Japan Has Tightened the Requirements for Foreigners to Obtain Permanent Residence Permits

The Japanese government has tightened the conditions for foreigners to obtain permanent residence permits within the framework of Prime Minister Sanae Takaiçi's policy of tightening immigration controls.

Under the new regulations, which will come into effect gradually, applicants will need to prove that they have an annual income above the country average and be able to speak Japanese at a daily level.

The regulation, which was approved in August and implemented following changes in immigration laws, also foresees a sharp increase in application fees.

According to the news of the AFP agency, the permanent residence permit application fee has been increased by 20 times from 10 thousand yen to 200 thousand yen (about 1270 dollars).

Fees for change of residence status or renewal will also increase from the current 6 thousand yen to 75 thousand yen, depending on the duration of the permit.

Before the increases, dense queues formed at immigration administration centers in Tokyo, with some applicants waiting for more than seven hours for processing.

The old rules did not include specific thresholds for income, pension contributions or language proficiency.

According to the new guidelines, candidates are also required to demonstrate "compliance" with social rules and document the expected retirement benefit equivalent to someone who has paid pension insurance contributions for 30 years.

It is stated that the current changes will not directly impose deportation, but will prevent those who cannot meet the conditions from applying for permanent residence.