Japan Adjusts Visa Fees for Foreigners
Japan has raised its visa fees for foreign nationals by five times, marking the first such increase since 1978. This change, effective July 1, aims to account for inflation and fluctuations in exchange rates, according to Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi.
Details of the Fee Revisions
- Single-entry visa fees will increase from 3,000 yen (approximately $18.69; £14) to 15,000 yen.
- Multi-entry visas will now cost 30,000 yen, up from 6,000 yen.
Despite the substantial hike, authorities do not anticipate an immediate impact on inbound tourism. Japan has experienced a surge in international visitors, welcoming a record 42.7 million tourists last year, partly due to a weakened yen and a post-pandemic travel resurgence.
Broader Revisions to Foreigner-Related Fees
Beyond visa fees, Japan's Upper House enacted a bill in May to raise other fees pertinent to foreigners:
- The maximum statutory fee for permanent residency applications will increase to 300,000 yen, a 30-fold rise from the current 10,000 yen.
- Changing residency status or extending a period of stay will now cost up to 100,000 yen, up from the previous 10,000 yen.
Officials advocating for these fee adjustments state that Japan's visa and residency-related charges need to align more closely with those of other G7 economies. For comparison, non-immigrant visa application fees in the United States range from $185 to $315, and a standard short-term visa for the UK costs £135.
Source: Japan quintuples foreigner visa fees in first price hike since 1978