News Japan to raise visa fees fivefold in first increase since 1978

Japan has raised visa fees for foreign nationals fivefold, the first such increase in almost half a century. From 1 July, the fee for a single-entry visa will rise from ¥3,000 to ¥15,000, while a multiple-entry visa will now cost ¥30,000, up from ¥6,000.

Foreign Minister Motegi stated that the revisions, the first since 1978, were intended to reflect inflation and exchange-rate movements. He said the government did not expect the higher fees to have an immediate impact on inbound tourism. The increase comes as the yen continues to trade at weak levels. The currency has been under pressure since 2021 and is now near its lowest levels in about 40 years.

In May, Japan's Upper House enacted a bill to raise other fees relevant to foreigners. Under that revision, the statutory upper limit for permanent residency applications will go up to 300,000 yen, 30 times the current cap of 10,000 yen. It will also cost up to 100,000 yen to change one's residency status or extend a period of stay, up from the current 10,000 yen. Authorities pushing for the fee hikes say Japan must align its visa- and residency-related fees more closely with those of other G7 economies.

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