The Government of Japan has announced a significant increase in visa fees for Nigerians and other foreign nationals, marking the first adjustment in nearly five decades.
According to Japan Times, the decision was approved at a Cabinet meeting on Friday and represents the first revision of visa charges since 1978.
Under the new structure, effective July 1, the fee for a single-entry visa will rise from ¥3,000 ($18.60) to ¥15,000 ($92.99), while a multiple-entry visa will increase from ¥6,000 ($37.20) to ¥30,000 ($187.97).
Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi explained that the revision was necessary to reflect inflation and exchange rate fluctuations over the years. He added that the government does not expect the changes to have an immediate impact on inbound tourism.
Legislative Backing
- Last month, Japan’s Upper House passed a bill authorising visa-related fee increases of up to 30 times current levels.
- The measure, which had earlier cleared the Lower House in April, is intended to generate additional revenue to cover administrative costs associated with Japan’s growing foreign population.
- The statutory upper limit for residency status changes and extensions has been raised from ¥10,000 ($63) to ¥100,000, while the cap for permanent residency applications has been increased to ¥300,000.
Proposed Adjustments
- Fees for residency status changes and extensions will rise from ¥5,500–¥6,000 to between ¥10,000 and ¥70,000.
- Permanent residency application fees will increase from ¥10,000 to ¥200,000.
- These changes are expected to be fully implemented before the end of the next fiscal year, March 31, 2027.
Officials say the additional revenue will be used to manage Japan’s record 4.13 million foreign residents (as of end-2025), expand Japanese-language education programmes, and strengthen measures against illegal overstayers. The government also noted that the revised fees will bring Japan’s visa and residency charges closer in line with those of Western countries.
