reforms aimed at managing the country's growing foreign population. New requirements now include meeting income, pension, and Japanese-language standards for those seeking permanent residency. Long lines formed outside immigration offices as applicants rushed to complete their applications before the fee increase took effect, with some locations reporting wait times exceeding seven hours.
The fee hikes are part of a series of immigration policy changes under Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, who has made managing immigration a key priority since taking office in October last year. Japan's foreign resident population surpassed 4.12 million at the end of 2025, marking a record 9.5% increase from the previous year. The government has stated that the changes are intended to reflect inflation and exchange rate fluctuations. Non-permanent residents previously paid 6,000 yen to change their residency status or extend their stay, but from 1 October, fees vary based on the duration of stay sought, ranging from 10,000 yen for three months or less to 75,000 yen for five years or more. Discounts are available for those facing financial hardship or designated as refugees.
Why it matters
The fee increase may affect foreign nationals' immediate financial burden under the new policy.
This section reflects Dumpling editorial interpretation and is provided for context only.
What to watch
Watch whether foreign nationals adjust their residency applications in response to the fee change.
This section reflects Dumpling editorial interpretation and is provided for context only.