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Japan is set to significantly raise fees for permanent residence and other residency procedures for foreign nationals starting October 1, 2026.
The revised law allows the government to set temporary residency fees up to 100,000 yen and permanent residency fees up to 300,000 yen, with the specific amounts fixed by ordinance.
Settling permanently in Japan is about to become significantly more expensive for foreign nationals. The Japanese government has approved a sharp increase in residence-related fees, with the cost of applying for permanent residence set to jump from ¥10,000 to ¥200,000, or roughly Rs 1.2 lakh.
Japan is set to significantly raise fees for permanent residence and other residency procedures for foreign nationals starting October 1, 2026.
The decision was approved by the Cabinet on Tuesday under revisions to Japan’s immigration control law. Permanent residence applications must be completed in person. The increase is part of a broader revision of residence-related fees for foreign nationals. Japan’s government adopted the ordinance after changes to the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act were enacted earlier this year.
Fees for renewing or changing residency status will also rise. Previously a flat 6,000 yen (about Rs 3,600) at counters or 5,500 yen online, the new structure is tiered by length of stay:
Up to three months: 10,000 yen (around Rs 6,000) for both counter and online applications
One year: 33,000 yen (about Rs 19,800) at counters and 27,000 yen online
Three to under five years: 64,000 yen (around Rs 38,400) at counters
Five years or longer: 75,000 yen (about Rs 45,000) at counters and 65,000 yen online
The revised law allows the government to set temporary residency fees up to 100,000 yen and permanent residency fees up to 300,000 yen, with the specific amounts fixed by ordinance.
Visa And Residence Procedures Will Cost More
The new rules will also affect foreigners applying to change their residence status or extend their period of stay. Fees for these procedures are set to rise from the current flat rate of ¥6,000 to between ¥10,000 and ¥75,000, depending on the duration of stay and the type of application.
This means the financial impact will extend beyond those seeking permanent residence. Foreign workers, students and other residents requiring immigration procedures may also face higher administrative costs from October.
What This Mean For Foreign Nationals?
For people already eligible for permanent residence or planning to apply soon, the October 1 deadline could become particularly important. The difference between applying before and after the new rules take effect is substantial.
However, the fee increase does not change the fact that applicants must still meet Japan’s eligibility requirements for permanent residence. The higher cost applies to the application procedure itself and is separate from the criteria used to assess an applicant’s eligibility.
Japan’s revised immigration policy comes amid broader efforts to reshape how the country manages its growing foreign resident population and immigration system.
Some relief is available. Following public comments, Japan expanded the categories of people who may qualify for reduced fees. This includes those facing financial hardship equivalent to welfare levels, recognised refugees, foreign nationals single-handedly raising the biological children of Japanese nationals or special permanent residents, and cases where denying residency would be considered inhumane.
For Indians and other foreign nationals considering a long-term future in Japan, the change is a reminder to check immigration timelines and requirements carefully. With the permanent residence fee rising to ¥200,000 from October 1, what was once a relatively modest administrative cost will soon become a much bigger part of the price of settling in Japan.
Quick Answers
Ask News18The statutory upper limit for permanent residency applications in Japan will increase from 10,000 yen to 300,000 yen. Single-entry visa fees for foreign nationals will rise from ¥3,000 to ¥15,000, and multiple-entry visa fees will increase from ¥6,000 to ¥30,000.
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August 26, 2026, 21:08 IST
