Japan Raises Permanent Residency Fee 20-Fold as Applicants Face Tougher Income and Japanese-Language Rules

Japan raised its permanent residency issuance fee 20-fold on Thursday as Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's government introduced tougher income and Japanese-language requirements for foreigners seeking to settle permanently.

Previous guidelines set no specific income, pension or language thresholds. The income requirement applies to applications filed on or after 1 April 2026 that remained pending when the guidelines changed, while most other new criteria apply from April 2027.

Applicants Must Prove Above-Average Income

Applicants will also have to demonstrate an 'understanding' of social rules and show expected pension benefits equivalent to those of someone who has paid into pension insurance for 30 years, although financial assets can be considered if projected benefits fall short.

The changes may prevent some residents from applying, but should not immediately force anyone to leave Japan.

Permanent residency can offer foreign residents greater employment freedom and long-term stability, as well as help them establish trust within Japanese society. Those without it often struggle to obtain mortgages, making the application process relevant to plans for a home as well as a career.

Hundreds Queue in Central Tokyo Before Higher Fees

Hundreds of people queued at an immigration office in central Tokyo visited by AFP this week, hoping to complete their procedures before the fee increase took effect.

Among them was Yujie Chono, a 22-year-old American-born university student who has lived in Japan for a decade. Speaking in fluent Japanese, he told the agency he had waited five hours to submit his paperwork.

'I understand that over-accepting foreigners... might dilute Japan's unique culture. But at the same time, given its low birth rate and aging population, Japan has to accept foreigners,' he said.

Chono said he could see both sides of the immigration debate. He also said Japan needed young people 'to support its future'.

'In recent years, I believe there had been a strong push to promote cultural diversity. The momentum has stalled, perhaps, and maybe it may never fully return,' he said.

Takaichi Cites Public Unease

Takaichi has presented tighter controls as a response to public unease. In an extended post on X on Sunday, she said she was pursuing 'orderly coexistence' with foreign nationals.

'As the number of foreign residents in Japan increases, the government is facing the fact that some citizens feel anxiety and a sense of unfairness,' she said.

Opposition to immigration has grown despite Japan's rapidly ageing population and labour shortages across many sectors. Programmes to attract international workers have prompted public concern, while false claims have spread on social media about foreigners receiving a significant share of welfare payments and making Japanese streets less safe.

Foreign residents were a major issue in last year's upper house election, which brought a sharp rise for the 'Japanese-first' Sanseito party. The party describes immigration as a 'silent invasion'.

Experts and many business leaders warn that Japan needs more foreign workers to sustain itself. The Nikkei business daily recently urged the country to open its doors more widely.

'Japan should stop viewing foreigners merely as a temporary labour force and instead promote their long-term settlement by expanding Japanese-language education and improving their treatment,' it said in an editorial.

The ruling Liberal Democratic Party also pushed last year for tougher business manager visa regulations. Existing business-manager visa holders have a transition period until October 2028 to meet the revised requirements, after which failure to qualify could affect their ability to renew their status.