On June 19, 2026, the Japanese government made a cabinet decision to amend the cabinet order that determines entry visa fees for foreign nationals. This amendment introduces a dramatic five-fold increase in the fees required to obtain a visa to enter Japan. The new pricing structure is scheduled to go into effect on July 1, 2026.\n\nFor individuals planning to move to Japan—including international students, working holiday makers, and the family members of long-term residents—this policy shift represents a significant rise in pre-departure expenses. Understanding the details of this change is essential for anyone preparing for a journey to Japan in the coming years.\n\n## The New Visa Fee Structure\n\nThe upcoming fee adjustment represents a steep increase across the board for entry visas. The specific changes approved by the cabinet are as follows:\n\n* Single-Entry Visas (一次有効査証): This visa, which allows a foreign national to enter Japan once, will see its application fee rise from the current 3,000 yen to 15,000 yen.\n* Multiple-Entry Visas (数次有効査証): This visa, which permits multiple entries into the country over its period of validity, will increase from the current 6,000 yen to 30,000 yen.\n\nThese adjusted fees will apply to all visa applications submitted on or after July 1, 2026. Anyone submitting their application before this cutoff date will still be processed under the existing fee structure.\n\n## Why Are Visa Fees Increasing?\n\nThis adjustment marks the first time in nearly half a century that Japan has revised its entry visa fees. According to Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi, the current fees have remained unchanged since 1978.\n\nOver the course of these 48 years, the global economic landscape has shifted dramatically. Minister Motegi explained that the decision to quintuple the fees is a necessary measure to catch up with decades of price inflation and to adjust for long-term fluctuations in foreign exchange rates. Despite the substantial percentage increase, the Foreign Minister stated that the government does not believe this change will have an immediate negative impact on inbound tourism to Japan.\n\n## Important Distinctions: Who is Affected?\n\nFor foreigners planning their stay in Japan, it is crucial to understand exactly where and when these fees apply. The five-fold fee increase applies only to the entry "visa" (査証) itself.\n\nIn Japanese immigration terminology, there is a clear distinction between a visa and a status of residence:\n\n* Entry Visas: These are the documents issued by Japanese embassies, consulates-general, or consular offices located outside of Japan. You must obtain this visa before you travel to Japan. This is the fee that is increasing five-fold.\n* Status of Residence Procedures: These are administrative processes handled inside Japan at local immigration bureaus. They include applications to change your status of residence (such as switching from a student visa to a work visa) or renewing your period of stay. These domestic procedures are not affected by this cabinet decision and their fees will remain unchanged.\n\nTherefore, if you are already living in Japan and need to renew your visa or change your status at a local immigration office, you will not face this five-fold price hike. However, if you are currently abroad and applying to enter Japan as a student, worker, or dependent, the new fees will apply to your initial application starting July 2026.\n\n## Planning Ahead for Your Move to Japan\n\nFor future expats, students, and working holiday participants, this fee hike highlights the importance of early financial planning. While a 12,000 yen to 24,000 yen increase may not completely disrupt relocation plans, it does add to the growing list of upfront costs associated with moving abroad, alongside flights, housing deposits, and initial living expenses.\n\nIf your planned entry to Japan aligns with the transition period in mid-2026, keeping this July 1, 2026 deadline in mind could save you money. Ensuring that your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) is processed and your visa application is submitted at your local Japanese embassy or consulate before the end of June 2026 will allow you to benefit from the lower, historical rates.
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