Japan has increased the fee for foreigners applying for permanent residency to ¥200,000, a 20-fold rise from the previous ¥10,000 charge.
The new fee took effect on October 1, 2026, alongside wider changes to residence-related fees and permanent residency requirements. Japan’s Immigration Services Agency confirmed the new ¥200,000 permanent residency fee. Applications accepted by September 30 remain subject to the previous fee even if approval comes after the increase.
The government has also introduced stricter criteria for permanent residency applicants. The revised guidelines require applicants to demonstrate stable financial independence, comply with tax and pension obligations and meet a Japanese-language standard in cases where the requirement applies.
Under the new guidelines, applicants are generally expected to have household income that continuously reaches a level above the average income for Japanese households of the same size. The guidelines also consider pension payments and compliance with public obligations. Applicants are also expected to demonstrate Japanese proficiency equivalent to at least B1 under Japan’s Japanese-language education framework. Some categories, including certain highly skilled foreign nationals, their families and people with extensive Japanese primary or secondary education, may be exempt from having their own Japanese ability assessed in this way.
The fee increase has already triggered a rush at immigration offices. Foreign residents crowded Tokyo’s main immigration bureau in late September, with waiting times reaching about seven and a half hours. This comes as applicants attempted to complete procedures before the new charges took effect.
Other residence-related fees have also increased. Applications to change or renew residence status now cost between ¥10,000 and ¥75,000. Although it depends on the length of stay being sought.
The changes come as Japan manages a record foreign-resident population and continuing labour shortages linked to its ageing population.
