According to reports published by major Japanese newspapers such as The Asahi Shimbun and The Japan Times, the Japanese government is considering a plan to increase visa processing fees for foreign nationals after nearly 50 years of maintaining relatively low charges.
Under a budget proposal approved by the Cabinet of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, visa processing fees could be significantly adjusted. Specifically, the fee for a single-entry visa is expected to increase from around 3,000 yen to approximately 15,000 yen, while the fee for a multiple-entry visa could rise to 30,000 yen. In addition, the visa extension fee may increase from 6,000 yen to around 40,000 yen. However, these figures are still under discussion, and the Japanese government plans to collect public feedback before making a final decision.
According to available sources, the adjustment of visa fees may begin in Japan’s fiscal year 2026. Since Japan’s fiscal year typically starts in April, the new policy is likely to take effect from April 2026.
The proposed increase in visa fees is driven by several factors. First, Japan’s current visa fees are considered relatively low compared to those of other developed countries. For example, visa fees in the United States can reach approximately 185 USD, while fees in many European countries are around 90 euros. Adjusting the fees would help Japan’s immigration system align more closely with international standards.
In addition, the number of foreign residents in Japan has been rising rapidly. As of June 2025, the foreign population reached approximately 3.9 million, the highest level on record. This trend requires the government to invest more resources in immigration management systems and application screening. Furthermore, the sharp increase in international visitors after the pandemic has placed additional pressure on infrastructure in major cities such as Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka.
According to information published on the website of the Embassy of Japan in Vietnam, the current visa fees are officially announced to remain valid until March 31, 2026. Therefore, if the proposed changes are approved, the new visa fees will most likely take effect from April 2026.
Students and workers who are planning to study, participate in technical internship programs, or work in Japan are advised to closely follow official announcements in order to stay updated on visa policy changes and prepare their financial plans accordingly.
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