Story perspectives

Japan to Quadruple Visa Fees Starting July 2026

6/21/2026

Summary

Japan Raises Visa

Japan will raise visa fees for foreign nationals on applications submitted on or after July 1, 2026, the first change since 1978.
The single-entry fee will rise from 3,000 yen ($18) to 15,000 yen ($90).
The multiple-entry fee will rise from 6,000 yen ($37) to 30,000 yen ($186).
Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi said the increase reflects inflation-driven costs and will not immediately affect inbound tourism.

Summary

Japan Funds Language

The government will allocate additional fee-hike revenue to expand Japanese-language education programmes for foreign residents.
Officials say the funds will also strengthen measures to detect and deter illegal visa overstayers.
Tokyo plans to implement broader immigration-related fee increases, including residency and permanent-residency charges, by March 31 2027.
Japan’s foreign-resident population hit a record 4.13 million in 2025, driving a push to match immigration fees with the United States and Germany.

History

Historical Context

In 1989 Japan revised the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act, creating a long-term resident visa for ethnic Japanese, and in 1990 it granted preferential work visas to Japanese Brazilians and Peruvians. Later liberalizations, such as the 2015 rule allowing Chinese cruise-ship tourists visa-free entry, showed a shift toward broader visitor access. That year the Technical Intern Training Program employed 192,655 trainees.

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Japan Raises Visa

Japan will raise visa fees for foreign nationals on applications submitted on or after July 1, 2026, the first change since 1978.
The single-entry fee will rise from 3,000 yen ($18) to 15,000 yen ($90).
The multiple-entry fee will rise from 6,000 yen ($37) to 30,000 yen ($186).
Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi said the increase reflects inflation-driven costs and will not immediately affect inbound tourism.

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