With Japan tightening rules for foreign residents, some wonder if it’s time to say ‘sayonara’
Nearly 1,000 business manager visa holders left Japan during the first half of 2026 amid tighter residency rules. The government will increase permanent residence fees 20-fold starting October 1, 2026. These policy shifts have prompted a wave of foreign business owners to leave the country. While the government has established three specific requirements for foreigners to obtain permanent resident status, the steep cost increase and stricter regulations are creating significant barriers for non-citizens seeking long-term stability.
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- ✓ Nearly 1,000 business manager visa holders left Japan in the first half of 2026.
- ✓ Japan will increase the permanent residence fee 20-fold starting October 2026.
- ✓ New residence permit fees and payment methods take effect October 1.
- ✓ Japan has listed three requirements for foreigners to become permanent residents.
What changed
Permanent residence fees will increase 20-fold effective October 1, 2026.
Live updates
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Foreign Business Owners Exit Japan as Residency Fees Surge
Nearly 1,000 business manager visa holders left Japan during the first half of 2026 amid tighter residency rules. The government will increase permanent residence fees 20-fold starting October 1, 2026. These policy shifts have prompted a wave of foreign business owners to leave the country. While the government has established three specific requirements for foreigners to obtain permanent resident status, the steep cost increase and stricter regulations are creating significant barriers for non-citizens seeking long-term stability.
Why it matters
Japan is adjusting its immigration framework to tighten control over foreign residents. These changes affect both the cost of legal status and the criteria for permanent residency. The shift occurs as the country balances its need for foreign talent with stricter enforcement of visa conditions.
What is confirmed
- Nearly 1,000 business manager visa holders left Japan in the first half of 2026.
- Japan will increase the permanent residence fee 20-fold starting October 2026.
- New residence permit fees and payment methods take effect October 1.
- Japan has listed three requirements for foreigners to become permanent residents.
Still unconfirmed
- Foreign business owners are leaving Japan in droves.
What to watch next
- Implementation of the new fee structure on October 1
- Official publication of the three permanent residency requirements
- Updated visa departure statistics for the second half of 2026
confidence 95%Sources used for this update (10)
- japantimes.co.jp — Nearly 1,000 business manager visa holders left Japan in first half of 2026
- Legit News — Japan lists 3 requirements for foreigners to become permanent residents
- Nikkei Asia — Foreign business owners leave Japan in droves under tighter visa rules
- CNN — With Japan tightening rules for foreign residents, some wonder if it’s time to say ‘sayonara’
- BAL Immigration Law — Japan | New residence permit fees and payment methods effective Oct. 1
- Migrant Times — Japan To Raise Permanent Residence Fee 20-Fold From October
- Yen News — Japan Lists 3 Key Requirements Ghanaians Must Meet for Permanent Residency
- Tuko News — Japan Increases Permanent Residence Fee 20-Fold for Foreigners Effective October 2026
- 朝日新聞 — EDITORIAL: Don’t shatter foreigners’ hopes for permanent resident status
- tokyopaladin.substack.com — Japan Is Out Of Business: liquidation sale in progress, all gaijin must go
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