Moving to Japan will now cost 20 times more

Starting October 1, Japan will sharply raise fees for permanent residency and other residence procedures for foreign nationals.Japan increases fees for permanent residency for all foreign national (Photo: Unsplash)It's not just about the cherry blossoms any more. Japan still tops the bucket list for travellers, who flock to the country for everything from sushi, ramen and matcha to Mount Fuji, ancient temples, anime and so much more. For many, this has increasingly become an option to opt for permanent residencies as well.But now, foreign nationals might just have to think twice as the bill is about to get bigger.From October 1, Japan is sharply increasing fees for several residence-related procedures, including permanent residency. The biggest jump is for permanent residence applications: the fee will rise from JPY 10,000 (approx Rs 6,000) to JPY 200,000 (approx. Rs 1,24,127), according to Japan’s Immigration Services Agency (ISA).Fees for changing or renewing a status of residence will also be linked to the length of stay granted. For applications made at an immigration counter, the new charges will range from JPY 10,000 for stays of up to three months to JPY 75,000 for stays of five years or more. Online applications will be cheaper, ranging from JPY 10,000 to JPY 65,000. So, why the drastic increase?Japan’s Immigration Services Agency says the higher fees are intended to make foreign residents bear a more appropriate share of the costs involved in managing entry, exit and residence in the country. At a recent press briefing, Japan’s justice minister said the increase was aimed at ensuring foreigners contribute fairly towards the costs of managing immigration and residence. The government, he said, wants to use the measures to strengthen immigration administration while working towards an orderly society where Japanese citizens and foreign residents can coexist.According to Japan Times, following public feedback, Japan has expanded fee reductions for humanitarian reasons to include foreigners who are raising Japanese children alone, and cases where denying residency would be considered unfair or inhumane.There is, however, a small window for those already planning their applications. Applications submitted by September 30 will continue to be charged at the old rates, even if the approval comes after October 1.- EndsPublished By: Jigyasa SahayPublished On: Sep 9, 2026 18:49 IST