Japan Enacts Major Fee Hikes for Visas and Residency, Amid Shifting Immigration Landscape

The first revision to visa fees in 47 years will see single-entry costs rise from $26.50 to $132, as Japan grapples with demographic decline and a rising far-right opposition.

Visa Fee Increases Effective July 1

Beginning July 1, entry visa fees for Japan will rise significantly. According to Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi, the changes are intended to account for inflation and exchange rate fluctuations that have occurred since the fees were last set in 1978.

• The single-entry visa fee will rise from 3,000 yen (approximately $26.50) to 15,000 yen ($132).
• The multi-entry visa fee will increase from 6,000 yen ($53) to 30,000 yen ($265).

Motegi stated he does not anticipate an immediate impact on inbound tourism. Notably, travelers from 71 countries and regions, including Australia and many Western nations, are exempt from visa requirements for short-term stays (up to 90 days), meaning the fee hike primarily affects work visa applicants, working holiday-makers, and those seeking immigration to Japan.

Broader Fee Changes for Residence and Status

These increases follow the passage of a bill in Japan's Upper House in May 2025, which authorized further dramatic fee hikes for long-term residency and status changes. According to Japanese authorities, these changes bring Japan's fees closer to those of other G7 economies.

• The cap for permanent residency applications will rise from 10,000 yen to 300,000 yen.
• Fees for changing residency status or extending a stay will increase from 10,000 yen to up to 100,000 yen.

The Japan Federation of Bar Associations has described these fee increases as "radical" and expressed concern over the financial burden placed on foreign residents.

Related Policy Measures

The visa fee increase is part of a broader set of policy changes by the Takaichi government. A separate international tourist tax, attached to airfares for flights departing Japan, will triple starting July 1. Additionally, reports indicate the government is exploring stricter immigration policies, including tougher requirements for foreign property owners and caps on foreign residents.

Political Context and Public Sentiment

"Sanseito's electoral success has pushed the government to adopt stricter immigration policies." — Professor Tetsuro Kobayashi, Waseda University

Since 2024, the far-right party Sanseito has gained 15 seats in each house of Japan's parliament, becoming the fourth-largest opposition party. Professor Tetsuro Kobayashi of Waseda University stated that Sanseito's electoral success has pushed the government to adopt stricter immigration policies. Sanseito's platform includes a "Japan-first" agenda, advocating for limits on the "excessive acceptance of foreigners" and restrictions on social services for foreign residents. Kobayashi noted that the party has imported policies from the "Make America Great Again" movement and hosted speaker Charlie Kirk before his death in September 2025.

A November 2025 survey by the Asahi Shimbun found that 66% of respondents supported the government's stricter immigration policies, and 56% stated Japan needs no more immigrants or visitors.

Reports of Rising Tensions

Nikki Maruschak, who moved to Japan in 2019, reported an increase in 'butsukari' (intentional bumping or pushing) in public spaces, with some perpetrators telling her to 'go back to your country.' In March 2024, a man shoved her at a subway station; police identified the assailant from CCTV, and he apologized. Maruschak's partner, Miguel Carmichael, also reported being searched by police following the incident. He said he perceives a tangible shift in attitudes toward foreigners.

Demographic and Economic Pressures

Japan faces significant demographic challenges. The birth rate was 1.14 births per woman in 2025. The population peaked at approximately 128 million in the 2010s and has since declined by about 5 million. The Japan International Cooperation Agency estimates that the country will need 6.74 million foreign workers by 2040 to maintain economic growth.

Foreign residents currently make up approximately 3% of Japan's population. For comparison, approximately 32% of Australia's population was born overseas.

Tourism and Overtourism

Japan recorded 42.6 million inbound visitors in 2025 and has set a target of attracting 60 million annual visitors by 2030. Professor Kobayashi noted growing public concern about overtourism, with some local authorities implementing measures such as tourist taxes. As of June 2025, nearly 12,000 Australians resided in Japan.

Public Preferences on Immigration Source

A 2026 Stanford University survey found preferences among Japanese respondents for immigrants from specific countries:

• 55% favored immigrants from the United States and Germany.
• 51% favored immigrants from Vietnam.
• 48% favored immigrants from South Korea.
• 37-39% favored immigrants from China.