Japan raises permanent residency fee 20-fold as foreign population hits record

Japan has raised the fee for foreigners seeking permanent residency 20-fold, from 10,000 yen to 200,000 yen, as the government tightens the requirements for those seeking to settle in the country permanently.The new fee took effect on October 1. Applications submitted by September 30 remain subject to the old 10,000-yen charge, even if approval comes after the fee change.The steep increase is part of a broader overhaul of Japan's permanent residency system. Revised guidelines introduce stricter standards on income and pension eligibility, while a Japanese-language requirement is also being introduced. Most of the new criteria will apply to applications filed from April 2027, although the revised income standard can apply to applications submitted as early as April 2026.Why is Japan tightening permanent residency rules?The changes come as Japan's foreign resident population reaches record levels.