Japan raised its visa fees on July 1, 2026 — the first revision in 48 years. The confirmed numbers: single-entry visa from ¥3,000 to ¥15,000, and multiple-entry visa from ¥6,000 to ¥30,000. These are not proposals or projections — they are in force right now. For expats living in Japan, for anyone applying for a new Japanese visa abroad, and for every foreigner planning their long-term Japan life, the 2026 Japan visa fees represent a significant financial change. This guide gives you every confirmed number, explains why the fees increased, breaks down the impact by visa type, and tells you exactly what to do to minimize costs.
Japan visa fees 2026: all confirmed numbers
| Visa Type | Old Fee | New Fee (July 1, 2026) | Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single-entry visa | ¥3,000 | ¥15,000 | 5× increase |
| Multiple-entry visa | ¥6,000 | ¥30,000 | 5× increase |
| PR application (projected) | ¥10,000 | ~¥200,000 | ~20× increase |
| 5-year renewal (projected) | ¥6,000 | ~¥70,000 | ~11× increase |
| 3-year renewal (projected) | ¥6,000 | ~¥60,000 | ~10× increase |
| 1-year renewal (projected) | ¥6,000 | ~¥30,000 | ~5× increase |
Important clarification: The single-entry and multiple-entry visa fee increases are confirmed and in force from July 1, 2026. The PR application and renewal fee projections are based on government officials’ parliamentary disclosures — exact amounts will be set by Cabinet ordinance before March 31, 2027. Online applications are expected to receive a small discount over counter applications.
Japan visa fees 2026: why is this happening now?
Japan’s Japan visa fees had not been revised since 1982 — a 44-year gap. In 1982, Japan had fewer than 800,000 foreign residents. Today that number exceeds 4 million. Japan Times reported Japan’s Justice Minister Hiroshi Hiraguchi stated explicitly that the measures ensure foreign nationals “bear an appropriate amount of the costs” tied to their residency and the administrative burden of examinations. The Japan visa fees 2026 revenue will fund: expanded immigration bureau staffing to address the growing caseload; multilingual support services at immigration counters; digital system modernization; and the JESTA travel authorization infrastructure launching in fiscal 2028. For context, the new Japan visa fees 2026 remain moderate by international standards — the US charges $185 for a B-1/B-2 visitor visa, Canada charges CAD$100, Australia charges AUD$145 for a standard visitor visa.
Japan visa fees 2026: impact on expats living in Japan
- Visa renewals from late 2026: The confirmed July 1 single/multiple-entry visa Japan visa fees 2026 apply to new visa applications at Japanese consulates abroad. Renewal fees for residence statuses within Japan will be set by Cabinet ordinance before March 2027 — budget for the projected amounts (¥30,000–70,000 depending on visa period) in your 2026-2027 financial planning.
- Permanent residency applicants: This is the most significant Japan visa fees 2026 impact for long-term expats. The PR application fee rising from ¥10,000 to approximately ¥200,000 is a 20-fold increase. If you are currently eligible for PR — 10 years of residence, stable income, tax compliance — apply before the Cabinet ordinance sets the new fee. The window to apply at ¥10,000 may close before March 2027.
- Status change applicants: Changing visa status (student to work, dependent to work, etc.) will also face higher Japan visa fees 2026. Budget for this in your transition planning.
- Expats who regularly travel home: The Japan visa fees 2026 single-entry increase does not affect your re-entry to Japan on your existing Residence Card. It affects people applying for a new Japanese visa at a consulate — typically new arrivals or people on tourist/short-stay visas.
Japan visa fees 2026: the ¥200,000 PR application — what to do right now
The projected ¥200,000 Japan visa fees 2026 PR application cost is the most urgent item for expats planning long-term Japan life. Here is the action plan. First, check your eligibility now — you need 10 consecutive years of legal residence (or faster via HSP pathway), stable income, and clean tax and insurance compliance. Second, if you are eligible, begin your PR application immediately. The ¥10,000 fee applies until the Cabinet ordinance sets the new amount — expected before March 2027. Third, if you are 1–2 years away from eligibility, begin document preparation now — the full PR document checklist includes 20+ items and takes months to gather. Fourth, consult a bilingual gyoseishoshi (行政書士). At ¥200,000 Japan visa fees 2026 for the application alone, professional assistance (¥80,000–150,000) to ensure first-time approval becomes a genuinely prudent investment. See our complete guide to Japan permanent residency and the new Japan PR language requirement 2026.
