Japan raises permanent residency fee to 200,000 yen

Japan increased the fee for permanent-residency applications to 200,000 yen from 10,000 yen on October 1, 2026, as it introduced tighter eligibility rules for foreign residents seeking to settle permanently. The revised guidelines also set expectations for income and pension coverage, while Japanese-language requirements are scheduled to take effect in 2027, according to reports describing the changes announced by the Immigration Services Agency. The higher fee applies to applications submitted from October 1. Applications received by September 30 remain subject to the former 10,000-yen charge, even if the decision comes later. The fee increase is twentyfold. Reports also say reduced fees may be available in some qualifying circumstances, though the full conditions were not detailed. Under the revised income guideline, authorities assess household income against that of Japanese households of comparable size. Applicants are expected to have maintained income above the relevant level. The pension assessment compares projected employee-pension benefits with those expected after 30 years of contributions at the relevant income level.