Full Breakdown
Japan Tightens Permanent-Residency Rules and Fees
By Drooid · · How we work
New Residency Rules Take Effect
On October 1 the Japanese government implemented a stepped set of requirements for foreigners seeking permanent residency. Applicants must now demonstrate an annual income above the national average, meet basic Japanese-language proficiency, and show pension contributions comparable to a 30-year employee record. The application fee for permanent residency rose twenty-fold to 200,000 yen (? S$1,623). Fees for other residency changes also vary by the length of stay, starting at 10,000 yen for three months and reaching 75,000 yen for five-year permits.
Background and Context
Japan’s rapidly ageing society and chronic labour shortages have prompted successive policy adjustments. A May amendment to the immigration and refugee law paved the way for the October changes, while a July five-fold increase in visa fees—its first hike in 50 years—was justified as reflecting inflation and exchange-rate shifts. The foreign-resident population hit 4.12 million at the end of 2025, a record 9.5 % rise from the prior year, intensifying public debate over immigration’s social impact.
Official Statements & Responses
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi framed the reforms as a response to growing public unease. Government officials also cited rising visa-screening costs as the fiscal basis for the fee increase.
Voices of Affected Residents
- “I understand that over-accepting foreigners... might dilute Japan’s unique culture. But at the same time, given its low birth rate and ageing population, Japan has to accept foreigners,” — US-born — Yujie Chono, US-born university student (waiting five hours at a Tokyo office).
- An Indonesian man, 35, who arrived at Osaka’s immigration bureau before the hike, said the sudden fee surge jeopardised his ability to obtain a loan for his Japanese family.
- A man from East Africa, seeking refugee status, described the higher renewal fee of 18,000 yen as a heavy financial burden while he remains unemployed.
Data and Statistics
- Permanent-residency fee: 200,000 yen (up from 10,000 yen).
- Non-permanent residency change fee: previously 6,000 yen; now 10,000 yen for <= 3 months, up to 75,000 yen for >= 5 years.
- Average household income (2024): 5.75 million yen.
- On September 29, about 350 people queued at Osaka’s Regional Immigration Services Bureau from opening.
- Tokyo’s main immigration bureau reported wait times exceeding seven hours after the October rollout.
