Japan Quintuples Visa Fees to ¥30,000, First Revision in 48 Years

3 articles · Updated · The Japan Times · Jun 22

July 1 applications will face sharply higher charges after Japan approved a Cabinet order lifting single-entry visa fees to ¥15,000 from ¥3,000 and multiple-entry fees to ¥30,000 from ¥6,000.
The government said the 1978-era fees no longer reflect inflation or exchange-rate shifts, and argued higher charges are needed to cover administrative costs tied to a growing foreign population.
4.13 million foreign residents were living in Japan at the end of 2025, a record that officials say is straining processing needs and requiring more spending on language programs and measures against illegal overstayers.
A law enacted last month already raised statutory ceilings for other immigration charges, including up to ¥100,000 for residency-status changes and ¥300,000 for permanent residency, with broader fee increases targeted before March 31, 2027.
Japan says the overhaul will bring its visa and residency charges closer to Western levels, while Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi said he does not expect an immediate hit to inbound tourism.