In brief
Japan has increased the permanent residency fee to 200,000 ¥, a twenty‑fold jump that coincides with stricter income, pension and Japanese‑language requirements. Tokyo immigration offices saw queues of over seven hours as applicants rushed to pay the higher fee. The move follows a 5‑month hike of visa fees in July and is part of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s plan to manage the rise in foreign residents, who now number over 4.1 million. Critics argue the new rules, which demand a stable income above the national average and a basic language test, may deter skilled workers and pressure language schools, while some applicants face financial hardship. The policy reflects Japan’s attempt to balance an ageing domestic labour force with social concerns about immigration.
Applicants must now earn a stable income at or above the national average – 5.75 million yen – and demonstrate possession of basic Japanese, as well as pension benefits equivalent to a 30‑year employee contribution. Those who are refugees or face financial hardship may receive discounts.
Lines outside Tokyo’s main immigration bureau stretched for over seven hours as the public rushed to avoid the fee hike. The fee, previously 6,000 ¥ for each status change or extension, is now tiered between 10,000 ¥ for stays of three months or less up to 75,000 ¥ for five years or more.
This adjustment follows a 5‑fold increase in all visa fees in July – the first hike in 50 years – which the government said reflected inflation and exchange rate shifts.
The policy is aimed at controlling Japan’s rapidly growing foreign population, which reached 4.12 million at the end of 2025, a record 9.5 % increase.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, who has focused on immigration since taking office in October last year, said in a X post that the government recognises public concern and aims to keep life safe and secure for both citizens and residents.
Micaiah Stevens, a 37‑year‑old Australian living in Tokyo, could not finish the necessary paperwork before the hike and plans to reapply. He said, “The new measures make foreigners work harder and pay more just to stay in Japan. It is not a long‑term plan for talent acquisition.”
Anticipating stricter language requirements from April next year, enrolment at Japanese language schools has surged, as has the number of people preparing for the Japanese‑Language Proficiency Test, local media note.
The imposed pension expectation – economic assets equivalent to a 30‑year employee contribution – adds another filter for future permanent residents.
