Japan tightens permanent residency rules amid population changes

Japan has significantly increased the fee for permanent residency, raising it twentyfold as part of broader immigration policy adjustments. These changes coincide with official overhauls to the rules governing permanent residency applications. The nation's population has also seen a notable decline, with a 2.5% decrease recorded between 2020 and 2025.

The policy shift reflects Japan's efforts to manage its growing foreign population amidst demographic challenges. The increased fees and tightened measures signal a more restrictive approach to permanent residency, potentially impacting the integration of non-Japanese residents into society.