Japanese passport fees explained
Japan introduced lower passport prices on July 1, 2026, following revisions to the Passport Act. The new system simplified passport pricing and reduced the cost of online applications. In this guide, you'll find the current Japan passport fees, required documents, and payment procedures.
Table of contents
- How much does a Japanese passport cost?
- Who can get a 10-year or 5-year Japanese passport?
- Online vs. in-person passport application: Which is cheaper?
- When and how do you pay the passport fee?
- Documents required for Japanese passport application
- Get a passport-sized photo for a Japanese passport online!
- Why did Japan change passport fees?
How much does a Japanese passport cost?
The fee for a Japanese passport depends on the applicant's age, the passport's validity period, and whether you apply online or at a passport office. The following prices apply to applications submitted on or after July 1, 2026:
| Passport type | Applicant age | Online application | In-person application |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10-year passport | 18 and older | ¥8,900 (about $55) | ¥9,300 (about $58) |
| 5-year passport | Under 18 | ¥4,400 (about $27) | ¥4,800 (about $30) |
The cost of Japanese passport renewal is equivalent to the cost of applying for a new passport.
Who can get a 10-year or 5-year Japanese passport?
Japan introduced new passport eligibility rules on July 1, 2026, changing which passport validity periods are available by age. Adults can no longer choose a 5-year passport, while minors remain eligible only for that option. Here is a quick summary:
- 10-year passport: Available to Japanese citizens aged 18 and older.
- 5-year passport: Available only to Japanese citizens under 18.
Note on age calculation: Japanese law considers you to reach the age of 18 on the day before your 18th birthday. If you apply close to your birthday, this rule may affect which passport you can receive.
Online vs. in-person passport application: Which is cheaper?
The way you apply affects the cost of your Japanese passport. Eligible applicants who submit their application online pay slightly less than those who apply at a passport office. Below, you'll find the current fees for both methods.
Online application:
- 10-year passport: ¥8,900 (about $55)
- 5-year passport: ¥4,400 (about $27)
In-person application:
- 10-year passport: ¥9,300 (about $58)
- 5-year passport: ¥4,800 (about $30)
The online fee is ¥400 lower for every passport type. The same difference applies whether you apply in Japan or through a Japanese embassy or consulate abroad.
Applying online also reduces the number of office visits. If you use the My Number Portal, you usually only need to visit the passport office once – to collect your new passport.
When and how do you pay the passport fee?
You do not pay the passport fee when you submit your application. Instead, payment is made after your application has been processed and before you receive your new passport. The available payment methods depend on whether you applied online or in person.
Online application
If you apply online, you pay after your application has been approved and before passport collection. The My Number Portal sends you a payment notification with instructions.
You can usually pay:
- by credit card (you may need to register your card in advance);
- or through the designated online payment system.
In-person application
If you apply at a passport office, you pay when you collect your passport. The payment options vary by prefecture or municipality.
Common payment methods include:
- Cashless payment: Many offices accept electronic payment through ticket machines or payment slips that can be used at convenience stores.
- Cash: Some passport offices still accept cash at the counter.
- Revenue stamps: Some offices continue to accept revenue stamps, but this payment method is being phased out. In several prefectures, stamp sales have already ended, and existing stamps may only remain valid until the end of September 2026. Check the rules at your local passport office before making payment.
Documents required for Japanese passport application
The basic documents are largely the same whether you apply online or in person. The main difference is how you submit them: online submissions require digital uploads, while in-person submissions require original documents and paper forms.
Core documents required for all applicants
These documents are required for both first-time applications and renewals:
| Document | Online | In-person |
|---|---|---|
| Passport application form | Complete the form via My Number Portal. | Complete the paper form in black ink at home or at the passport office and submit the signed original. |
| Recent passport photo | Upload a 730 × 600-pixel JPG photo taken within the last six months. Also, upload a photo of your signature written in black ink on plain white paper. | Attach one 35 × 45 mm photo taken within the last six months to the application form. |
| Identity document | Log in with your My Number Card, which must have a valid digital certificate and active PIN. | Present an original valid ID, such as a My Number Card or Japanese driver's license. |
| Family Register (Koseki Tohon) | Usually not required because the system verifies the information electronically. | Submit an original certificate issued within the last six months when required, such as for an expired or lost passport or after a legal name change. |
| Current or expired passport | Required for online Japan passport renewal. | Present your passport when renewing. |
| Proof of residence status | Required if applicable. | Required if applicable. |
Additional documents for minors
Applicants under 18 may need to provide extra documents. For some online applications, additional requirements also apply to applicants aged 15–17.
- Parental or guardian consent: A parent or legal guardian must sign the form. If they cannot attend in person, a separate Letter of Consent may be required.
- Parent's identity document: For in-person applications, the passport office may ask to see a parent's passport or other valid ID.
Get a passport-sized photo for a Japanese passport online!
A compliant photo is required when applying for a Japanese passport. With Visafoto, a trusted online passport photo service, you can create one from home in just a few minutes – without visiting a photo studio. Follow these two steps:
- Upload a photo taken in natural daylight to the Visafoto tool below.
- Select the country and document type (for example, Japan, passport).
That's all you need to do! Visafoto automatically adjusts your photo to match the official Japanese passport requirements, including the correct size, background, and head position. You'll receive both a digital photo for online submissions and a print-ready template.
If needed, Visafoto also enhances image quality. It can improve lighting, increase sharpness and resolution, and correct framing if the photo was taken too close. You can even use your phone to photograph an existing printed passport photo, and Visafoto will optimize the scanned image. If your photo already meets the official standards, we leave it unchanged.
Original photo:
Edited by Visafoto:
Visafoto has a 99.7% acceptance rate, with over 1,000,000 approved photos. If your image is rejected, you'll receive a full refund. Customer support is available 24/7.
Why did Japan change passport fees?
Japan lowered passport prices after changing the way passport services are funded. From July 1, 2026, the International Tourist Tax increased from ¥1,000 to ¥3,000, allowing part of that revenue to cover consular services and reduce Japanese passport application fees. Below, we explain the main reasons behind the new fee system.
The lower prices are based on amendments to the Passport Act, which took effect on July 1, 2026. The changes simplified the fee structure by setting a single fee for 5-year passports issued to minors and ending the 5-year passport option for adults.
The revised pricing also encourages Japanese passport online applications. Applicants who use the digital system pay less than those who apply in person, supporting Japan's broader effort to expand online government services.
Another goal is to increase passport ownership and promote international travel. In 2025, only about 18.4% of Japanese citizens held a passport, one of the lowest rates among developed countries. The government aims to raise passport ownership above 20% and increase the number of Japanese traveling abroad to 20 million by 2030. Industry groups such as the Japan Association of Travel Agents (JATA) support this effort through campaigns that encourage international travel.
The new fees apply to all passport applications submitted on or after July 1, 2026.