Japan’s tougher visa rules prompt foreign businesses to look elsewhere

Two Britons who have been in Japan for more than 10 years now face significantly higher costs after new visa regulations took effect on Thursday.

Business manager visa cost surges

The cost of a business manager’s visa has risen from 5 million yen (US$31,666) to 30 million yen. Until recently, the visa had been their long-term plan.

The permanent residency fee has similarly leapt 20 times to 200,000 yen. Applicants also face an annual income requirement of 5.75 million yen, a level above the Japanese average. Other barriers include much higher pension contributions and Japanese language requirements.

Concern over Japan’s changing welcome

The new regulations come amid concern over a sense of hostility towards two hard-working foreigners who feel they have contributed to the society they have worked hard to fit into.

That concern has emerged despite a surge in foreign residents leaving Japan, while Tokyo continues to stick to higher fees for business manager visas and permanent residency.

The changes are prompting foreign businesses to look elsewhere as the cost of securing a longer-term base in Japan rises. For the two Britons, the new rules have replaced earlier optimism with concern about whether their contribution and efforts to fit into Japanese society are still being welcomed.

Source: South China Morning Post