Japan Increases Permanent Residency Fees by 20 Times
The Japanese government has announced a significant 20-fold increase in fees for permanent residency applications, alongside stricter eligibility criteria.
According to reports from Khaosod Online and the BBC, the Japanese government has implemented a major policy shift regarding immigration. Foreign nationals seeking permanent residency in Japan will now face a 20-fold increase in application fees, bringing the total cost to 200,000 yen (approximately 42,610 Thai Baht).
Beyond the financial hike, applicants must now meet new, more stringent criteria concerning income levels, pension contributions, and Japanese language proficiency. This measure is part of a broader immigration policy overhaul led by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, aimed at managing the country's rapidly growing foreign population, which reached a record 4.12 million by the end of 2025.
For residents and expatriates, this change represents a significant barrier to long-term settlement. While Japan relies on foreign labor to address its aging society and labor shortages, the government is balancing these needs with concerns over social integration. This follows a five-fold increase in general visa fees implemented in July, the first such adjustment in 50 years.
While the fee hike is official, the full scope of the new eligibility criteria and how they will be applied to different visa categories remains to be confirmed. Residents are advised to monitor official government portals for specific implementation details and potential exemptions.
