TOKYO - Japan’s government has approved a major increase in fees for residence-related procedures for foreign nationals, with the new charges taking effect on October 1 following amendments to the immigration control law.
The Cabinet approved the fee increases on Tuesday, including a sharp rise in the cost of applying for permanent residence, as reported by NHK World Japan.
The permanent residence application fee will increase from 10,000 yen to 200,000 yen, with applications required to be submitted in person.
Fees for renewing or changing residence status will also increase from the current 6,000 yen at official counters and 5,500 yen online.
For stays of up to three months, the fee will rise to 10,000 yen for both counter and online applications.
For a one-year stay, applicants will pay 33,000 yen at a counter or 27,000 yen online.
For stays of five years or longer, the fee will increase to 75,000 yen at a counter and 65,000 yen for online applications.
The government said reduced fees will be available to applicants facing financial difficulties, including those recognised as refugees.
Justice Minister Hiraguchi Hiroshi said the increases are necessary to support policies aimed at maintaining an orderly society where Japanese and foreign nationals can live together.
He said the measure is extremely meaningful and that he intends to ensure it is properly implemented.