Japan visa fees 2026: new income requirement for PR applications
Alongside the Japan visa fees 2026 increase, the immigration bill confirmed a new minimum income requirement for PR applications: approximately ¥3 million per year for single applicants, with an additional ¥700,000–800,000 per dependent family member. This income floor applies only to new PR applications — existing PR holders are not affected retroactively. For expats currently earning near the ¥3 million threshold, this Japan visa fees 2026 income requirement underlines the importance of maintaining documented income stability throughout your application period. For reference, Tokyo’s minimum wage of ¥1,226/hr at full-time hours generates approximately ¥2.35 million annually — meaning part-time workers and low-income earners may face the income requirement as a barrier even before the fee increase.
Japan visa fees 2026: global comparison
Despite the dramatic percentage increase in Japan visa fees 2026, Japan’s fees remain competitive internationally even after the hike. Single-entry visitor visa at ¥15,000 ($97 USD at current rates) compares to: USA B-1/B-2 visitor visa at $185; Australia standard visitor visa at approximately AUD$145 ($95 USD); Canada visitor visa at CAD$100 ($72 USD); UK standard visitor visa at £115 ($144 USD). For PR applications, the projected ¥200,000 ($1,280 USD) is substantially less than the US green card process (typically $2,000–5,000+ including all fees), Canada’s PR application at CAD$1,365, and Australia’s permanent residence application at AUD$4,765. The Japan visa fees 2026 increase brings Japan from being significantly below global standards to roughly average — not above them.
Japan visa fees 2026 FAQ
- How much are Japan visa fees in 2026? Single-entry visa: ¥15,000 (from July 1, 2026). Multiple-entry visa: ¥30,000. PR application: projected ~¥200,000 (to be confirmed by Cabinet ordinance before March 2027). 5-year renewal: projected ~¥70,000.
- When did the Japan visa fees 2026 increase take effect? Single-entry and multiple-entry visa fee increases took effect July 1, 2026. PR and renewal fee increases will take effect when the Cabinet ordinance is issued — expected before March 31, 2027.
- Why did Japan raise visa fees in 2026? First revision since 1982. Japan’s foreign resident population grew from 800,000 to 4 million over 44 years with no fee adjustment. The Japan visa fees 2026 increase funds expanded immigration services and digital modernisation.
- Do Japan visa fees 2026 affect expats with a Residence Card? Not directly for daily life. Your Residence Card status is not affected by the new Japan visa fees 2026 immediately. Renewal fees when your visa next expires will be higher under the upcoming Cabinet ordinance.
- Is there a deadline to apply for PR at the old fee? The current ¥10,000 PR fee remains until the Cabinet ordinance takes effect — expected before March 2027. If you are eligible now, applying before that ordinance passes saves approximately ¥190,000.
Japan visa fees 2026 — quick reference
- Single-entry visa: ¥15,000 (from ¥3,000) — effective July 1, 2026 ✅
- Multiple-entry visa: ¥30,000 (from ¥6,000) — effective July 1, 2026 ✅
- PR application: ~¥200,000 (from ¥10,000) — pending Cabinet ordinance, before March 2027
- 5-year renewal: ~¥70,000 (from ¥6,000) — pending Cabinet ordinance
- 3-year renewal: ~¥60,000 — pending
- 1-year renewal: ~¥30,000 — pending
- Why: First revision since 1982 — 44 years, foreign population up from 800K to 4M+
- PR income requirement: ¥3M/year minimum for new applications (+¥700K–800K per dependent)
- Action now: Apply for PR at current ¥10,000 fee before Cabinet ordinance — window closing
- Official info: Immigration Services Agency
- Related: Japan PR language requirement 2026 | Japan PR revocation guide
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Japan raised its visa fees on July 1, 2026 — the first revision in 48 years. The confirmed numbers: single-entry visa from ¥3,000 to ¥15,000, and multiple-entry visa from ¥6,000 to ¥30,000. These are not proposals or projections — they are in force right now. For expats living in Japan, for anyone applying for a new Japanese visa abroad, and for every foreigner planning their long-term Japan life, the 2026 Japan visa fees represent a significant financial change. This guide gives you every confirmed number, explains why the fees increased, breaks down the impact by visa type, and tells you exactly what to do to minimize costs.
