Japan is implementing major increases in immigration fees in 2026. On July 1, 2026, visa fees increased for the first time since 1978.
The fees for single-entry and multiple-entry visas have more than doubled. The departure tax also increased from JPY 1,000 (about USD 6) to JPY 3,000 (about USD 19). This will impact both short-term visa applicants and relocating talent.
New Visa Fees
| Visa Type | Previous Fee | New Fee | Approx. USD Equivalent* |
| Single-entry visa | ¥3,000 | ¥15,000 | ~$93 |
| Multiple-entry visa | ¥6,000 | ¥30,000 | ~$186 |
| Departure Fees | ¥1,000 | ¥3,000 | ~$19 |
Note that the above fees apply only to nationals of countries or regions that do not have bilateral fee-exemption agreements with Japan [Link] and who are either entering Japan for short-term stays of 90 days or less, or using a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) to obtain work authorization. Nationals eligible for Japan’s visa-waiver program—including citizens of the United States, Canada, EU member states, and many other countries—will continue to enjoy visa-free entry under the current rules. The existing tiered fee structure for Indian passport holders also remains unchanged.
Although Japan’s departure tax has increased threefold, most travelers are unlikely to notice the change, as the fee is typically included automatically in the price of their airline ticket.
The Japanese government cites inflation, exchange-rate fluctuations, rising administrative costs, and increased tourism volumes as the primary reasons for the fee increases. The yen has remained near multi-decade lows, suffering prolonged depreciation.
Additional changes are anticipated to take effect on October 1, 2026, which will have a greater impact on global mobility. The fees for applying for Permanent Resident status will rise from JPY 10,000 (approximately USD 62) to JPY 200,000 (around USD 1,235), a twenty-fold increase. Fees for Change of Status of Residence and Extension of Period of Stay will shift from a flat rate to a tiered structure based on the granted length of stay. There will also be differences between costs for in-person applications and those made online.
Permanent Resident Applications
The most notable increase affects permanent residence applications.
| Application | Current Fee | New Fee | Approx. USD Equivalent |
| Permanent Residence | ¥10,000 | ¥200,000 | ~$1,235 |
Residence Status Changes and Extensions
For applications filed in person:
| Authorized Period Granted | New Fee | Approx. USD Equivalent |
| Up to 3 months | ¥10,000 | ~$62 |
| Up to 5 years or more | ¥75,000 | ~$463 |
For online applications:
| Authorized Period Granted | New Fee | Approx. USD Equivalent |
| Range | ¥10,000–¥65,000 | ~$62–$401 |
Impact on Employers Relocating Talent into Japan
These updates significantly increase the costs associated with international assignments and the hiring of foreign talent.
Companies sponsoring work-authorized employees—such as Intra-company Transferees, Engineer/Specialists, and Highly Skilled Professionals—and Permanent Resident applicants should anticipate increased government filing fees. Employers that typically handle immigration costs might face significantly higher relocation budgets, especially when relocating employees with their family members.
Companies with multiple foreign hires or assignees may face thousands of dollars in additional annual immigration expenses. The impact will be felt in assignment cost projections and overall workforce planning. Because applications filed before October 1, 2026, remain subject to the current fee schedule, employers may benefit from accelerating the application process for any employees eligible for the above listed statuses before the new fees take effect.
Our thanks to sister company, Immigration Japan for their support with this article.
