Japan is planning a major increase in visa fees for foreign travelers. If the proposal is approved by the cabinet, it will be the first revision in Japan’s visa charges since 1978.
This means visa fees could become much more expensive for tourists, workers, and long-term residents.
Single-Entry and Multiple-Entry Visas Become Costlier
According to reports, the fee for a single-entry visa will increase from ¥3,000 (around ₹1,800) to ¥15,000 (around ₹9,000). This is nearly a fivefold increase compared to the current fee.
Frequent travelers will also feel the impact. The cost of a multiple-entry visa is set to rise from ¥6,000 (about ₹3,600) to ¥30,000 (about ₹18,000). The revised charges are expected to apply to applications submitted after July 1.
Residency and PR Applications to Cost Much More
Japan is also planning to raise fees related to residency status. The legal maximum charge for extending a stay or changing residency status has been increased from ¥10,000 to ¥100,000.
The cost of obtaining permanent residency (PR) could rise even more sharply. The maximum fee limit has been increased from ¥10,000 to ¥300,000.
The government has also proposed raising the actual PR application fee from ¥10,000 to ¥200,000, which is roughly ₹1.2 lakh.
Will Tourists Be Affected?
Japanese authorities believe the higher fees will not immediately reduce tourist arrivals. Officials say the changes are intended to improve and strengthen the country’s visa and immigration management system rather than discourage visitors.
Why Is Japan Increasing Visa Fees?
The Japanese government says it wants its immigration system to be more in line with those of major countries such as the United States and Germany.
For comparison, visa renewal fees in the United States can range from about ₹36,000 to ₹40,000, while similar fees in Germany are around ₹9,000 to ₹10,000.
Japan believes the new fee structure will help support a more efficient and modern immigration system.
As a result, anyone planning to visit, work, study, or settle in Japan may need to budget significantly more for visa-related expenses in the future.
