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Japan is making it much harder and more expensive for foreigners to live there
New rules mean higher costs and tougher standards for people from other countries wanting to stay in Japan long-term.
A Japanese immigration office building with a sign in Japanese and English.
By John Doe
Reporting from Japan
Oct. 3, 2026, 8:23 a.m. - 14 hours ago
Living in Japan is getting a lot more expensive and difficult for people from other countries. The government is changing its rules, and it’s going to be much tougher to stay there long-term.
First, there is the cost. Japan is raising the fees you have to pay just to keep your residency status. Some reports say these costs are jumping up by 2,000 to 3,000 percent. That is a massive hike that is causing a lot of worry for people already living there.
Then there are the new rules for getting permanent residency. This is the status that lets you stay in Japan forever without needing to renew a visa. The government now says you have to earn a certain amount of money to qualify. Specifically, you need to earn more than the average Japanese person. If you make less than that, you might find it impossible to get approved.
These changes are making a lot of people nervous. Many business owners from other countries say these rules are too harsh. They are starting to look at other places to move their businesses because they feel like they aren't welcome in Japan anymore.
If you are currently living in Japan and have been affected by these changes, keep a close eye on the official immigration website. Also, for those who might be stressed about other things like missing important language tests (like the JLPT), there are usually other options available, but you need to check them early.
Japan has always been a popular place for people to move to, but these new policies are a major shift. It looks like the country is becoming much more selective about who can stay.
Source: SoraNews24
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