JAPAN PLANS TO INCREASE VISA FEES IN 2026

Since the pandemic, demand for Japanese visas among Vietnamese citizens has continued to rise sharply, leading to many notable changes in visa assessment policies and related costs. Recently, the Japanese government announced plans to increase visa fees starting in 2026, with the proposed increase considered significant compared to current levels.

This information has raised concerns for many applicants: Can submitting an application early help reduce costs? What should be prepared now to avoid being caught off guard when the new policy officially takes effect?
The article below aims to clarify these questions.

Why Is Japan Raising Visa Fees After Nearly 50 Years?

After nearly half a century of maintaining some of the lowest visa and residence-related fees among developed countries, Japan has officially planned a substantial increase in visa and immigration fees beginning in fiscal year 2026.

This decision has attracted considerable attention from the international community, particularly Vietnamese nationals—the second-largest foreign population in Japan.

So why has Japan decided to raise visa fees after almost 50 years, and how will this change affect applicants?
HOCHIEUvisa provides a detailed analysis below:

– Japan’s visa fees are far below international standards:

Since 1978, Japan’s immigration administrative fees have remained largely unchanged. Currently: Single-entry Japanese visa: approximately 3,000 yen (~USD 20). In comparison: United States: USD 185, United Kingdom: GBP 127, Schengen Area: ~EUR 90

Increasing visa fees will allow Japan to align more closely with G7 and OECD standards, while also reflecting the actual operating costs of a modern immigration system.

– Overtourism after the pandemic: 

Following COVID-19, international arrivals to Japan reached record highs, placing significant pressure on:

• Urban infrastructure

• The environment

• The quality of life of local residents in Kyoto, Tokyo, and Osaka

Additional revenue generated from higher visa fees and departure taxes will be reinvested to:

• Manage tourist crowds

• Protect natural and cultural landscapes

• Promote sustainable tourism development

– Record-high number of foreign residents

As of June 2025, Japan recorded nearly 4 million foreign residents, the highest figure in its history.

This surge has forced the government to:

• Modernize border screening systems (including JESTA)

• Improve visa processing capacity

• Strengthen control over more than 70,000 cases of illegal overstays

− Investment in a multicultural society

Revenue from increased visa fees will be used to:

• Fund Japanese-language education programs

• Support social integration initiatives for foreign residents

This approach helps avoid placing additional financial burdens on Japanese citizens amid rising inflation.

− Improving immigration administrative efficiency

Japan is also considering charging visa fees at the time of application submission, rather than only upon visa approval.

The objectives are to:

• Reduce speculative or “ghost” applications

• Save administrative resources

• Enhance transparency and processing efficiency

Proposed Japanese Visa Fee Increases from 2026

How Will the Japanese Visa Fee Increase Affect Vietnamese Citizens?

− Increased financial burden on workers and students

• Fees for visa extensions or changes of residence status (for engineers, trainees, and students) are expected to rise from 6,000 yen to approximately 40,000 yen (equivalent to over VND 6.6 million).

• Permanent residence (PR) application fees may increase from 10,000 yen to over 100,000 yen, potentially reaching 300,000 yen.

This represents a significant financial challenge, particularly for:

• Technical interns

• International students

• Low- to middle-income workers, including assistant language teachers (ALTs)

− Sharp increases in travel and family visit costs

• Short-term visa fees are expected to rise from 3,000 yen to 10,000–15,000 yen, aligning with G7 standards.

• The departure tax is also expected to triple, reaching approximately 3,300 yen per departure.

The Japanese government is considering non-refundable application fees, similar to policies in the U.S. and Europe. This means Vietnamese applicants may lose the visa fee even if their application is rejected.

− Stricter residency and legal requirements

Residency conditions and legal compliance requirements are expected to become more stringent.

− Possible changes in corporate visa policies

Many Japanese companies may:

• Reduce visa-related support

• Require employees to cover part or all of the increased visa fees themselves

What Should You Do Before the New Japanese Visa Fee Schedule Takes Effect?

The 2026 Japanese visa fee increase is not merely a cost adjustment—it represents a major turning point in Japan’s immigration policy. With some fees increasing by 10 to 30 times, submitting your application early is the most financially prudent strategy.

Do not wait until:

• The new fee schedule officially takes effect

• Immigration regulations become stricter

HO CHIEU VISA A CHAU is ready to support you by:

• Optimizing your application

• Increasing approval success rates

• Securing the final window of preferential fees before the increase

📩 Contact HO CHIEU VISA A CHAU today to make your journey to Japan more affordable, secure, and seamless.