Planning to work in Japan requires understanding the costs involved in your visa application. While Japan welcomes skilled foreign workers, the visa process comes with several fees that vary based on different factors. This guide will help you understand what fees you need to pay, when to pay them, and how to avoid unexpected costs during your application process.
General Fees
When you apply for a work visa to Japan, you need to pay different types of fees. These fees are separate charges that serve different purposes in the visa application process. Understanding each fee type helps you prepare the correct payment amounts and avoid delays in your application.
Standard Visa Application Fee
The standard visa application fee is the main cost you pay to the Japanese government for processing your visa request. For work visas and other long-term stays in Japan, a single-entry visa costs approximately 3,000 yen, while a double-entry or multiple-entry visa costs around 6,000 yen. The reason for this price difference is that multiple-entry visas give you more flexibility and require additional administrative processing. [2]
The fee may differ based on your nationality. Some countries have agreements with Japan that waive the visa fee completely. For example, United States citizens do not pay visa fees. Japanese embassies collect fees in the local currency of that country, not in Japanese yen. One positive aspect is that you only pay if your visa is approved—rejected applications do not require payment of the government visa fee. [3] [2]
Additional Service Charges
Beyond the standard visa fee, you may encounter additional service charges from third-party organizations. Many Japanese embassies work with Visa Application Centers (such as VFS Global) to handle visa applications. These centers charge a service fee for their administrative work, typically ranging from 800 to 1,000 in local currency (approximately 10-15 USD). This service charge is non-refundable, even if your visa application is rejected. [4]
Late Payment Penalties
Japan’s visa system does not typically impose late payment penalties. You must pay the visa fee when you collect your approved visa, not when you submit your application. The embassy requires payment in cash only—credit cards and personal checks are not accepted in most locations. [3]
Fees for the Documentation
Preparing documents for your Japan work visa involves additional costs beyond the visa fee itself. Many documents require professional translation, official authentication, or certified courier services.
Translation and Certification Costs
Documents not in Japanese or English must be professionally translated. Professional translation companies charge between 3,000 to 5,000 yen per page for standard documents. Some embassies may require notarization of translations, which adds approximately 5,000 to 10,000 yen per document.
Document Authentication Fees
Authentication proves that official seals and signatures on your documents are genuine. Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs provides apostille and authentication services free of charge. However, documents from private institutions like universities often need notarization first, are free of charge when obtained from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. [1]
Postal and Courier Charges
Visa application centers often offer courier return services for your passport after processing, and if your sponsor in Japan needs to mail your Certificate of Eligibility overseas, you can expect to pay a slightly higher fee. That said, this is highly dependent on the country of origin, and therefore should be checked on an individual basis.
Differences Between Visa Types
While the Japanese government sets standard visa fee amounts, the actual costs you pay can vary depending on which type of visa you apply for. Each visa type also involves additional expenses beyond the basic government fee.
Work Visa Fee Breakdown
Work visas follow the standard government fee structure: 3,000 yen for single-entry and 6,000 yen for multiple-entry visas, regardless of your profession. The government’s Certificate of Eligibility (COE), which your employer must obtain before you can apply for your work visa, comes at no charge. However, work visa applicants face several additional costs including visa application center service charges (varies by local currency) and document authentication (5,000-15,000 yen per document if required). [1]
| Work Visa Cost Component | Approximate Cost | Notes |
| Certificate of Eligibility (COE) | Free | Processed by employer/sponsor in Japan |
| Single-Entry Work Visa Fee | 3,000 yen | Standard government fee |
| Multiple-Entry Work Visa Fee | 6,000 yen | For multiple entries during validity period |
| Visa Application Center Service Fee | Varies by location | Please check with local offices |
Long-Term Stay Visa Fees
Long-term stay visas include dependent visas, cultural activity visas, and spouse visas. These follow the same government fee structure (3,000 yen single-entry, 6,000 yen multiple-entry), but total costs differ based on documentation requirements. Dependent visas require proof of family relationships through translated and authenticated civil documents. Spouse visas involve more complex documentation proving genuine marriage relationships, increasing translation and authentication costs significantly.
Student Visa Fee Structure
Student visas carry the same government fees: approximately 3,000 yen for single-entry visas and 6,000 yen for multiple-entry visas. The Certificate of Eligibility is free, with universities handling the COE application. Immigration authorities require proof of approximately 2 million yen in available funds, with translation costs typically adding 3,000 to 10,000 yen to application expenses.
Differences by Country
Japan’s visa fee system treats applicants differently based on their nationality due to bilateral agreements and international relationships.
Why Do Costs Differ Based on Country?
The main reason visa costs differ comes from bilateral agreements between countries. When Japan and another country create these agreements, they often waive visa fees for each other’s citizens. This policy is called reciprocity. Currency conversion also affects costs—while Japan sets the base fee in yen, embassies collect payment in local currency, so the exact amount depends on exchange rates.
What Countries Have Different Costs?
