The Japanese government raised fees for permanent residency applications by 2,000 percent effective yesterday, October 1. The cost jumped from 10,000 yen to 200,000 yen, or roughly $1,271 at current exchange rates.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, a conservative leader, announced the changes to address what she described as citizen anxiety and a sense of unfairness regarding the recent rise in foreign residents. Both immigration and tourism have increased since the pandemic, driven by a weak yen and companies recruiting overseas staff to fill labor shortages.

The new rules also introduced stricter criteria for permanent residency. Applicants must now demonstrate a stable household income at or above the Japanese average of about 5.75 million yen, or roughly $36,428 per year. They must meet pension contribution benchmarks equivalent to 30 years of service and, starting next year, show basic Japanese language proficiency and understanding of social rules.

Fees for other residency permits rose as well under a new tiered structure. A five-year permit now costs 75,000 yen in person, up from a previous flat 6,000 yen. One-year permits cost 33,000 yen. The hikes represent the largest increase in Japan's history and follow a May revision to immigration law.

Long lines formed at immigration offices in the days before the changes took effect, with applicants rushing to submit under the old rates. Tokyo's main bureau reported waits exceeding seven hours. Reduced fees remain available for those facing severe financial hardship or qualifying for humanitarian consideration, such as recognized refugees.

Japan's aging population continues to rely on foreign workers to address labor shortages in key sectors. The government stated the measures aim to ensure orderly coexistence while responding to public sentiment. Additional revenue will support digitalization of services, language education programs, and enforcement against unlawful stays.

The income requirement applies retroactively to some pending applications from April. Spouses of Japanese nationals or permanent residents now face longer qualifying periods of five years of marriage and three years of residence in Japan.