Japan Raises Visa Fees by 400%, Impacting Nigerians and Other Foreigners

Japan has approved a significant increase in visa fees for foreign nationals, representing the first major revision of its visa pricing system in nearly half a century.

The new fees, effective July 1 2026, were approved during a Cabinet meeting held on Friday. Officials said the adjustments aim to cover rising administrative costs, inflation, and changes in exchange rates that have occurred since the last review in 1978.

Under the revised structure, a single‑entry visa will cost ¥15,000 ($92.99) instead of ¥3,000 ($18.60), a 400 % increase. A multiple‑entry visa will rise from ¥6,000 to ¥30,000 ($187.97).

These new charges will apply to all visa applications filed from July 1, regardless of the applicant’s nationality.

The fee hike follows an increase in foreign visitors and residents. Government data indicate Japan had a record 4.13 million foreign residents at the end of 2025, leading to a reassessment of funding for immigration administration and related services.

Officials said the additional revenue would be directed toward strengthening immigration management systems, supporting Japanese language education programs, and addressing visa overstays and other compliance issues.

Japan is also evaluating increases in other immigration-related fees following new legislation. Proposed changes under review include higher charges for residency status changes, visa extensions, and permanent residency applications.

If approved, the fee for changing residency status or extending a stay could rise from ¥5,500–¥6,000 to as high as ¥70,000. Fees for permanent residency applications could also increase from ¥10,000 to ¥200,000 before March 2027.

Japan joins a