Japan tightens permanent-residency rules and sharply raises application fee

Japan has tightened requirements for foreigners seeking permanent residency as Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s government moves to strengthen immigration controls. Under rules being introduced in stages, applicants will have to show annual income above the average and demonstrate that they can hold casual conversations in Japanese. They must also show an understanding of social rules and expected pension benefits equivalent to those of someone who has paid pension insurance for 30 years.

The application fee rose from 10,000 yen to 200,000 yen on Thursday. Hundreds of people queued at an immigration office in central Tokyo before the increase took effect. The measures come as Japan faces a rapidly ageing population and labour shortages, while opposition to immigration has grown.

Takaichi said some citizens felt anxiety and unfairness as the number of foreign residents increased and that she was pursuing orderly coexistence. Business leaders and experts have warned that Japan needs foreign workers to sustain its economy. The Nikkei business daily said Japan should support long-term settlement by expanding Japanese-language education and improving treatment of foreign residents.

The new rules may prevent some people from applying for permanent residency but are not intended to immediately force existing residents out of the country. The changes follow earlier efforts to tighten business-manager visa requirements and the rise of the Japanese-first Sanseito party, which opposes increased immigration.