Foreign residents in Japan should prepare for significant changes to immigration procedures, as the Japanese government announced plans on November 27, 2024, to increase residence permit fees and tighten nationality acquisition requirements. These measures, part of a broader policy overhaul, aim to ensure what officials describe as "appropriate acceptance" of foreign nationals. According to NHK, the government has indicated to the ruling Liberal Democratic Party that residence permit application fees will increase during the 2025 fiscal year, which begins in April. While specific fee amounts have not yet been disclosed, the increase will affect various categories of residence permits, including renewals and new applications. This represents the first major fee adjustment in years and could impact hundreds of thousands of foreign residents who process visa applications annually. The government is simultaneously moving forward with plans to strengthen requirements for obtaining Japanese nationality. According to the policy proposal presented to the LDP, authorities will review and tighten the criteria that foreign nationals must meet to become Japanese citizens. Currently, applicants must demonstrate stable income, good conduct, and typically five years of continuous residence in Japan, among other requirements. The specific aspects of nationality acquisition that will be made more stringent have not been detailed, but the government has signaled its intention to implement stricter screening processes. These immigration policy changes coincide with the establishment of a new expert advisory council on foreign resident policies. The council held its inaugural meeting on November 27, where members discussed several key issues affecting foreign residents, including the appropriate use of social security systems and regulations surrounding land acquisition by foreign nationals. The council's recommendations will be incorporated into a comprehensive policy framework that the government aims to finalize by January 2025. Particularly relevant for foreign property owners and prospective buyers, the government has announced plans to develop concrete measures for tracking real estate ownership by foreign nationals. According to NHK, authorities are examining ways to identify the nationality of individuals when they register property transfers or conduct other real estate transactions. This initiative responds to growing concerns about understanding the extent of foreign-owned property in Japan, particularly in areas near sensitive facilities or in rural regions experiencing depopulation. The proposed nationality tracking system for property transactions would likely require individuals to declare their citizenship status during registration procedures at legal affairs bureaus. While details remain under discussion, this could mean additional documentation requirements for foreign residents purchasing, selling, or inheriting property in Japan. For foreign residents, these policy shifts signal a more stringent regulatory environment. The fee increases will directly impact household budgets, particularly for families where multiple members require visa processing. Those considering applying for Japanese nationality may want to initiate the process sooner rather than later, before stricter requirements take effect. Experts suggest that foreign residents should monitor official announcements from the Immigration Services Agency and the Ministry of Justice in coming months for specific implementation details. The government's January 2025 policy framework deadline means concrete measures could be announced relatively quickly. While Japanese authorities frame these changes as ensuring proper management of immigration systems, foreign resident advocacy groups will likely scrutinize the proposals for potential impacts on integration and equal treatment. The balance between administrative control and maintaining Japan's attractiveness to skilled foreign workers remains a key consideration as the country faces demographic challenges and labor shortages in critical sectors. Foreign residents should prepare for increased costs and potentially more complex procedures while staying informed about official policy developments through reliable government channels and immigration specialists.