Overview
- The government announced the fee changes that take effect on July 1, 2026, increasing single‑entry visa fees from ¥3,000 to ¥15,000 and multiple‑entry fees from ¥6,000 to ¥30,000.
- A separate law passed earlier this year raises statutory ceilings for residency applications and status changes, with some charges rising by multiples as large as about 30 times current levels.
- Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi said the revisions are meant to reflect long‑term inflation and exchange‑rate shifts and that proceeds will fund staffing, biometric systems and other border modernisation; officials do not expect an immediate drop in tourist numbers.
- The increases hit travellers from countries that still require visas most directly, with analysts flagging mainland Chinese applicants as among the hardest‑hit, and legal groups warn higher residency fees will raise living and hiring costs for foreign residents and employers.
- Policy makers point to record post‑pandemic demand and a weak yen after 2021 — Japan welcomed about 42.6–42.7 million visitors in 2025 — which strained immigration services and helps explain why authorities say higher charges are needed now and could reshape local budgets and diplomatic frictions.