Japan hikes foreign residency fees, tightens rules: 5 things to know - Nikkei Asia

TOKYO -- The cost of securing the right to remain in Japan rose sharply for foreign residents on Thursday as a revision to the immigration control law took effect.

The fees for some residency permits have increased more than tenfold, with the cost of a permanent residence permit becoming 20 times more expensive. The government also tightened the criteria for permanent residency, introducing new income, pension and Japanese-language requirements.

The changes are the latest sign of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's tougher approach to immigration, as Japan balances its growing need for foreign workers against political pressure for stricter controls.