Many people dream of moving to Japan drawn by the unique culture – from manga comics to sushi cuisine, the safety of Japanese cities (World Bank), the stunning natural landscapes, and the high standard of living. Japan ranks highly on quality of life indices, including access to high-quality healthcare and education.
Today I will walk you through the major steps of how to move to this beautiful country. You will learn about visa types, securing housing, managing finances, adjusting to Japanese culture, and considering long-term residency.
The first major step when preparing your move is deciding on the type of visa you need to apply for. Some of the most common visa types include:
Work Visa (more info) – Requires securing a job and employer sponsorship first. Allows working rights.
Working Holiday Visa (more info) -For 18- 30 year olds who just want to visit Japan for a short time.
Student Visa (more info) – For enrollment in university or Japanese language schools. School sponsors visa.
Cultural Activities Visa (more info) – For cultural or martial arts students studying over 90 days.
Spouse Visa (more info) – For spouses of Japanese citizens or permanent residents.
Look closely at the eligibility criteria for each visa class when deciding what to apply for. Gather all documents needed, which may include your passport, resume, bank statements, letters of sponsorship, transcripts, birth/marriage certificates, depending on the visa type.
Once you’ve chosen the right visa type for your situation, you can then prepare your complete application file and submit it at the Japanese embassy or consulate (more info) nearest you in your home country. Processing times vary, but can range from 1-3 months. Make sure you have a valid passport that will not expire for the duration of your intended stay. The visa allows entry to Japan, where you will then be issued a residence card.
With your visa approved, you can start booking your flights and travel arrangements to Japan! Look into shipping belongings versus bringing suitcases. Arrange temporary lodging for when you first arrive via Airbnb or short-term hotel booking websites in Japan.
Kyoto, Nagoya, Osaka, Sapporo, Sendai, Yokohama
(I am in Sendai, so my biases rest with this beautiful and calm city).
Some key tasks to address when you first arrive involve getting your finances settled. Open a Japanese bank account right away to deposit income and pay for living expenses. Arrange for international money transfer services like Wise to move funds from overseas accounts. Review Japan’s tax code and your obligations – taxes range from 5-45% depending on income.
Start exploring options for long-term housing. Rental prices vary depending on the city – central Tokyo is the most expensive, while smaller cities have more affordable rents. Consider working with a real estate agent familiar with expat preferences. Be prepared to provide a security deposit and understand basic lease terms. You can check out Gaijinpot for more information.
Give yourself time to adjust to living in Japan! The language and culture will likely be very different. Learn some basic Japanese phrases (learn how to study Japanese). Get set up with transportation methods like metro cards. Meet locals and other foreign expats. Join cultural associations and community groups tied to your visa type.
If you end up staying in Japan long term, you have the option to apply for permanent residency after 10 consecutive years of living here. If you plan to move to Japan, definitely come here with a plan for what you want to do. This is especially true if you are coming here to become an Assistant Language Teacher (I will speak more about this later). If you move to Japan, don’t be afraid to switch employers. Do note, however, that the more competent you become in Japanese, the more opportunities that will present itself – Tip- try to learn as much Japanese as you can in your first three years. Magical things will happen if you can do this. Evaluate frequently if Japan is the right fit for you for the long haul because the charm wears off and it can easily become a dead end move.
While the allure of living in Japan remains strong, aspiring English teachers should approach with caution, particularly when considering eikaiwa schools or Assistant Language Teacher (ALT) positions. The charm of sushi, manga, and neon-lit streets can’t quite compensate for the stark reality of stagnant wages in these fields.
A quick glance at job postings from 2012 reveals starting salaries for teachers hovering around 250,000 yen per month. Fast forward a decade, and the scene hasn’t significantly changed. Today, many eikaiwa jobs still offer the same starting wage, despite Japan’s inflation rate reaching a 41-year high of 4.5% in October 2023. This means your purchasing power in 2024 with the same salary as in 2012 has effectively shrunk.
What does this look like in reality? It means using up significant savings to move to Japan and then not being able to recoup those savings in a short space of time.
So, before setting your sights on Japan, do your research, understand the financial realities, and weigh your options carefully. While the cultural experience is invaluable, ensuring financial stability while living abroad is equally important.
To Understand the situation better check this oldie but goodie from ten years ago (article).
Moving abroad to Japan can be an exciting adventure, especially if you are fascinated with Japanese history and pop culture. While navigating visas, housing, language barriers and adjusting to Japanese customs can be challenging, this article should have opened your eyes to the reality of moving to Japan in 2024. I have been living here for just over 10 years and I will admit that I love my ‘Gaijin Bubble’, but the truth is, Japan can be very challenging if you are not prepared for it. So, be cautious and know that with the right preparation and support network, your move to Japan can open up a wonderful new life chapter. Gambetta!