Japan visa fees 2026: all confirmed numbers
| Visa Type | Old Fee | New Fee (July 1, 2026) | Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single-entry visa | ¥3,000 | ¥15,000 | 5× increase |
| Multiple-entry visa | ¥6,000 | ¥30,000 | 5× increase |
| PR application (projected) | ¥10,000 | ~¥200,000 | ~20× increase |
| 5-year renewal (projected) | ¥6,000 | ~¥70,000 | ~11× increase |
| 3-year renewal (projected) | ¥6,000 | ~¥60,000 | ~10× increase |
| 1-year renewal (projected) | ¥6,000 | ~¥30,000 | ~5× increase |
Important clarification: The single-entry and multiple-entry visa fee increases are confirmed and in force from July 1, 2026. The PR application and renewal fee projections are based on government officials’ parliamentary disclosures — exact amounts will be set by Cabinet ordinance before March 31, 2027. Online applications are expected to receive a small discount over counter applications.
Japan visa fees 2026: why is this happening now?
Japan’s Japan visa fees had not been revised since 1982 — a 44-year gap. In 1982, Japan had fewer than 800,000 foreign residents. Today that number exceeds 4 million. Japan Times reported Japan’s Justice Minister Hiroshi Hiraguchi stated explicitly that the measures ensure foreign nationals “bear an appropriate amount of the costs” tied to their residency and the administrative burden of examinations. The Japan visa fees 2026 revenue will fund: expanded immigration bureau staffing to address the growing caseload; multilingual support services at immigration counters; digital system modernization; and the JESTA travel authorization infrastructure launching in fiscal 2028. For context, the new Japan visa fees 2026 remain moderate by international standards — the US charges $185 for a B-1/B-2 visitor visa, Canada charges CAD$100, Australia charges AUD$145 for a standard visitor visa.
Japan visa fees 2026: impact on expats living in Japan
- Visa renewals from late 2026: The confirmed July 1 single/multiple-entry visa Japan visa fees 2026 apply to new visa applications at Japanese consulates abroad. Renewal fees for residence statuses within Japan will be set by Cabinet ordinance before March 2027 — budget for the projected amounts (¥30,000–70,000 depending on visa period) in your 2026-2027 financial planning.
- Permanent residency applicants: This is the most significant Japan visa fees 2026 impact for long-term expats. The PR application fee rising from ¥10,000 to approximately ¥200,000 is a 20-fold increase. If you are currently eligible for PR — 10 years of residence, stable income, tax compliance — apply before the Cabinet ordinance sets the new fee. The window to apply at ¥10,000 may close before March 2027.
- Status change applicants: Changing visa status (student to work, dependent to work, etc.) will also face higher Japan visa fees 2026. Budget for this in your transition planning.
- Expats who regularly travel home: The Japan visa fees 2026 single-entry increase does not affect your re-entry to Japan on your existing Residence Card. It affects people applying for a new Japanese visa at a consulate — typically new arrivals or people on tourist/short-stay visas.
Japan visa fees 2026: the ¥200,000 PR application — what to do right now
The projected ¥200,000 Japan visa fees 2026 PR application cost is the most urgent item for expats planning long-term Japan life. Here is the action plan. First, check your eligibility now — you need 10 consecutive years of legal residence (or faster via HSP pathway), stable income, and clean tax and insurance compliance. Second, if you are eligible, begin your PR application immediately. The ¥10,000 fee applies until the Cabinet ordinance sets the new amount — expected before March 2027. Third, if you are 1–2 years away from eligibility, begin document preparation now — the full PR document checklist includes 20+ items and takes months to gather. Fourth, consult a bilingual gyoseishoshi (行政書士). At ¥200,000 Japan visa fees 2026 for the application alone, professional assistance (¥80,000–150,000) to ensure first-time approval becomes a genuinely prudent investment. See our complete guide to Japan permanent residency and the new Japan PR language requirement 2026.
