Dreaming of cherry blossoms, bustling streets, and sushi nights in Japan? You might want to plan a little more carefully now. Japan is preparing for one of its biggest immigration fee changes in decades, and it could make travelling or settling there noticeably more expensive in the coming years.
Starting from the 2026 financial year, the country plans to significantly raise fees for visas and residency-related applications. The decision has been approved by the government and will affect tourists, long-term visitors, and those looking to live in Japan. Fees for visa renewals, extensions, and status changes are expected to rise several times over, turning what was once a relatively affordable process into a costlier one.
Those applying for permanent residency will feel the biggest impact, as the fee for this category is set to jump sharply compared to what applicants have been paying so far. Tourist visas are also likely to see an increase. At present, Japan’s visa costs are much lower than many other major travel destinations, but officials say this will soon change so the country can match global standards followed by places like the US and Europe.
So, if Japan is on your travel list, be prepared to spend a bit more. Officials believe the current fees no longer reflect today’s realities and have remained unchanged for decades. With rising administrative costs and a surge in applications, the government feels the update is long overdue.
Japan has been experiencing a massive tourism boom, with millions of visitors arriving in a short span of time. The growing number of foreign residents has also added pressure on immigration systems, border control, and enforcement teams. Authorities say the increased workload and staffing needs have made a fee revision unavoidable.
Another reason behind the move is to reduce incomplete or unnecessary applications. Officials hope that higher fees will encourage people to apply more carefully and responsibly. The revised charges are also expected to generate substantial revenue, which will be used to support immigration services.
For travellers and expats alike, Japan remains an exciting destination — but soon, experiencing it may come at a higher price.
