Japan Immigration News

(The Mainichi)Japan's harsher permanent residency rules, hiked visa fees begin, sparking xenophobia worries

Release Date: 2026-10-01
Media: The Mainichi
Summary: Japan significantly tightened its permanent residency requirements and raised immigration fees on Oct. 1 as part of a policy aimed at promoting “coexistence with foreigners who follow the rules.” The revised guidelines strengthen the financial self-sufficiency and national-interest requirements. Applicants are now expected to continuously earn more than the average income of Japanese households, while stricter pension and tax-related criteria will apply from April 2027. A new system allowing permanent residency to be revoked for intentional nonpayment of taxes or certain criminal convictions will also begin then.

The changes have raised concerns among foreign residents and prompted criticism that the policy could be exclusionary. The government argues that the reforms are intended to ensure the proper operation of the permanent residency system rather than reduce approvals. Questions have also been raised about the evidence supporting concerns over foreign welfare recipients, as available data are limited and show a relatively small difference from the overall population.

Immigration fees also rose sharply on Oct. 1. Fees for changing or renewing residence status now vary according to the period of stay, reaching ¥75,000 for five years or more, while the permanent residency application fee increased from ¥10,000 to ¥200,000. The government says the additional revenue will support Japanese-language education and measures including its “Zero Plan” to strengthen deportations of unlawful residents.
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