Japan Tightens Permanent Residency Rules, Raises Fee 20-Fold for Foreigners

Japan has tightened its requirements for foreigners seeking permanent residency, introducing stricter financial, pension and Japanese-language standards while increasing the permanent-residency application fee by 20 times.

The revised rules took effect on October 1, 2026, although several of the new requirements will apply to applications submitted from April 2027. Japan’s Immigration Services Agency said the revised guidelines are intended to clarify the conditions under which foreigners can be granted permanent-resident status.

Under the new guidelines, applicants must demonstrate that they can maintain a stable and independent livelihood. Their household income is generally assessed against the average income of Japanese households of a comparable size, rather than applying one universal salary figure to every applicant.

The rules also strengthen expectations around pension contributions and introduce Japanese-language ability as a factor in permanent-residency assessments. The Immigration Services Agency’s revised guidance refers to B1-level Japanese proficiency as the general benchmark, although certain applicants, including some highly skilled foreign nationals and people with substantial Japanese schooling, may be exempt from that consideration.

The financial cost of applying has also risen sharply. The permanent-residency application fee increased from ¥10,000 to ¥200,000 on October 1, representing a 20-fold increase. Other immigration-related fees were also raised, although their increases differ depending on the type and duration of the application.

Japan’s foreign-resident population has grown significantly in recent years, reaching more than 4.12 million by the end of 2025. At the same time, the country continues to rely on foreign workers amid an ageing population and labour shortages.

The changes therefore represent a tightening of the pathway to permanent residency rather than a blanket rule preventing foreigners from living or working in Japan. Foreign nationals can still enter and reside in Japan under various visa and residence-status categories, each with its own requirements.

For people seeking permanent settlement, however, the revised system places greater emphasis on financial stability, compliance with public obligations and the ability to function in Japanese society.