Japan announces fivefold increase in visa and residency charges from July 1

Japan has announced a sharp rise in visa and residency-related charges for foreign nationals, with the new fees due to take effect on July 1. The move will raise the cost of single-entry and multi-entry visas, as well as several residency-related applications, in what officials describe as the first revision of this kind since 1978. The policy change is expected to affect travellers, long-term residents and applicants for permanent residence.

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Under the new schedule, the fee for a single-entry visa will increase from 1,755.27 rupees to 8,776.36 rupees. Multi-entry visa fees will rise from 3,509.50 rupees to 17,547.49 rupees. The statutory ceiling for permanent residence applications will also increase substantially, reaching up to 175,474.89 rupees, compared with the current upper limit of 5,849.16 rupees.

Japan's foreign minister, Toshimitsu Motegi, said the revision was being introduced to account for inflation and currency fluctuations. He also said the government did not expect the higher fees to have an immediate impact on inbound tourism. The country has seen a strong post-pandemic rebound in travel, and it welcomed a record 42.7 million international tourists in 2025.

Officials have also said the changes are intended to bring Japan's visa and residency charges closer to those of other G7 economies. The timing of the increase matters because Japan's currency has weakened steadily since 2021 and is hovering near its lowest level in nearly four decades. That has made the cost of travel and administrative fees more sensitive in both domestic and international terms.

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The move also comes as governments in advanced economies continue to review migration and entry systems in response to higher travel demand, inflation and administrative costs. The Upper House passed a bill in May to raise other costs linked to foreigners, including fees for changing residency status or extending a stay. Under that revision, the cost of changing residency status or extending the period of stay will rise to as much as 58,491.63 rupees.

The broader package suggests a wider effort to adjust Japan's immigration-related charges after many years without major revision. What remains unclear is how the higher fees will affect application volumes over time, particularly for long-term residents and those seeking permanent residence. The government has said it does not expect an immediate hit to tourism, but the longer-term effect on travel, business mobility and residency decisions will be watched closely.

Further details on implementation and any administrative guidance are expected as the July 1 start date approaches.

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