Japan Cracks Down on Foreign Labor with Higher Fees and Stricter Requirements

Japan is significantly increasing its fees for residence permits as part of a broader effort to tighten its foreign labor policy. Starting next month, applicants will face higher costs, with some facing fees up to ¥75,000 (US$480). The application fee for permanent residency will rise from ¥10,000 to ¥200,000.

The changes extend beyond administrative fee revisions and reflect the country's growing reliance on foreign labor. Despite a shrinking population and labor shortages, Japan has expanded channels for foreigners to enter and work without labeling itself an immigrant society.

Last year saw a record high of 2.57 million foreign workers at end-October, accounting for about 3% of the labor force but contributing over half of the labor force increase between 2023 and 2024, according to the Bank of Japan.