Japan: Permanent Residency, Fees Multiplied by Twenty and Tougher Criteria

Since October 1, applying for permanent residency in Japan costs twenty times more, and the income, pension and language criteria are becoming more specific. This article explains what changes, which transitional rule applied to September filings, what to watch for, and how to prepare your file if you plan a long-term stay. The amounts and criteria are as reported by the press: confirm them on the Immigration Services Agency website before taking any step.

What Changes: The Essentials at a Glance

• Permanent residency application fees rise from 10,000 to 200,000 yen, or about €1,130 according to the press^[1].
• Applicants must also meet new income, pension and Japanese language requirements^[2].
• According to Le Figaro, the requirement of a sufficient retirement pension and a certain Japanese level applies from April 2027^[1], while the BBC presents the pension requirements as already in force^[2]. Check the date that applies to your filing.
• Fees for changing status and extending your stay also increase, depending on the length of stay granted^[1].

Fees: How Much and From When

Japan has multiplied permanent residency application fees by twenty, to 200,000 yen^[2]. They were 10,000 yen until now^[1]. The increase is part of the revision of the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act, adopted in May^[3]. It took effect on October 1^[1].

The revised law sets a statutory ceiling of 300,000 yen for permanent residency applications. The final amounts are set by ordinance, within these ceilings^[3].

Permanent residency applications must still be submitted in person^[3].

Status Change and Extension of Stay: Also More Expensive

Until now, foreigners without permanent residency paid a flat fee of 6,000 yen, regardless of the period requested^[1]. Since October 1, the amount depends on the length of stay requested: from 10,000 yen for three months or less to 75,000 yen for five years or more^[2].

The schedule in the draft ordinance details the intermediate tiers: 33,000 yen for a one-year permit and 64,000 yen for an authorization of three to five years^[3].

Online applications, available only for residence statuses of more than three months, receive a discount of between 3,000 and 10,000 yen^[3]. In July, Japan had already quintupled visa fees for all foreigners, a first increase in 50 years^[2].

The New Criteria: Income, Pension, Language

Applicants must now demonstrate a stable income at least equal to the Japanese average^[2]. The figure varies depending on the media: the BBC cites an average household income of 5.75 million yen in 2024^[2], while Le Figaro gives about 7.85 million yen per year^[1]. Check the threshold used on the official pages.

The expected pension must be equivalent to that of a person enrolled in the employees' pension scheme for 30 years. The value of assets may be taken into account if the expected pension is insufficient^[2].

From April 2027, requirements tighten further, with a required level of Japanese^[1]. In August 2026, the Immigration Services Agency published draft guidelines with more precise criteria. They extend the points reviewed to income, pension prospects, Japanese, and understanding of Japanese rules and system^[4]. Some points remain under review^[4].

Pitfalls and Points to Watch

• Filing date: an application filed by September 30 at the latest remains subject to the old fees. This rule is confirmed for permanent residency, but also for status change and extension of stay^[5].
• Fee reduction: it is not general. It is reserved for people whose resources are comparable to those entitling them to social assistance and who are in a situation requiring specific humanitarian protection. Fees are then reduced to 10,000 yen for a residence permit and 20,000 yen for permanent residency^[3].
• Shifting criteria: some points of the guidelines are still under review, and the information published may change. Confirm the latest details on the Immigration Services Agency website^[4].
• Cross-checking: the Agency noted in its June 2026 guidelines that information from other government bodies, such as tax payment records, may be used to review applications for changes or extensions of status^[4].
• Conflicting figures: euro conversions and income benchmarks vary from one article to another^[1][3]. Don't rely on a single outlet.

Who it's for, and the case of digital nomads

The Japanese digital nomad visa (Designated Activities) is a 6-month visa, non-renewable, intended for people who can work remotely full time^[6]. It requires an annual income of at least 10 million yen^[6]. Its limited, non-renewable duration does not make it a direct route to permanent residence.

Visa information may change if laws and regulations are amended: check the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs website for the latest information^[6].

How to prepare your application

• Take stock of your income and keep your tax documents: authorities can cross-check data, including tax payment records^[4].
• Compare your income against the threshold you'll use after verifying it on the official pages^[2].
• Review your pension contribution history and your assets, which can offset an insufficient pension^[2].
• Start learning Japanese well before April 2027, when the language requirements take effect^[1]. Local press reports a rise in enrollments at Japanese language schools and in language proficiency tests^[2].
• Budget for application fees and any interim renewal fees, calculated according to the duration of the status granted^[2].
• Review the Immigration Services Agency pages regularly before filing^[4].

Steps, in order

• Confirm your current status and how long you plan to stay.
• Read the Immigration Services Agency pages on fees and permanent residence criteria^[4].
• Gather your proof of income, pension contributions, and Japanese language level.
• Choose your filing date with the April 2027 deadline in mind^[1].
• File your application in person with the competent authority^[3].