Japan maintains visa fee exemptions with numerous countries. The following countries and regions all enjoy fee exemptions based on bilateral agreements.
| NORTH AMERICA | USA, Canada |
| ASIA | Bangradesh, Korea, Malaysia, Pakistan, Philippines*, British Nationals Overseas (HongKong), Hong Kong S.A.R., Macao S.A.R. |
| CENTRAL & SOUTH AMERICA | Bahamas, Barbados, Colombia, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Honduras, Mexico, Suriname |
| EUROPE | Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estoia, Georgia, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz, Luxembourg, Latvia, Lithuania, Macedonia, Malta, Moldova, Monaco, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania**, Russia, San Marino, Slovak, Slovania, Spain, Sweden, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan |
| MIDDLE EAST | Jordan |
| OCEANIA | Australia, New Zealand |
| AFRICA | Lesotho, Mauritius |
Service charges at visa application centers are separate from government fees and apply to all applicants, even those from fee-exempt countries. [4]
Other Exemptions for Visa Fees
Miyagi, Fukushima, and Iwate Prefectures
Japan offers special visa fee waivers for applicants who will visit, live, work, or study in Miyagi, Fukushima, or Iwate prefectures. These prefectures were heavily affected by the 2011 earthquake and tsunami. The fee waiver program continues through March 31, 2026. To qualify, you must prove your destination by submitting hotel reservations, employment contracts, university admission letters, or train tickets showing travel to these prefectures. [7]
Single Entry, Double Entry, and Transit
The number of times you can enter Japan with your visa directly affects the fee you pay.
Single Entry Visa Fees
A single-entry visa costs approximately 3,000 yen and allows you to enter Japan one time only. Most work visa applicants choose single-entry visas because they intend to remain in Japan continuously. If you need to leave Japan temporarily, you must apply for a re-entry permit at the Immigration Services Agency. [8]
Double or Multiple Entry Fees
Double-entry and multiple-entry visas cost approximately 6,000 yen. Multiple-entry visas benefit business travelers who need to attend international conferences or workers who travel frequently. The higher fee reflects the administrative processing required and the increased flexibility this visa type provides.
Transit Visa Costs
Transit visas cost only 700 yen and allow travelers to pass through Japan while traveling to a third country. These visas are valid for a maximum of 15 days. You need a transit visa only if you must leave the airport during your layover. [9] [10]
Where Do I Pay?
Understanding where and how to pay your Japan visa fee is essential for completing your application successfully.
Payment at Embassies or Consulates
When you apply in person at a Japanese embassy or consulate, you pay the visa fee when you pick up your approved visa, not when you submit your application. Most Japanese embassies accept only cash payments in the local currency. Personal checks, credit cards, and debit cards are not accepted for traditional paper visa applications. Some embassies may accept money orders or cashier’s checks, but verify these options beforehand. [3]
Online Payment Options
Japan introduced JAPAN eVISA in 2023, which includes online payment options. This system currently accepts applications only for single-entry short-term tourist visas from residents of specific countries including Australia, Brazil, Cambodia, Canada, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Taiwan, the United Kingdom, and the United States. For eVISA applications, credit card payment is mandatory. The system does not yet support work visas or student visas. [12] [13]
Dispelling Myths
Several misconceptions exist about Japan work visa fees that can cause confusion.
Overinflated Costs
Some sources claim Japan work visa applications cost thousands of dollars. This is false. The standard government visa fee is only 3,000 yen for single-entry work visas and 6,000 yen for multiple-entry visas—approximately 22 to 44 US dollars. While additional costs exist for potential translations or authentication, total expense rarely exceeds a few hundred dollars for most applicants.
Visa Agents Can Reduce Fees
No visa agent or immigration lawyer can reduce the government visa fee set by Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The visa fee is fixed by law. Agents who claim discounted visa fees are misrepresenting their services or referring only to their own service charges, not the government fee.
COE Does Not Equal Visa
Many applicants mistakenly believe that receiving a Certificate of Eligibility guarantees they will receive a visa and can enter Japan. This is incorrect. The COE is only a prerequisite document. The Japanese embassy still reviews your visa application independently and can reject it even with a valid COE. Additionally, immigration officers at the port of entry have final authority to grant or deny landing permission. [14]
FAQ
How much does a Japan work visa cost?
The government visa fee is approximately 3,000 yen (around 22 USD) for single-entry work visas and 6,000 yen (around 44 USD) for multiple-entry work visas. Other costs will be incurred for services fees, but these are generally negligible compared to the visa application fee itself. Translation and authentication may also be needed, but varies on case. The Certificate of Eligibility is free.
Do I need to pay if my application is rejected?
No. You only pay the government visa fee if your visa application is approved. However, service charges paid to visa application centers are non-refundable.
Can I pay by credit card?
Most Japanese embassies accept only cash payments for traditional paper visa applications. However, if you apply through JAPAN eVISA (currently available only for short-term tourist visas from specific countries), you must pay by credit card online. [3] [12]
Does my nationality affect the visa fee?
Yes. Citizens of many countries including the United States, Canada, most EU nations, Australia, New Zealand, and South Korea are exempt from paying visa fees due to bilateral agreements with Japan.
How long does visa processing take?
After you submit your visa application with your Certificate of Eligibility, processing typically takes 5 business days. However, some cases may take several weeks or months if additional consultation or documents are needed. [15]
What happens if I lose my Certificate of Eligibility?
Contact your sponsor in Japan immediately. They can apply for a replacement COE from the Immigration Bureau. If you have an electronic copy, you can use a printed copy for your visa application.
Conclusion
Understanding the fees associated with Japan work visa applications removes uncertainty and helps you budget effectively. While the government visa fee is relatively modest—3,000 yen for single-entry or 6,000 yen for multiple-entry visas—total costs include various additional expenses based on your situation.
The most important factors affecting your total visa costs are your nationality, required document translations and authentication, whether you use visa application centers, and your destination within Japan. Citizens of countries with bilateral agreements enjoy complete fee exemptions for the government visa charge. Documentation costs for translation and authentication can add several hundred dollars to your budget.
Remember that the Certificate of Eligibility is free and you only pay the government visa fee if your application is approved. Service charges from visa application centers are non-refundable regardless of outcome. Plan your timeline carefully, as visas are typically valid for only three months from issuance, and allow sufficient time for COE processing (one to three months). By understanding these costs upfront and preparing the correct payment methods, you can navigate the visa application process smoothly.
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