How to Move to Japan: Full Guide (2025)

Jump to: Quick Facts · Living Essentials · Pros · Cons · Visas Guide · Residency & Citizenship · Business · Resources

Interested in moving to Japan? Here’s what you need to know:

🇯🇵 Japan at a Glance

• Population: Roughly 122 million people.
• Longevity: Japanese have impressive life expectancy — 87 years for women, 81 for men.
• Centenarians: Highest rate of people aged 100+ in the world! Most live in Okinawa, celebrated for their healthy habits and diets.
• Demographics: Aging population, lowest fertility rates, risk of population decline.
• Economy: Boomed in the 60s, 70s, and 80s (the “Japanese asset price bubble”), but hit a slump in the 90s (“Lost Decade”).

🏠 Living Essentials

• Currency: Japanese Yen (JPY).
• Language: Japanese is official. Minority languages: Ainu, Ryukyuan (Okinawa), regional dialects in Hokkaido and Kansai.
• Religion: 67% non-religious, 22% Buddhist, 3% Shinto, 2% Christian.
• Ethnicity: 98% Japanese, 1% Korean and Chinese; one of the most homogeneous countries globally.
• Top Cities: Tokyo, Yokohama, Osaka, Nagoya, Sapporo, Kobe, Kyoto.

🤔 Why Choose Japan

• Transportation: World-class trains, including shinkansen (bullet train) — zip around the country in hours.
• Safety: Among the world’s lowest crime rates; feel safe everywhere.
• Scenery: Stunning mix of old and new — historic temples and modern marvels side by side.
• Cleanliness: Japan is remarkably clean (yes, even the cities).
• Hospitality: Japanese people pride themselves on respect and hospitality.
• Cuisine: Unbeatable food scene — especially if you love fresh seafood.
• Healthcare: Excellent, affordable healthcare system — even illegal aliens get coverage.
• Tech Hub: Heaven for techies and futurists — Japan leads in robotics and innovation.

⚠️ Japan Challenges

Note: these are common expat complaints, and may not apply to you.

• Cost of Living: Cities can be pricey (think New York City levels), though a weaker yen has been a relief lately.
• Language: Japanese proficiency is essential for full integration.
• Work Culture: Expect stressful offices, long hours, and an emphasis on hierarchy.
• Communal Society: Group harmony and “face” matter more than individuality.
• Transportation: The transit network can feel like a maze at first.
• Homogeneity: Japan’s sameness can feel isolating; some expats report never being fully accepted.
• Respect Hierarchy: Navigating social respect and seniority can be tough for newcomers.
• Housing: Finding a place to live as a foreigner is challenging; landlords may prefer Japanese tenants.
• Legal System: The judicial system favors locals — foreigners often face a “guilty until proven innocent” experience.

🛂 Japan Visa Guide

• Tourist visa-free entry: Most western passport holders can visit Japan for up to 90 days without a visa.
• Temporary Visitor Visa (90 days): Needed for travelers from countries not on the visa waiver list. Strictly no paid work allowed; business meetings are okay.
• Working Visa (up to 5 years): Covers experts in humanities, engineering, skilled labor, business management, and intra-company transfers.
  • Certificate of Eligibility (COE) required—apply in Japan via employer or sponsor.
• Official Work Visa (1 to 3 years): For diplomats, academics, artists, religious workers, journalists, doctors, legal/accounting pros, researchers, and entertainers.
• Cultural Activities Visa (6 months to 1 year): For unpaid artistic or cultural pursuit. Non-paid university interns are eligible too.
• Student Visa (15 to 27 months): Apply through your enrolled school—universities, high schools, language schools all qualify.
• Training Visa (6 months to 1 year): For practical training in technology, knowledge, or skills through a Japanese organization.
• Family Stay Visa (1 to 3 years): For spouses/children of work visa holders. Does not cover relatives of trainees or tourists.
• Technical Intern Training Visa (6 months to 1 year): After a trainee visa, for those moving into technical internships.
• Spouse or Child of Japanese National Visa (1 to 3 years): For immediate family of Japanese citizens.
• Spouse or Child of Permanent Resident Visa (1 to 3 years): For those whose relative holds permanent residency.
• Long Term Resident Visa (1 to 3 years): For refugees, children of Japanese nationals, divorcees from Japanese spouses, etc.
• Permanent Resident Visa: Must get a re-entry permit if you plan to travel.
• Startup Visa (up to 2 years): For entrepreneurs, even without meeting the usual criteria.
• Work visas need a sponsor: Most require your employer to sponsor you; check out job sites like Gaijin Pot for leads.
• Work restrictions apply: Not every work visa allows jobs in bars or nightlife. Know your visa!
• Apply online: Most visa applications can be done digitally. No endless lines!

🛬 Residency and Citizenship

• Permanent Residency: For those with a current Japanese visa. Usually, 10 years of prior residency is required (unless you have strong ties).
  • For highly skilled workers, only 3 years if you have 70-80 points, or 1 year if you have over 80 points on the official scale.
• Citizenship: Takes time—expect up to 18 months.
  • 5 consecutive years living in Japan needed.
  • Must have a good behavior record; background and family checks required.
  • The effort’s worth it: 99% acceptance rate for those who apply!

💼 Business in Japan

• Foreign entrepreneurs need: Permanent residency, be a resident’s relative, or get a Business Manager Visa.
• Business Manager Visa: Requires at least JP¥5 million investment OR two full-time employees, plus a physical office.
  • Be ready with paperwork and proof of investment!
• Starting a business steps:
  • Create a company seal
  • Register your seal
  • Register company with Legal Affairs Bureau
  • Notify the local tax office
  • File employment details with Labor Standards Inspection Office
  • Register for health insurance and pensions at Japan Pension Service
  • File for employment insurance at Public Employment Security Office
• Taxes differ for foreigners—do your homework!
• Low-capital startups welcome: You can now register a business with just 1 yen.

📚 Helpful Resources

• Immigration Bureau of Japan: Official info, forms, and updates (also in English!)
• Gaijin Pot: Your go-to for visa-sponsored jobs and housing in Japan
• Daijob – Japan’s premier bilingual job board, matching global professionals with roles across sectors via English/Japanese interface

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