Updated September 26, 2026. This page separates consular visas, residence permissions and residence-card procedures because they follow different rules.
Two fee changes, two different procedures
| Procedure | Application timing | Published fee or rule |
|---|---|---|
| Single-entry visa issued by an overseas mission | Accepted from July 1, 2026 | Approximately ¥15,000 |
| Multiple-entry visa issued by an overseas mission | Accepted from July 1, 2026 | Approximately ¥30,000 |
| Change or extension of residence status | Accepted from October 1, 2026 | Fee varies with the period granted; the online fee schedule runs from ¥10,000 for three months or less to ¥65,000 for five years or more, before payment-processing charges |
| Permanent-residence permission | Accepted from October 1, 2026 | ¥200,000, up from ¥10,000 |
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ visa-fee notice describes the first two fees as approximate yen equivalents. Payment is generally in the local currency of the issuing mission. Nationality, purpose of travel and exemptions can change the amount; an approved agency may also charge a separate handling fee.
The Immigration Services Agency’s online fee schedule covers residence permissions. It also explains that applications accepted by September 30, 2026 use the old fee even when permission is granted after October 1. The agency’s in-person payment guidance lists the permanent-residence fee and the applicable counter fees. Anyone budgeting for a particular case should check the application channel and the period likely to be granted.
A residence-card validity renewal is a different procedure from an extension of residence status. The agency says issuance of a card following a validity renewal or a status extension generally does not carry a separate card-issuance fee; a voluntary exchange of a card is treated differently. The earlier version of this article conflated these procedures. See the agency’s residence-card FAQ.
What the visa increase could mean for travelers
For four people who all need single-entry visas and pay the standard fee, the consular charge rises from about ¥12,000 to about ¥60,000 in total, an increase of about ¥48,000. This is a fee calculation, not a forecast of fewer trips. Some travelers are visa-exempt, while others have different fee rules. Exchange rates, agency fees and the rest of the trip budget also matter.
The useful question for tourism businesses is whether booking and repeat-visit data change among travelers who actually need a visa. A fall in total visitor numbers cannot be inferred from the fee increase alone.
What employers should budget for
For an employer that reimburses residence-permission fees, the direct incremental cost depends on three things: the number of affected employees, how often they apply, and the period granted. A longer permitted stay can carry a higher fee per application while reducing the frequency of renewals. Add administrative or professional-service costs only when the employer actually bears them.
The higher permanent-residence fee may also matter to an employee deciding whether to apply. It is a one-time permission fee, not an annual charge for all foreign employees. The Immigration Services Agency describes possible reductions or waivers for eligible applicants, subject to its conditions; its fee FAQ also explains the September 30 application cutoff.
For investors, the business question is narrower than “higher fees hurt Japan.” Check whether a company pays these costs, how many employees are affected, and whether hiring, turnover or service capacity actually changes. Without that evidence, claims about profit or competitiveness remain scenarios.