Japan raises permanent residency fee to ¥200,000 and tightens screening

Japan made it much more expensive to stay in the country long term this fall. Since October 1, 2026, permission for permanent residency costs ¥200,000, up from ¥10,000. Fees for renewing or changing a residence status have gone up too, and the screening of permanent residency applicants is getting tougher in stages. For readers in Canada who are only planning a holiday in Japan, these changes do not apply. This article reports the news only and is not immigration advice.

What changed on October 1

The permanent residency fee is now 20 times higher. According to Nikkei Asia, the changes came into effect as a revision to Japan's immigration control law took effect. Permanent residency applications can only be filed in person.

The date your application is received decides which fee applies, not the date of the decision. Guides from Visa Japan and Immigration World say applications received by September 30, 2026 still pay the old ¥10,000, even if permission comes later. The fee is paid only if the application is approved.

The amended law allows a fee of up to ¥300,000. As GaijinPot points out, the amount actually set in the regulations is ¥200,000.

Renewal and status-change fees used to be a flat ¥6,000 at the counter or ¥5,500 online. Nikkei Asia reports that a seven-tier system based on the length of stay now applies:

The lowest tier, for stays of three months or less, is ¥10,000, according to Arise News. Nikkei Asia adds that people facing financial hardship, or who warrant humanitarian consideration such as recognized refugees, may pay reduced fees: ¥10,000 for a renewal or change and ¥20,000 for permanent residency.

Visa specialist Aegis writes that spouses and children of Japanese nationals and permanent residents are among those whose permanent residency fee may be reduced to ¥20,000. Who actually qualifies is set by the Immigration Services Agency.

Stricter screening, phased in

Fees are only part of the change. Nikkei Asia reports that the government updated its permanent residency guidelines, adding income, pension and Japanese-language requirements. The income requirement has applied since October 1, and the other new rules start next April.

The Travel And Tour World report that prompted this article explains the timeline:

• Applications filed by March 31, 2026 are assessed under the February 2026 guidelines.
• Applications filed between April 1, 2026 and March 31, 2027 mostly follow the February guidelines, plus some of the revised income and public-support provisions.
• Applications filed from April 1, 2027 fall more fully under the October 2026 guidelines.

According to the same report, income is measured against average Japanese household income, adjusted for household size, and projected pension benefits and assets are also considered. For many applicants, the expected Japanese level is broadly equivalent to B1, and some groups, such as qualifying highly skilled professionals, are exempt.

Why Japan says it is doing this

CNN reported in September that the changes came after reports that some foreign residents were driving up home prices or not paying public health insurance. CNN also mentioned accusations that some people set up shell companies to obtain residency.

Justice Minister Hiroshi Hiraguchi said the goal is "an orderly society in which foreigners and Japanese citizens coexist," according to the CNN story as republished by Yahoo. Just before the change, Newscord said Tokyo's main immigration bureau reported waits of more than seven hours.

What it means for readers in Canada

Tourists: Travel And Tour World says the new requirements do not affect ordinary tourists. Another explainer, from Stamped Nomad, explains why: the fees apply to residency procedures carried out inside Japan. One separate cost for travellers: Travel And Tour World reports that Japan's departure tax rose from ¥1,000 to ¥3,000 on July 1, 2026.

People planning a longer move: Travel And Tour World describes other options, such as working holiday arrangements (Japan had them with 32 countries and regions as of April 1, 2026) and a digital nomad program. Neither one leads directly to permanent residency.

Our view: For most DOJI readers, this matters less for their own trips and more for friends and relatives who live in Japan on residence permits. If someone you know is renewing a permit or thinking about permanent residency, the costs are now quite different. They should check the official Immigration Services Agency information, or ask a qualified professional, before making plans.

Have you or your family been affected by the new rules? Share your experience or ask questions in the DOJI community. You can also join DOJI to stay in touch with Japanese speakers across Canada.