Japan Hikes Permanent Residency Fees Amid Growing Foreign Population

Japan has tightened its rules for permanent residency, increasing the application fee to 200,000 yen from 10,000 yen. The new fee took effect on October 1st.

The government claims it is responding to public anxiety and a sense of unfairness as Japan's foreign resident population grows. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said that 'some members of the public may feel a sense of concern or unfairness' as the foreign resident population increases.

Applicants for permanent residency must now demonstrate an annual income above the Japanese average and meet new pension and language requirements. The fee increase varies according to the duration of stay sought, ranging from 10,000 yen for three months or less to 75,000 yen for five years or more.