PR fees in Japan up twentyfold

The Japanese government has taken steps to increase the application fee for permanent residency for foreigners by twenty times. Accordingly, the previously existing fee has been revised to JPY 200,000 (USD 1,270 or GBP 955), and concurrently, a new set of strict conditions regarding income level, pension contributions, and Japanese language proficiency has also been introduced.

Last week, long queues and severe congestion were observed in front of immigration offices across the country, as applicants aimed to submit their applications before the fee hike came into effect. It was reported that the waiting time at the main immigration office in Tokyo alone exceeded seven hours. This decision is a result of a series of immigration policy revisions implemented by the government led by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, with the aim of managing the rapidly growing foreign population.

Previously, in July last year, Japan also increased visa fees for all foreigners by five times for the first time in 50 years, a step authorities stated was taken considering inflation and exchange rate fluctuations. Although immigration policies are a politically sensitive and strict topic in Japan, the country has had to rely heavily on foreign workers to address the labor shortage arising from its aging population. By the end of 2025, the number of foreign residents in the country exceeded 4.12 million, a record 9.5% increase compared to the previous year. With this rapid growth, some concern has also arisen among the Japanese public regarding immigration and associated social changes.

After taking office in October last year, Prime Minister Takaichi made regulating immigration a key priority. A few days before the new fees came into effect, she issued an 'X' message stating that the government understands the feelings of unfairness or concern among the public as the foreign population increases. She further indicated that, focusing on these issues, the government is working to maintain orderly and systematic policies concerning foreigners, and to ensure an environment where both Japanese citizens and foreigners can live safely.

Under the previous system, non-permanent residents paid only JPY 6,000 when applying to change their visa status or extend their period of stay. However, from October 1st, the relevant fees have been adjusted to vary according to the requested period: JPY 10,000 for three months or less, and JPY 75,000 for five years or more. Relief is to be provided for individuals facing economic difficulties as well as those granted refugee status.

Under the new laws, foreigners seeking permanent residency are required to earn a stable income equal to or greater than the average level in Japan. According to the latest data released in July, the average annual household income in the country for 2024 is recorded as JPY 5.75 million. Micaiah Stevens, a 37-year-old who has lived and worked in Tokyo for 10 years, stated that he was unable to prepare the necessary documents to submit his application before the price increase. Although he still intends to apply, he questions the new measures, feeling that foreigners are being used as a convenient tool by requiring them to earn more than the average Japanese person and charging high fees, and that given the existing language and cultural barriers, this does not appear to be a long-term considered decision, he told the media.

From April next year, basic Japanese language proficiency will also be mandatory for permanent residency applicants, which has led to a rapid increase in student enrollment in language schools and registrations for the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) in the country. Additionally, applicants must demonstrate an expected entitlement to pension benefits equivalent to someone who has contributed to the country's employee pension system for 30 years, and in cases where this value is insufficient, attention will also be given to the value of their financial assets.