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Japan Raises Residency Fees 2,000 Percent Amid Public Anxiety
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In Short: Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi announced a significant increase in permanent residency fees for foreigners in Japan, raising them from 10,000 yen to 200,000 yen, effective October 1, 2026.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi announced a significant increase in permanent residency fees for foreigners in Japan, raising them from 10,000 yen to 200,000 yen, effective October 1, 2026. The move aims to manage the rapidly growing foreign population and ensure orderly policies toward foreign nationals.
The BBC reported that Japan’s foreign resident population surpassed 4.12 million at the end of 2025, marking a record 9.5% increase from the previous year. This growth has fueled public anxiety and a sense of unfairness, prompting the government to implement stricter residency requirements.
In addition to the fee increase, applicants for permanent residency must now demonstrate a stable income at or above the Japanese average, meet new pension requirements, and show basic proficiency in the Japanese language.
Critics argue that these measures could hurt Japan’s ability to address labor shortages. Micaiah Stevens, who has lived and worked in Tokyo for a decade, expressed concern, stating, “My immediate reaction was that foreigners were being treated a bit too conveniently,” and questioned the long-term plan.
The government’s decision to tighten residency rules reflects a broader trend of increasing restrictions on foreign residents. The new requirements include proving annual income above the national average and demonstrating the ability to carry casual conversations in Japanese.
The revised permanent residency rules are part of a series of changes under Prime Minister Takaichi, aimed at ensuring both Japanese citizens and foreign residents can live safely and securely.
Background
Anxiety is an emotion characterized by an unpleasant state of inner turmoil and includes feelings of dread over anticipated events. Anxiety is different from fear in that fear is defined as the emotional response to a present threat, whereas anxiety is the anticipation of a future one.
What's still developing
- Asia · updated 1h ago · 2 min read Permanent residency fee increased twentyfold to 200,000 yen, effective Oct 1, 2026.