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:

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.