Japan is dramatically raising the cost and tightening requirements for permanent residency, signaling a shift in immigration policy for long-term residents.
Japan announced plans to increase permanent residency application fees by roughly 20 times their current level, alongside higher visa costs across the board. The move represents a significant policy shift for a country that has long struggled with immigration and demographic decline.
The fee hike will affect anyone seeking to establish long-term residence in Japan. If you're on a work visa, spouse visa, or other temporary status and planning to apply for permanent residency, expect substantially higher costs when you file. The government has also signaled tougher requirements for approval, making the path to permanent status more selective.
Japan is making permanent residency costlier and harder to obtain.
For expats already in Japan or considering a move, this is a signal to review your residency strategy now. If permanent residency is part of your long-term plan, understand the current requirements and timeline before fees and standards shift further. Check with immigration authorities or a qualified advisor on the exact new fee structure and eligibility criteria as they're finalized.
Source: original report ↗
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