Japan visa fees 2026: new income requirement for PR applications
Alongside the Japan visa fees 2026 increase, the immigration bill confirmed a new minimum income requirement for PR applications: approximately ¥3 million per year for single applicants, with an additional ¥700,000–800,000 per dependent family member. This income floor applies only to new PR applications — existing PR holders are not affected retroactively. For expats currently earning near the ¥3 million threshold, this Japan visa fees 2026 income requirement underlines the importance of maintaining documented income stability throughout your application period. For reference, Tokyo’s minimum wage of ¥1,226/hr at full-time hours generates approximately ¥2.35 million annually — meaning part-time workers and low-income earners may face the income requirement as a barrier even before the fee increase.
Japan visa fees 2026: global comparison
Despite the dramatic percentage increase in Japan visa fees 2026, Japan’s fees remain competitive internationally even after the hike. Single-entry visitor visa at ¥15,000 ($97 USD at current rates) compares to: USA B-1/B-2 visitor visa at $185; Australia standard visitor visa at approximately AUD$145 ($95 USD); Canada visitor visa at CAD$100 ($72 USD); UK standard visitor visa at £115 ($144 USD). For PR applications, the projected ¥200,000 ($1,280 USD) is substantially less than the US green card process (typically $2,000–5,000+ including all fees), Canada’s PR application at CAD$1,365, and Australia’s permanent residence application at AUD$4,765. The Japan visa fees 2026 increase brings Japan from being significantly below global standards to roughly average — not above them.
Japan visa fees 2026 FAQ
- How much are Japan visa fees in 2026? Single-entry visa: ¥15,000 (from July 1, 2026). Multiple-entry visa: ¥30,000. PR application: projected ~¥200,000 (to be confirmed by Cabinet ordinance before March 2027). 5-year renewal: projected ~¥70,000.
- When did the Japan visa fees 2026 increase take effect? Single-entry and multiple-entry visa fee increases took effect July 1, 2026. PR and renewal fee increases will take effect when the Cabinet ordinance is issued — expected before March 31, 2027.
- Why did Japan raise visa fees in 2026? First revision since 1982. Japan’s foreign resident population grew from 800,000 to 4 million over 44 years with no fee adjustment. The Japan visa fees 2026 increase funds expanded immigration services and digital modernisation.
- Do Japan visa fees 2026 affect expats with a Residence Card? Not directly for daily life. Your Residence Card status is not affected by the new Japan visa fees 2026 immediately. Renewal fees when your visa next expires will be higher under the upcoming Cabinet ordinance.
- Is there a deadline to apply for PR at the old fee? The current ¥10,000 PR fee remains until the Cabinet ordinance takes effect — expected before March 2027. If you are eligible now, applying before that ordinance passes saves approximately ¥190,000.
Japan visa fees 2026 — quick reference
- Single-entry visa: ¥15,000 (from ¥3,000) — effective July 1, 2026 ✅
- Multiple-entry visa: ¥30,000 (from ¥6,000) — effective July 1, 2026 ✅
- PR application: ~¥200,000 (from ¥10,000) — pending Cabinet ordinance, before March 2027
- 5-year renewal: ~¥70,000 (from ¥6,000) — pending Cabinet ordinance
- 3-year renewal: ~¥60,000 — pending
- 1-year renewal: ~¥30,000 — pending
- Why: First revision since 1982 — 44 years, foreign population up from 800K to 4M+
- PR income requirement: ¥3M/year minimum for new applications (+¥700K–800K per dependent)
- Action now: Apply for PR at current ¥10,000 fee before Cabinet ordinance — window closing
- Official info: Immigration Services Agency
- Related: Japan PR language requirement 2026 | Japan PR revocation guide
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