Japan has announced a comprehensive set of immigration policy adjustments. A key highlight is the introduction of visa fee exemptions for travellers from a wide range of designated countries and regions.
This includes nations across North America (like USA, Canada), Central and South America (e.g., Bahamas, Mexico), Africa (e.g., Lesotho, Mauritius), Asia (including Bangladesh, Korea, Malaysia, Pakistan, Philippines, Hong Kong, Macao), Europe (a comprehensive list including Germany, France, Italy, UK, and many more), the Middle East (Jordan), and Oceania (Australia, New Zealand).
For citizens of these specified countries, obtaining a Japanese visa will now be free of charge, significantly reducing travel barriers and making Japan a more accessible destination for tourism, business, and cultural exchange.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has also revised various immigration application fees for nationals not included in the fee exemption list. These updated fees, effective immediately, apply to critical immigration processes such as applications for Change of Status (from 4,000 JPY to 5,500 JPY for online filing and 6,000 JPY for physical filing), Extension of Period of Stay (similar fee increases), Permanent Residency (from 8,000 JPY to 10,000 JPY for both online and physical filing), Multiple Re-entry Permits (from 6,000 JPY to 6,500 JPY online and 7,000 JPY physical), and Certificates of Authorized Employment (from 1,200 JPY to 1,600 JPY online and 2,000 JPY physical).
Furthermore, the Immigration Service Agency (ISA) has announced a notable extension to the stay duration for startup visa holders in Japan. Previously, this visa allowed for an initial six-month stay with a single renewal option, totalling one year. Under the new regulations, the total permissible stay duration for startup visa holders has been extended to two years. While the individual visa period remains six months, the ability to renew it more times effectively doubles the total time entrepreneurs have to establish and grow their businesses within Japan.
