Summary: The Japanese government has decided to raise visa fees for the first time in 48 years, effective July 1. Under the new rules, the single-entry visa fee will be set at 15,000 yen and the multiple-entry visa fee at 30,000 yen. The additional revenue generated from the fee increase will be used to manage the foreign population and expand Japanese language programs.
June 6, Kathmandu – Japan has announced its first visa fee hike in 48 years. This decision was made during a Cabinet meeting on Wednesday. Since 1978, visa fees had remained unchanged.
How much will the visa fees increase? According to The Japan Times, the single-entry visa fee will increase from the current 3,000 yen to 15,000 yen. Likewise, the multiple-entry visa fee will rise from 6,000 yen to 30,000 yen. These new fees will apply to applications submitted on or after July 1. Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi said at a press conference on Friday, “The current visa fees were set in 1978. Considering inflation and exchange rate fluctuations, we have recently revised them.” He added, “After thorough study from various perspectives, we made this decision and do not believe it will immediately affect tourists visiting here.”
Previously, the Japanese visa fee in Nepal was 3,000 yen, approximately 2,850 Nepalese rupees; it will now increase to 14,250 yen, nearly a fivefold rise. Similarly, the multiple-entry visa fee will increase from 22,800 to about 28,500 yen. Significant increases in residential visa fees were also enacted recently: last month, Japan’s Upper House passed a bill allowing visa-related fees for foreign nationals to increase up to 30 times. This bill had already been passed in the Lower House in April.
Current maximum legal fees for changes of residential status, extensions of stay, and permanent residency applications were 10,000 yen (around $63). The new amendment raises these caps dramatically to up to 100,000 and 300,000 yen. Under this amendment, the Cabinet will set the actual fees. The government proposes raising fees for residential status changes and extensions from the current 5,500–6,000 yen to as much as 1,000,000 yen. The permanent residency application fee will also increase from 10,000 yen to 200,000 yen. The government aims to implement these changes by March 31, 2027.
How will the additional revenue be used? By the end of 2025, Japan’s foreign population is projected to reach a record high of approximately 4.13 million. The extra funds obtained from the fee hikes will be allocated toward administrative expenses related to managing the foreign population and expanding Japanese language programs. Measures against illegal residency after visa expiration will also be strengthened through these funds.
Japan Aligning Visa Fees with Western Countries With this move, Japan strives to align its visa and residency fees with international standards observed in Western countries. For example, visa renewal fees in the United States range between approximately $420 and $470, while in Germany they range from 93 to 98 euros.
