- ■ Introduction
- ■ 1. Overview of the Visa Fee Revision
- ■ 2. Why I, as an Immigration Lawyer, Welcome This “Fair Pricing” Reform
- ■ 3. Impact on Employers and Recommended Actions
- ■ 4. Impact on Foreign Residents and Their Families
- ■ 5. Impact on Inbound Tourism
- ■ 6. Future Outlook and Recommendations
- ■ Conclusion
■ Introduction
On June 19, 2026, the Japanese government approved a cabinet decision to significantly increase visa (certification) fees for foreign nationals. Starting July 1, single-entry visa fees will rise from ¥3,000 to ¥15,000, and multiple-entry visa fees from ¥6,000 to ¥30,000—a fivefold increase.
Foreign Minister Motegi described this as “the first revision since 1978,” attributing it to inflation and currency fluctuations. He also stated, “We do not anticipate immediate impacts on inbound tourism.”
This reform has sparked mixed reactions on social media and news platforms. Some express concern: “It’s too expensive,” or “Won’t this deter tourists?” Others argue, “It’s long overdue,” or “This is a fair price.”
In this article, I will provide a detailed analysis from the perspective of an immigration lawyer (gyoseishoshi) with extensive experience in visa applications. This guide is specifically tailored for foreign residents in Japan, their families, and employers (managers and HR professionals) hiring foreign nationals.
■ 1. Overview of the Visa Fee Revision
Details of the Revision
| Visa Type | Current Fee | New Fee | Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single-entry visa (one-time entry) | ¥3,000 | ¥15,000 | +¥12,000 |
| Multiple-entry visa (multiple entries) | ¥6,000 | ¥30,000 | +¥24,000 |
Effective Date: Applications submitted from July 1, 2026
Background and Government Explanation
According to Foreign Minister Motegi, the current fees were established in 1978 and have remained unchanged for approximately 47 years. During this period, Japan has experienced significant inflation and currency fluctuations. This revision aims to address these economic changes.
■ 2. Why I, as an Immigration Lawyer, Welcome This “Fair Pricing” Reform
Three Reasons to Support the Fee Increase
Many may feel that a fivefold increase is excessive. However, as an immigration lawyer who has witnessed the realities of visa applications for years, I view this reform positively for three key reasons.
(1) Strengthening Immigration Review Infrastructure
Japan’s Immigration Services Agency (ISA) currently faces chronic staff shortages and excessive workloads.
- Surge in applications (technical interns, specified skilled workers, international students)
- Increasingly complex reviews (crackdowns on sham marriages, illegal employment)
- Outdated systems (online application glitches, processing delays)
These issues often result in applications that should be processed within one month taking several months. This disrupts companies’ hiring plans and leaves foreign nationals in unstable limbo.
If the increased revenue is allocated to strengthening the review system, we can expect:
- Increased hiring and training of immigration officers
- Modernization of review systems using AI and digital technology
- Publication of transparent review criteria
Ultimately, these improvements benefit both employers and foreign nationals.
(2) Funding for Overtourism Countermeasures
Japan has positioned itself as a tourism-oriented nation, actively promoting inbound tourism. However, regions like Kyoto, Kamakura, and areas around Mt. Fuji are experiencing disruptions to residents’ daily lives due to tourism surges.
- Waste, noise, and manners violations
- Overcrowded public transportation
- Rising land and rental prices
The increased visa revenue should be used to support these regions and develop tourism infrastructure. Achieving sustainable tourism requires a shift from “quantity to quality.”
(3) Strategic Acceptance of Foreign Talent Aligned with National Interests
Japan is already a de facto “immigration-accepting country.” However, its policies remain stuck in a “non-immigration” framework. This contradiction has created numerous problems.
This fee revision should serve as a catalyst for building systems that:
- Prioritize highly skilled professionals and technicians
- Eliminate malicious brokers and fraudulent applications
- Ensure proper working conditions (wages, working hours, occupational safety)
Rather than a “welcome everyone” approach, Japan should aim to “appropriately accept talent that contributes to and grows with Japanese society.” Fair pricing of visa fees is a rational step toward this goal.
