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Japan Makes It Harder for Foreigners to Get Permanent Residency, Raises Fee 20-Fold

Starting October 1, 2026, foreigners applying for permanent residency in Japan must pay ¥200,000 and show an above-average income, with tougher language and pension rules to follow in April 2027.

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Japan Makes It Harder for Foreigners to Get Permanent Residency, Raises Fee 20-Fold
Photograph: Internet

Japan has made it harder for foreign nationals to get permanent residency. The new rules bring a much higher fee and stricter conditions on income, pensions and Japanese language skills.

Japan's Immigration Services Agency announced the changes on Thursday, October 1, 2026. The agency first published a draft of the revision on August 4, 2026, and the public comment period ran through September 4, 2026.

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