Published: 26.10.2026

• 2026-10-26Japan raises fees for residence-status applications and permanent residency

  From October 1, 2026, the fee for changing or extending residence status will depend on the approved period and range from ¥10,000 to ¥75,000 for in-person applications. The permanent-residency application fee will rise from ¥10,000 to ¥200,000, with discounts available for online applications.

• 2026-10-02Japan tightens permanent-residency requirements

  Revised guidelines require stable annual income above the average for Japanese households, pension prospects comparable to 30 years of participation in the Kosei Nenkin system, Japanese-language ability, and understanding of Japanese systems and rules. Some changes apply to applications submitted from April 1, 2026, while other provisions are scheduled to take effect in April 2027.

• 2026-08-13Japan moves toward a longer residence requirement for naturalization

  Japan has tightened the residence-period requirement for naturalization: instead of the previous minimum of five years, applicants are generally expected to have lived in the country for at least ten years. The change is part of the broader tightening of policy toward foreign residents.