Japan raises visa fees for first time in nearly 50 years

The scene at the international arrival area at one of Japan's airports. The Japanese government will raise visa fees for foreigners starting July 1, the first increase in nearly 50 years. (Photo: Kyodo News)

Japan will raise visa fees for foreigners from July 1. This is the first increase in nearly 50 years, after the old tariff has lasted since 1978.

The Independent, quoted Saturday, June 20, reported that the Japanese cabinet approved the change on Friday. The new rules apply to visa applications filed on or after July 1.

The cost of a single entry visa has increased from 3,000 yen to 15,000 yen. The cost of a multiple entry visa has increased from 6,000 yen to 30,000 yen.

"The current visa fee was established in 1978, and we revised it to reflect inflation and exchange rate fluctuations since then," Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi said.

Motegi said the decision was made after considering various factors. The Japanese government also did not expect the increase to directly impact inbound tourism.

The increase in visa fees follows new rules approved by parliament last month. The rules give the government room to raise a number of immigration-related costs.

According to The Japan Times, the additional revenue will be used to cover the costs of managing the increasing number of foreigners in Japan and improving immigration services.

Changes do not stop at the visit visa. The government is also preparing a fee increase for changing the status of residence and visa extension. The amount is proposed to be 10,000 yen to 70,000 yen, depending on the type of application.

The cost of applying for a permanent residence permit is also expected to rise significantly, from 10,000 yen to 200,000 yen. This change is targeted to take effect before the end of the fiscal year in March 2027, according to the Nippon report.

The Japanese government said the additional funds would be used to speed up the immigration process, expand Japanese language education programs, and strengthen the handling of residence permit violations.

The number of foreign residents living in Japan reached a record 4.13 million people at the end of 2025, according to government data.

Japan also assessed that the new fee would bring its immigration rates closer to other developed countries, which generally charge higher visa and residence permit fees.