Japan has introduced some of the most significant changes to its permanent residency system in years. From October 1, the government raised the fee for permanent residency approval roughly twentyfold — to around ¥200,000 — and set out tougher requirements on income, pensions and understanding of Japanese social rules.
What is changing
- The permanent residency issuance fee has risen about 20 times.
- Applicants must show above-average income and pension contributions comparable to 30 years of payments, or equivalent assets.
- Most new criteria apply from April 2027, though the income test affects some pending applications.
The new requirements
Under the revised guidelines, applicants must demonstrate an income above the national average. They must also show expected pension benefits equal to those of someone who paid into the public pension system for 30 years; financial assets can count if projected benefits fall short. Applicants will also be expected to show an understanding of Japanese social rules, with tougher language-related expectations. The income requirement applies to applications filed on or after April 1, 2026 that were still pending when the guidelines changed, while most other criteria take effect from April 2027.
The government’s rationale
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has presented the tighter controls as a response to public unease about the pace of change, describing the goal as “orderly coexistence” with foreign residents. Supporters argue that clearer standards will improve integration and public confidence in the immigration system.
The economic counter-argument
Business leaders and economists point to Japan’s rapidly ageing population and acute labour shortages in sectors such as care, construction, logistics and hospitality. They warn that making long-term settlement harder could discourage skilled workers from choosing Japan over competitors in Asia, Europe and the Gulf.
Japan is trying to square two pressures at once: a public wary of rapid change and an economy that increasingly depends on workers from abroad.
Who is most affected
- Long-term workers on renewable visas planning to apply in the next few years.
- Lower-income residents, including some in care and service jobs, who may struggle with the income threshold.
- Families budgeting for multiple applications at the higher fee.
Prospective applicants should check guidance from Japan’s Immigration Services Agency or consult a licensed immigration professional before filing. More analysis is in our Politics section.