Japan to Raise Visa Fees for Tourists and Immigrants as Part of Economic Strategy, Here’s All You Need to Know

Published on November 21, 2025

Despite a surge in foreign residents and tourists, Japan has opted to have the highest fees in the world when it comes to visas and is hoping to raise its fees to the averages in the west. This is part of a set of economic strategies Japan has implemented to combat the issues of immigration while also raising fees in the most foreign tourists who will have little choice but to pay these intrusive fees. The planned visa increases will come to fruition in fiscal year 2026.

Higher Visa Fees for Foreign Residents: What to Expect

Foreign nationals residing in Japan are set to see a substantial increase in the fees for extending or changing their residential status. Currently, the fee for visa extensions is ¥6,000 (approximately $38), but reports suggest that the government intends to raise this fee five- to sixfold, potentially reaching ¥30,000 to ¥40,000. Similarly, the fee for applying for permanent residency, which is currently ¥10,000, will see a massive hike, exceeding ¥100,000, according to government sources.

These planned increases are part of Japan’s strategy to bring visa fees closer to those charged in Western countries. In comparison, visa renewal fees in the United States typically range between $420 and $470, while in Germany, they range from €93 ($107) to €98. Japan’s decision to raise fees comes on the heels of an earlier increase in April 2025, which saw the fee for residential status extensions rise from ¥4,000 to ¥6,000 and the fee for permanent residency applications increase from ¥8,000 to ¥10,000—the first fee hike in 44 years.

The Purpose Behind the Fee Increases

The primary goal of these fee increases is to align Japan’s visa-related fees with global standards and to address the growing number of foreign residents in the country. As of June 2025, Japan had a record 3.96 million foreign residents, with Chinese nationals comprising the largest group. With foreign nationals increasingly becoming a larger part of the population, the government aims to ensure that the costs of processing their immigration applications and residency status are covered, particularly as the demand for visa-related services continues to grow.

The additional revenue generated from the fee increases will be allocated to improving the processing systems for foreign residents, as well as enhancing Japanese language programs and deportation efforts for illegal overstayers. Japan currently has over 70,000 illegal overstayers, a situation the government is seeking to address with more robust immigration enforcement.

Impact on Chinese Nationals and Other Immigrant Groups

Chinese nationals, who make up the largest group of foreign residents in Japan, will likely be the most affected by these proposed fee increases. As Japan continues to rely heavily on Chinese labor and talent, these higher costs could be seen as a financial burden on the immigrant community. Critics of the fee hike worry that such moves could discourage potential immigrants from settling in Japan, especially those who are seeking to bring their families or apply for long-term residency.

These changes also signal a shift in Japan’s immigration policy, which has traditionally been relatively restrictive. With Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s hard-line stance on immigration, the fee hikes align with broader national strategies aimed at controlling the inflow of foreign nationals while ensuring that those who do settle in Japan contribute financially.

Tourism Sector Hit by Rising Visa Fees

In addition to increasing fees for foreign residents, Japan is also planning to raise the visa fee for inbound tourists. Currently, tourists applying for a single-entry visa pay ¥3,000 (about $19), but this fee is expected to rise in the coming fiscal year to match the higher fees seen in Western countries. Short-term stay visa fees in the U.S. are currently set at $185, and in the U.K., the fee is £127 ($166). By raising Japan’s visa fee to align with these Western standards, the government hopes to generate additional revenue to support measures addressing overtourism and other tourism-related issues.

The increase in visa fees for tourists may have a two-fold impact on Japan’s travel industry. On one hand, higher fees could lead to increased revenue, helping to fund initiatives designed to manage overtourism in the country’s most popular destinations. On the other hand, these higher costs could discourage some potential visitors, particularly those from countries where the cost of traveling to Japan is already high.

The Focus on Overtourism and Sustainable Tourism Management

Japan’s decision to raise tourist visa fees is closely tied to its efforts to combat overtourism, a growing issue in popular tourist destinations like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. These cities have seen an influx of international visitors in recent years, and the Japanese government has been working to implement sustainable tourism measures to ensure that the country’s cultural and natural resources are preserved.

Increased revenue from higher visa fees is expected to be allocated toward these initiatives, which could include investments in infrastructure, better management of tourist flows, and enhanced marketing of less-visited regions. This focus on overtourism aligns with broader global trends in tourism, where countries are increasingly looking to balance economic benefits with environmental and cultural sustainability.

The Potential Impact on Japan’s Global Competitiveness as a Tourist Destination

While Japan’s cultural appeal and economic strength have made it a popular destination for travelers from around the world, the increase in visa fees could potentially reduce its competitiveness against other Asian and global destinations. Countries like South Korea, Thailand, and Singapore have made significant strides in attracting tourists with lower visa fees and more streamlined entry processes.

As visa fees rise in Japan, travelers may begin to consider alternative destinations in the region that offer similar cultural experiences and attractions at a lower cost. This is particularly relevant for budget-conscious travelers who prioritize affordability when choosing a destination.

Additionally, higher visa fees could have an impact on Japan’s domestic tourism industry, especially if tourists opt for shorter stays or decide to visit other countries in the region with lower travel costs. Japan will need to ensure that the higher visa fees are balanced by continued investment in infrastructure and tourism services that justify the additional costs for travelers.

Japan’s Visa Fee Hike and Its Long-Term Implications

Raising visa fees for foreign residents and inbound tourists marks the change in Japan’s policy on immigration and tourism for the government. Japan prioritizes the funding of immigration services and management of overtourism. Japan may lose and/or gain competitiveness in the global tourism market for resident access and visitors gained.

Japan’s increasing foreign residents and tourists may see the balance on Japan’s global tourism competitiveness in raising fees with the open and welcoming atmosphere for visitors. In the following fiscal year, the rapid changes in immigration and tourism in Japan policy will transform international travel and residency in Japan for a long time.