The Japanese government plans to sharply increase the fees charged for foreign residence permits starting Oct. 1, 2026 [1], [2].
This policy shift comes as Japan manages a record number of immigrants and seeks to tighten its immigration measures [3]. The increase reflects a broader effort by the government to regulate the influx of foreign nationals, while generating revenue from the processing of permits [3].
Under the new pricing structure, the minimum fee for certain permits will be 65,000 yen [1]. The most significant change affects those seeking long-term stability in the country. The cost for permanent residency is projected to soar 20-fold to 200,000 yen [2].
Bloomberg said Japan plans to raise the fees it charges for foreign residence permits as the government tightens immigration measures [3]. The surge in costs is expected to impact a wide range of foreign workers and residents who rely on these permits to maintain legal status within the country.
Officials have not yet detailed whether there will be exemptions for low-income applicants or specific visa categories. However, the timing of the implementation suggests a swift transition to the higher fee schedule before the end of the calendar year [1], [2].
These adjustments are part of a strategic pivot in how Japan handles its foreign population. While the country needs labor to combat a shrinking workforce, the government is simultaneously increasing the financial and administrative barriers for those seeking permanent status [3].
“Permanent residency costs soaring 20-fold to 200,000 yen.”
The steep increase in residency fees, particularly the 20-fold jump for permanent residency, suggests that Japan is attempting to balance its economic need for foreign labor with a desire to limit the number of people gaining permanent legal status. By raising the financial threshold, the government can effectively screen for applicants with higher financial stability while tightening overall immigration control.
