Japan has officially approved a significant increase in visa application fees for foreign nationals, marking the country’s first visa fee revision in nearly five decades. The new fees for Visa Japan will apply to visa applications submitted on or after 1 July 2026.
The decision, approved during a Cabinet meeting on 19 June 2026, reflects the Japanese government’s efforts to address rising administrative and operational costs caused by inflation and long-term economic changes. According to Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the current visa fees have remained unchanged since 1978, making this the first adjustment in 48 years.
New Japan Visa Fees Effective 1 July 2026
Under the revised fee structure, applicants will see a substantial increase across several visa categories.
| Visa Type | Current Fee | New Fee (Effective 1 July 2026) |
| Single-Entry Visa | JPY 3,000 | JPY 15,000 |
| Multiple-Entry Visa | JPY 6,000 | JPY 30,000 |
The increase represents a fivefold rise in application fees for both single-entry and multiple-entry visas.
According to Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi, the revision reflects inflation and exchange rate fluctuations accumulated over several decades.
Despite the increase, the Japanese government stated that it does not expect the new fees to have a significant impact on inbound tourism.
Broader Immigration Fee Reforms
The visa fee adjustment forms part of a broader immigration reform package aimed at modernising Japan’s immigration administration.
Additional revenue generated from the revised fees will be used to:
- Improve immigration management systems
- Accelerate digitalisation of immigration services
- Upgrade administrative infrastructure to support the growing number of foreign nationals
- Expand Japanese language programmes
- Strengthen enforcement against immigration violations and illegal overstays
The revised legislation also introduces significantly higher legal ceilings for several immigration-related applications.
For example, the maximum fee for changing residence status or extending a period of stay has increased from JPY 10,000 to JPY 100,000, while the ceiling for permanent residence applications has been raised from JPY 10,000 to JPY 300,000.
The Japanese government has also proposed increasing the actual application fees for residence status changes and visa extensions from the current range of JPY 5,500–6,000 to between JPY 10,000 and JPY 70,000. Meanwhile, permanent residence applications are expected to increase from JPY 10,000 to JPY 200,000, with implementation targeted before 31 March 2027.
What This Means for Travelers
If you are planning to visit Japan for tourism, business, or other short-term purposes, submitting your application before 1 July 2026 may help you avoid the higher visa fees, subject to eligibility and appointment availability.
Applicants should also ensure they prepare all required documentation in advance, as incomplete applications may result in delays that could fall under the new fee structure.
While the revised fees increase the cost of obtaining a Japanese visa, Japan remains one of Asia’s most sought-after destinations for tourism, business, education, and cultural exchange.
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