Cost breakdown for the Japanese Working Holiday Visa

Redaccion Volare | March 6, 2026

Although the mobility agreement with Japan is one of the most economically accessible, there are administrative differences depending on the applicant's passport. It is essential to consider that the Japanese fiscal year begins on April 1st, the date on which fees are updated and, for 2026, increases in management charges are expected.

When planning the budget for the Japan Working Holiday program, applicants must distinguish between the consular fee (the cost of the visa itself) and the operational expenses of the process. Most bilateral agreements exempt the visa fee, but certain countries operate under different rules.

Below, we detail the cost breakdown according to nationality:

1. Group 1: Free (No consular fee)

Nationalities: Germany, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Canada, South Korea, Denmark, Slovakia, Spain, Estonia, Finland, France, Hong Kong, Hungary, Ireland, Iceland, Latvia, Norway, New Zealand, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Czech Republic, Sweden, Taiwan, and Uruguay.

• Cost: Free. No consular fees are charged for the application or the issuance of the visa. Costs are limited exclusively to personal expenses of the process (photographs, transportation, etc.).

2. Group 2: Free with management fees (VFS Global)

Nationalities: Lithuania and Malta.

• Cost: Free (regarding the Consular Fee). However, as it is managed through external centers, a mandatory service fee must be paid to the VFS Global processing center at the time of submitting the documents.

3. Group 3: Cases with Specific Fees

There are nationalities that, due to reciprocity agreements, must pay a fee for the issuance of the visa:

• Chile: Approximately CLP 19,000. The exact amount is confirmed at the time of the process according to the official exchange rate of the consulate on that day.

• Luxembourg: Approximately 18 EUR. Fee subject to annual review every April 1st.

• United Kingdom: Approximately £23. Payment must generally be made in cash at the consular section at the time of issuance.

Mandatory additional expenses

It is important to warn that the costs for medical exams, criminal record certificates, and sworn translations (in cases where the consulate requires them) are always at the applicant's expense. These external services are not included in the cost of the visa and vary significantly depending on the country of origin.

Note on the Fiscal Calendar: The upcoming April 1st, 2026, marks the start of the new administrative period in Japan. Applicants with appointments scheduled near this date are recommended to check for possible last-minute adjustments to the aforementioned fees.

To learn about bank requirements and the step-by-step process, consult our Japan Working Holiday Visa guide.