Japan’s permanent residence fee is going up 1900%: Here’s what changes

Foreign nationals planning to settle permanently in Japan will have to pay significantly more from October 1, with the government approving a steep increase in immigration-related fees.

The biggest jump will affect permanent residence applications. The fee will rise from 10,000 yen (around Rs 6,000) to 200,000 yen (around Rs 1.2 lakh), amounting to a 1900 per cent increase.

New fees for residency procedures

The revised charges will also apply to foreigners seeking to extend or change their residency status. Unlike the existing system, where the fee for renewal or status changes is generally 6,000 yen, the new structure will depend on the length of stay being requested.

Applications submitted in person at an administrative office will cost:

10,000 yen for extensions of up to three months

33,000 yen for a one-year extension

64,000 yen for stays of three to less than five years

75,000 yen for stays of five years or more

The changes were approved by Japan's Cabinet on Tuesday following amendments to the country's immigration law earlier this year.

Government gets room to raise fees further

The revised law gives the Japanese government greater flexibility in setting immigration fees. Charges for temporary residency procedures can go up to 100,000 yen (around Rs 60,000), while permanent residency fees can reach 300,000 yen (around Rs 1.8 lakh). The exact amounts are to be determined through a government ordinance.

Some applicants may get fee relief

Japan has also expanded provisions allowing reductions for people facing serious financial or humanitarian difficulties.

The category includes certain foreign nationals who are single-handedly raising biological children of Japanese nationals or special permanent residents. It can also cover cases where refusing residency could be considered inhumane.

The fee changes come as Japan continues to tighten aspects of its immigration and residency framework. For foreign nationals preparing to apply for permanent residence or renew their status, the new charges will take effect from October 1.