Japan Visa Fees Increase from July 1, 2026｜Costs After Receiving a COE
Japan Visa Fees Increase from July 1, 2026｜Costs After Receiving a COE
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan has announced that visa fees will increase for applications accepted at Japanese overseas diplomatic missions on or after July 1, 2026. The fee will be approximately ¥15,000 for a single-entry visa and approximately ¥30,000 for a multiple-entry visa. This article explains what costs may arise after receiving a Certificate of Eligibility, commonly known as a COE, and how visa fees differ from status of residence procedures handled inside Japan.
Main Point
This fee increase concerns visas issued by Japanese embassies, consulates-general, and other overseas diplomatic missions. In this article, “visa” means the entry visa issued overseas before entering Japan.
For visa applications accepted by overseas diplomatic missions on or after July 1, 2026, the fee will be approximately ¥15,000 for a single-entry visa and approximately ¥30,000 for a multiple-entry visa. As a general rule, payment is made in the local currency of the country or region where the Japanese embassy or consulate-general issuing the visa is located.
Depending on the purpose of visit and nationality, a visa fee may not be required or the amount may differ. If a visa is not issued, no visa fee is charged. If the applicant applies through an agency approved by the Japanese embassy or consulate-general, a separate agency handling fee may apply in addition to the visa fee if the visa is issued.
The Fee Increase Concerns Visas Issued Abroad
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs explains that a visa is one of the requirements for entering Japan. Visas are issued by Japanese embassies and consulates abroad. They cannot be obtained at the port of entry in Japan or while staying in Japan.
Therefore, this fee increase primarily concerns visa applications made overseas before entering Japan. It is different from change of status, extension of period of stay, or permanent residence procedures handled by the Immigration Services Agency inside Japan.
Costs That May Arise After Receiving a COE
When inviting a foreign national to Japan from overseas, many long-term stay cases start with a Certificate of Eligibility, or COE, application in Japan. However, receiving a COE does not mean that all entry procedures are complete.
After receiving a COE, the applicant abroad usually applies for a visa at a Japanese embassy or consulate-general. After the visa is issued, the applicant travels to Japan and undergoes landing examination at the port of entry.
| Stage | Possible Cost | Practical Point |
|---|---|---|
| COE application | No government fee is payable to the Immigration Services Agency for the COE application itself. | Professional fees, translation costs, certificate fees, courier fees, and other practical costs may still arise. |
| Visa application after COE issuance | For applications accepted on or after July 1, 2026, approximately ¥15,000 for a single-entry visa and approximately ¥30,000 for a multiple-entry visa. | For many work or long-term stay cases, the applicant uses the COE to apply for a visa at the Japanese embassy or consulate with jurisdiction over the applicant’s residence. |
| Using an approved agency | A separate handling fee may apply in addition to the visa fee. | Local practice differs by country or region. Some applications may be submitted directly, through a proxy, through an approved agency, or through an online system where available. |
| Additional documents, translation, courier, and travel preparation | Case-by-case. | Photos, translations, legalization or certification, courier costs, travel costs, and pre-entry screening costs may be necessary depending on the case. |
| Landing examination in Japan | This is separate from the overseas visa fee. | A visa is one requirement for landing permission. Holding a visa does not guarantee entry. The status of residence and period of stay are granted through landing permission. |
From COE to Entry into Japan
Different from Status of Residence Procedures Inside Japan
If a foreign national already in Japan wishes to change their status of residence or extend their period of stay, the application is submitted to the Immigration Services Agency of Japan. This is a different procedure from applying for a visa at a Japanese embassy or consulate abroad.
For example, change of status and extension of period of stay involve fees payable in Japan when permission is granted. By contrast, the visa fee discussed in this article relates to an overseas visa application before entry into Japan.
Japan Immigration Fees May Rise Sharply｜Renewal and Permanent Residence Fee Proposal
Points for Employers Hiring Foreign Nationals
Employers hiring foreign workers from overseas should manage not only the COE application but also the applicant’s overseas visa application schedule. If an employment start date is already planned, the COE issuance date, visa application date, visa issuance date, flight arrangements, entry date, and employment start date should be managed together.
- Who will bear professional fees and actual costs for the COE application
- Whether the overseas visa fee will be paid by the employee or the company
- Who will bear approved agency handling fees if applicable
- Which fee applies if the visa application date is around July 1, 2026
- Whether visa issuance and entry into Japan can be completed before the planned employment start date
Points for Families Inviting Relatives to Japan
The same distinction is important when a foreign resident in Japan invites a spouse or child, or when a Japanese national invites a spouse living overseas. The COE process in Japan and the visa application abroad should be checked separately.
Required documents and examination points differ depending on the intended status of residence, such as Dependent, Spouse or Child of Japanese National, Spouse or Child of Permanent Resident, or Long-Term Resident. Local procedures may also differ depending on the Japanese embassy or consulate handling the visa application.
If each family member must apply for a visa, visa fees and approved agency handling fees may arise for each person. Families should check COE-related costs, visa fees, translation and certificate costs, and travel costs together.
Need Support Inviting a Family Member or Foreign Worker to Japan?
COE applications, visa applications abroad, and status of residence procedures in Japan involve different requirements and timelines. Tommy’s Legal Service reviews each case from four practical perspectives: the applicant, the employer or host family, supporting documents, and current examination trends.
References
This article provides general information based on public information available as of June 25, 2026. Visa fees may differ depending on the purpose of visit, nationality, country or region of application, and whether an approved agency is used. Individual cases require confirmation of the COE details, applicant’s nationality and residence, local embassy or consulate practice, supporting documents, and intended timing of entry into Japan.
