Japan has introduced significant changes to its immigration policy, including a twenty-fold increase in fees for foreign nationals seeking permanent residency. The new fee for permanent residency is 200,000 yen, approximately $1,270 or £955. Additionally, applicants must now meet new income, pension, and Japanese-language requirements. These changes aim to manage Japan's rapidly growing foreign population, which surpassed 4.12 million at the end of 2025.
The fee increases have led to long lines outside immigration offices, with Tokyo's main immigration bureau reporting wait times of over seven hours. Applicants rushed to submit their applications before the fee hikes took effect on October 1. The changes have sparked concerns among foreign residents, with some questioning the fairness of the new measures. Micaiah Michaela-Spence, a 37-year-old resident of Tokyo, expressed his concerns about the increased fees and requirements.
Japan's ageing population is increasingly relying on foreign workers to address labor shortages. The nation's foreign resident population has seen a record 9.5% increase from the previous year. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has made managing immigration a key priority since taking office in October last year. Takaichi acknowledged that some members of the public may feel concerned about the growing foreign population and emphasized the government's efforts to ensure orderly policies.
The new requirements for permanent residency include a stable income at or above the Japanese average, which is currently 5.75 million yen as of 2024. Applicants must also demonstrate expected pension benefits equivalent to someone who has enrolled in the employee pension system for 30 years. Those who face financial hardship or are designated as refugees may be granted discounts. The fees for non-permanent residents have also increased, varying according to the duration of stay sought.
From April next year, permanent residency applicants will face even tighter requirements, including basic Japanese language proficiency. This has led to a surge in enrollments at Japanese language schools and people signing up to take the Japanese-Language Proficiency Test. Local media reported an increase in interest in language courses as applicants prepare for the new requirements.
The Japanese government has introduced these changes to manage the growing foreign population and address concerns about immigration and social change. Takaichi's government aims to ensure that policies toward foreign nationals are orderly and that both Japanese citizens and foreign residents can live safely and securely. The changes have sparked debate among foreign residents and raised questions about Japan's approach to immigration.
The increased fees and requirements have come into effect as Japan continues to navigate its rapidly changing demographics. The nation's population is ageing, and the government is seeking to balance the needs of its citizens with those of foreign residents. As Japan explores ways to manage immigration, the impact of these changes on the country's foreign population and economy remains to be seen.
Key points
- Japan raises residency fee for foreign nationals by twenty-fold to 200,000 yen for permanent residency.
- Applicants for permanent residency must now meet new income, pension, and Japanese-language requirements.
- Japan's foreign resident population surpassed 4.12 million at the end of 2025, marking a record 9.5% increase from the previous year.
