Are you a hospitality worker who wants to work in Japan? Japan has a big tourism industry. Jobs like hotel receptionist, chef, or restaurant manager are in demand. In 2026, Japan is making big changes to its visa rules. From April 1, 2026, visa and residency fees will go up a lot. This is to help pay for support systems for foreign people living in Japan.
This guide explains the Japan hospitality visa fees for 2026. We compare the different tiers for workers. We also give simple tips to handle these new costs.
The 2026 Visa Fee Hike: What You’ll Actually Pay
For many years, Japan had very low fees for visas compared to other big countries like the G7 group. Now, the Immigration Services Agency (ISA) is changing this. They follow the “user-pays” idea. This means people who use the system pay more. The fees will match standards in Western countries.
Here is a simple comparison of fees. These are the expected new fees starting April 2026.
- Visa Extension or Renewal: Old fee (2025) was ¥6,000. New fee will be ¥30,000 to ¥40,000.
- Change of Status of Residence: Old fee was ¥6,000. New fee will be ¥30,000 to ¥40,000.
- Permanent Residency (PR): Old fee was ¥10,000. New fee will be over ¥100,000.
- Single-Entry Tourist Visa: Old fee was ¥3,000. New fee will be around ¥15,000.
This is a big increase, sometimes 500% or more. The government wants to use this money for better services for foreign residents.
Important Tip: If your work contract in hospitality needs a visa extension, apply before March 31, 2026. This way, you can pay the old lower fee.
Japan Hospitality Visa Tier Comparison: SSW (i) vs (ii)
Many hospitality workers come to Japan with the Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) visa. This is for the hospitality field, like accommodation (hotels) and food service (restaurants). There are two tiers: SSW (i) and SSW (ii). They have different costs, rules, and benefits.
SSW (i) – Entry Level
This tier is for beginners in hospitality. It is for jobs in hotels and restaurants.
- Costs: The application fees are lower.
- Time Limit: You can stay up to 5 years. After that, it is not easy to renew for long term.
- Requirements: You must pass a skills test for accommodation or food service. You also need a Japanese language test like JLPT N4 or JFT-Basic.
- Limitations: You cannot bring your family (spouse or children).
This tier is good if you want to start working in Japan quickly. But it is not for long-term stay or family life.
SSW (ii) – Proficient Level
This is a higher level. Japan has expanded this tier for hospitality workers recently. It is better for people who want to stay long.
- Costs: Exams and fees are higher, around ¥15,000 or more for tests.
- Benefits: You can renew the visa many times with no limit. This means you can stay in Japan for a long time.
- Family Rights: You can bring your spouse and children to live with you.
- PR Path: This tier helps you get permanent residency faster. It is like a direct way to stay forever in Japan.
If you plan to make Japan your home, aim for SSW (ii). It costs more at first but gives better future options.
Exam Fees: JLPT, JFT-Basic, and Skill Tests
Before you apply for any visa, you need to pass tests. These tests check your skills and Japanese language. You must pay for them yourself.
- Language Tests: JLPT N4 or JFT-Basic costs about ¥7,000 to ¥10,000.
- Skills Tests: The test for food service or accommodation industry costs ¥7,000 to ¥15,000. The price changes by country where you take the test.
Plan your budget for these. Tests like Prometric for hospitality fill up fast in countries like India, Nepal, and the Philippines. Check the schedule early for 2026. Book your slot as soon as possible.
Hidden Costs: The “Real” Price of Moving to Japan
The visa fee is not the only cost. There are many other expenses when you move to Japan for hospitality work.
- Certificate of Eligibility (COE) Fees: The government does not charge for COE. But if you use a lawyer or Registered Support Organization (RSO), it can cost ¥50,000 to ¥150,000.
- Departure Tax: This is in your plane ticket. It was ¥1,000. In 2026, it may go up to ¥2,000 to ¥3,000.
- Rent Setup: Many hospitality employers give cheap housing. If not, you need to pay deposits and key money. This can be ¥200,000 or more at the start.
Add all these together. The total cost to start working in Japan can be high.
FAQ: Hospitality Visas in 2026
Do hotel employers pay the new 2026 visa fees?
It depends on your contract. Big hotel companies often pay for the COE. But the worker usually pays the extension fee, which may be ¥40,000.
How much is a hospitality visa for Japan in total?
With exams, agency help, and new government fees, expect ¥120,000 to ¥200,000 (about $800 to $1,350 USD). This is to get started.
What is the cheapest way to get a Japan hospitality work visa?
If you are already in Japan on a student visa, change to a work visa. It can be cheaper. You may already know some Japanese and have local contacts.
Final Thoughts: Prepare Your Budget
The Japan Hospitality Worker Visa in 2026 costs more than before. But it gives a clear path to live and work long-term in Japan. If you go for SSW (ii), a simple job can become a real career. You can bring family and aim for permanent residency.
Plan early. Save money now. Apply before April 1, 2026, if you can, to save on fees. The tourism sector in Japan needs good workers. With good preparation, you can succeed.
Are you planning to apply soon? Think about your budget and goals. Check official sites like the Immigration Services Agency (ISA) or Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) for the latest information. This guide is for information only. Always confirm with trusted official sources before you decide.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational and educational purposes only. Readers are advised to verify details from trusted sources, such as the official Immigration Services Agency (ISA) or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) of Japan, before making decisions.