Japan to Raise Visa Fees for Foreign Nationals for the First Time in Nearly 50 Years

Japan has decided to increase visa fees for foreign nationals for the first time in nearly five decades, with the new rates set to take effect from next month, authorities announced.

The Japanese Cabinet approved the changes on Friday, and the revised fees will apply to visa applications submitted on or after July 1.

According to a report by The Independent, the new fee structure will significantly increase the cost of obtaining Japanese visas. The fee for a single-entry visa will rise from 3,000 yen (approximately Tk 2,282) to 15,000 yen (around Tk 11,410). Meanwhile, the cost of a multiple-entry visa will increase from 6,000 yen (Tk 4,564) to 30,000 yen (Tk 22,821).

Speaking at a press conference on Friday, Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi said the current visa fees had remained unchanged since 1978.

“The existing visa fees were established in 1978. Taking into account inflation and fluctuations in exchange rates over the years, we have recently revised them,” Motegi said.

He added that the government had carefully considered various factors before making the decision and does not expect the increase to have an immediate impact on foreign tourist arrivals.

The fee hike follows legislation approved by Parliament last month, which grants the government greater authority to raise a range of immigration-related charges.

Officials said the growing number of foreign nationals in Japan has increased the cost of immigration administration and public services. Additional revenue generated from the fee increases is expected to help cover those expenses, according to The Japan Times.

The government also plans to substantially raise the maximum fees for applications related to changes in residency status and extensions of stay. In addition, the ceiling for permanent residency application fees is expected to increase significantly.

Under the proposal, fees for changing residency status or extending a period of stay could range from 10,000 yen (about Tk 7,607) to as much as 70,000 yen (approximately Tk 53,250), depending on the type of application.

The fee for permanent residency applications could rise from 10,000 yen to as much as 200,000 yen, according to reports.

A report by Nippon stated that the government aims to implement the broader changes before the fiscal year ending in March 2027.

Officials said the additional funds would be used to improve immigration processing systems, expand Japanese-language education programs, and strengthen enforcement measures against individuals who remain in the country after their visas expire.

Government data show that the number of foreign residents in Japan reached a record 4.13 million by the end of 2025, reflecting the country's increasing reliance on foreign workers and residents amid demographic challenges.