BAL Japan

Japan | Fee increases and startup visa stay duration extensions

Japanese authorities are raising key immigration application fees as well as extending the stay duration for the startup visa under the designated activities category.

Key Points:

  • The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced a proposal to revise various immigration fees.
  • Travelers from certain countries may be eligible for an exemption from visa fees.
  • Effective April 1, the Immigration Service Agency (ISA) will raise government fees for immigration applications as follows:
Type of application Current fee New fee(physical filing) New fee(online filing)
Change of Status/ Extension of Period of Stay 4,000 yen (about US$25) 6,000 yen (about US$38) 5,500 yen (about US$35)
Permanent Residency 8,000 yen (about US$51) 10,000 yen (about US$63) 10,000 yen (about US$63)
Multiple Re-entry Permit 6,000 yen (about US$38) 7,000 yen (about US$44) 6,500 yen (about US$41)
Certificate of Authorized Employment (CAE) 1,200 yen (about US$8) 2,000 yen (about US$13) 1,600 yen (about US$10)

Additional Information: Visa fees are revised on April 1 each year and waived for certain nationalities. In principle, multiple-entry visas are issued only to nationals of countries that have reciprocal arrangements with Japan.

In addition, ISA is extending the stay duration for the startup visa under the designated activities category to two years. The six-month startup visa previously was only allowed for renewal once, for a total maximum stay up to one year. The total stay duration has now been extended to two years; however, the six-month visa period is unchanged.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice Group.

Copyright © 2025 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries, please contact copyright@bal.com.

More immigration news

See More