■ 3. Impact on Employers and Recommended Actions
Increased Hiring Costs
For companies employing foreign nationals, the fee increase represents a direct cost increase.
Example: Accepting 10 technical interns
- Before revision: ¥3,000 × 10 = ¥30,000
- After revision: ¥15,000 × 10 = ¥150,000
- Increase: ¥120,000
This is a significant amount, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
However, Long-Term Benefits Are Possible
If reviews become faster and more transparent:
- Easier recruitment scheduling
- Predictable denial risks
- Smoother compliance management
These benefits can offset the initial cost increase.
Actions Employers Should Take
- Early Application Preparation: Consider filing before July 1 if possible
- Budget Revision: Incorporate visa-related costs into hiring budgets
- Consult Specialists: Work with immigration lawyers to ensure successful applications
■ 4. Impact on Foreign Residents and Their Families
Impact on Dependent and Spouse Visas
When foreign workers bring their families to Japan, they apply for dependent or spouse visas. This revision significantly increases the cost per family member.
Example: Couple with 2 children
- Before revision: ¥3,000 × 3 = ¥9,000
- After revision: ¥15,000 × 3 = ¥45,000
- Increase: ¥36,000
This is a non-negligible burden on household finances.
Impact on Renewal and Status Change Applications
Renewal or status change applications incur separate fees (currently ¥4,000). These may also be revised in the future.
Strategies and Advice
- Plan applications in advance: Track renewal dates and budget accordingly
- Prepare accurate documents: Avoid reapplications due to errors (reapplications incur new fees)
- Consult specialists: For complex cases, hire an immigration lawyer to maximize approval chances
■ 5. Impact on Inbound Tourism
Government Perspective
Foreign Minister Motegi stated, “We do not anticipate immediate impacts on inbound tourism.”
Actual Impact
Short-term tourist visas are exempted for many countries and regions (visa waiver programs). Therefore, general tourists are not directly affected.
Those affected include:
- Tourists from countries not covered by visa waivers
- Long-term visitors (students, business travelers)
Toward “Quality Over Quantity” Tourism
The fee increase may reduce some tourist numbers. However, this is not necessarily negative.
Achieving high-quality tourism requires:
- Attracting tourists with higher spending power
- Promoting stay-based tourism that contributes to local communities
- Emphasizing cultural and environmental consideration
This direction is the path toward sustainable tourism.
■ 6. Future Outlook and Recommendations
Clarify How Increased Revenue Will Be Used
The most critical question is: How will the increased revenue be used?
Rather than simply disappearing into general revenue, it should be clearly allocated to:
- Strengthening immigration review systems
- Enhancing support services for foreign nationals
- Tourism infrastructure and regional support
- Countermeasures against illegal overstays and fraud
Transparent allocation will ensure that both Japanese citizens and foreign nationals can accept this reform.
Comprehensive System Reform
Beyond visa fees, Japan’s entire foreign acceptance system needs reform.
- Consolidation and streamlining of residence statuses
- Full implementation of online applications
- Strengthened multilingual support
- Enhanced coordination with local governments
Such reforms will help Japan truly become a “chosen nation.”
The Role of Immigration Lawyers
We immigration lawyers serve as bridges between systems and reality.
- Providing accurate information
- Supporting proper applications
- Advocating for system improvements
Through these efforts, we contribute to the interests of foreign nationals, employers, and Japanese society as a whole.
■ Conclusion
The fivefold visa fee increase is indeed a significant change. However, rather than viewing it as a mere “price hike,” we should see it as an opportunity to advance Japan’s foreign acceptance policy to the next stage.
What matters most is:
- Appropriate use of increased revenue
- Strategic acceptance of foreign talent aligned with national interests
- Building a transparent and fair system
I hope this reform benefits foreign workers in Japan, the companies that employ them, and local communities alike. As professionals, and as stakeholders, let us make our voices heard.
If you need assistance with visa applications, please feel free to consult an immigration lawyer. We respond promptly to regulatory changes and provide optimal support.
📰 Reference Article: https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/62815ecc4b2c1aebd4520ff41e785b911837218b
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