Moving to...

JAPAN

What can we help you with?

Visa
Banking & Taxes
Housing & Renting
Healthcare
Transportation & Driving

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VISA & Immigration

A Visa is a official document or sticker issued by a Japanese embassy or consulate that allows a foreigner to enter Japan for a specific purpose, such as work, study or residence

What Visa Do I need to Move to Japan?

When you are a foreigner wanting to move to Japan with no family connections, you will need the right visa based on your reason for moving, work, study or investment.

So here is a every visa that Japan offers for someone wanting to move to their country:

Work Visas

This is for professionals who have a job offer in Japan:

    • This is for IT professionals, teachers, business consultants etc.

    • This is a point-based visa that can lead to Permanent Residency Faster

    • This is for employees transferred from a foreign branch of a company to Japan

Business Manager Visa

This is for Entrepreneurs looking to start a business in Japan, but this requires an office space and at least $35,000 or ¥5,000,000 in investments

Permanent Residency (PR)

This requires 10 years of continuous residence in Japan (1-5 years for a Highly Skilled Professional), with this you have to show a stable income, tax compliance and social integration

How to apply for a Visa?

If you know what Visa you need, here is a quick step-by-step guide on how to apply for the visa:

  1. Apply for a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) (this is typically arranged by your employer/school)

  2. Apply for a visa at a Japanese embassy or consulate in your home country

  3. When you arrive, you will receive a Residence Card (Zairyu Card) at the airport

  4. Register your address at the local/city office within 14 days of arriving in Japan

What is Certificate of Eligibility (COE) and how to apply?

This is a document issues by the Japanese Ministry of Justice that confirms you meet the criteria for entry into Japan under a specific visa category.

It is generally for people who want to stay in Japan for a longer or extended period of time, such as for work, study or as a dependent.

Here is a step-by-step guide on what you need and how to apply for it:

What do I need?

  • Application for COE (available at the immigration office or through a sponsor)

  • A passport-sized photo

  • A copy of your passport

  • Documents proving your relationship to the sponsor

  • Proof of financial stability (bank statements, sponsors financial documents)

  • Any other documents based on your visa category (e.g., proof of employment, school enrollment)

How to apply for a COE?

  1. Determine the type of visa that fits your purpose of stay

  2. Prepare all of the required documents mentioned above

  3. Apply through a sponsor (for work visas the employer in Japan applies for your COE and for student visas the educational institution in Japan applies for your COE)

  4. Submit application

  5. Wait for processing (this can take from a few weeks to a few months depending on the type of visa you are applying for)

  6. Receive the COE (if your application is approved, the immigration office will issue the Certificate of Eligibility)

  7. Apply for a Visa (as soon as you receive the COE, you can apply for a visa at the Japanese embassy or consulate)

What is a Zairyu Card and how to get it?

A Zairyu Card is a Residence Card issued to foreigners who are living in Japan for more than 90 days. It is an official identification card for foreign residents and is required for various administrative purposes while living in Japan.

How to get the Zairyu Card?

  1. As you arrive in Japan and go through immigration, as your visa stay is longer than 90 days, you will be issued a Zairyu card at the immigration checkpoint

  2. After you receive the Zairyu Card, you have to go to the local municipal office, within 14 days where you will register your address and finalize your residency information

Your Zairyu Card is an important document for your stay in Japan and must be carried with you at all times!

Banking & Taxes

As you are moving to Japan, you need to understand the banking system and understanding Japan’s taxation system.

What do I need to Open a Bank Account?

Here is a quick breakdown of what you need to open a bank account:

  • Residence Card (Zairyu Card)

  • Japanese Address (you must have a fixed address in Japan)

  • Hanko (Seal) or Signature (some banks require a personal stamp instead of signature

  • Phone Number in Japan (Required for verification)

  • My Number (Individual Tax Number)

What is a Hanko and how to get one?

A Hanko seal (or called an inkan) is often used as a signature instead of a normal signature for official purposes like opening a bank account. Some banks do allow you to sign with a normal signature, always check with the bank you are signing with.

How to get a Hanko?

  1. Decide on the type of Hanko (Ginko-in is the typical seal used for banking purposes)

  2. Choose the material (such as wood, plastic or stone, wooden and stone are the most common for bank purposes and is the most durable and last you longer)

  3. Design the Seal (you can choose to have you name in kanji, katakana or romanji. the most traditional seals are written in kanji)

  4. Visit a Hanko Shop (These stores are commonly found in major cities and will offer the same-day delivery if you visit in person)

  5. Provide Identification (for creating banking hanko seal, you need to show your residence card if you are a foreigner or your passport)

  6. Use the Hank for your bank account (after the seal is finished, you will be able to use it to open a bank account. Bring the Hanko when you visit the bank alongside your personal details)

What is a “My Number” and how to get one?

“My number” also called the Social Security and Tax Number System is a unique identification number for all residents, for both Japanese citizens and foreign residents. It is used for various administrative purposes such as filing taxes, social security and other government services.

What do I need to apply for a “My Number”?

  • Residence Card (Zairyu Card)

  • Proof of Address

  • Application Form (available at local municipal office or online)

How to Apply for “My number” as a foreign resident?

  • Before you can apply for “My Number” you need first register as a resident (which means you need a Juminhyo (residence record)

  • After your residence registration, you will receive “My Number” notification via mail from your local municipal office

  • You can then apply for a “My Number” by submitting an application either online or at your local municipal office

Credit system in Japan and how it works

Japan’s credit system can be confusing for a foreigner, but this section will make sure you understand the basics so it becomes a lot more understandable

What is credit?

Credit in Japan is tracked by a company by the name of Credit Information Center (CIC). They provide information to lenders to help them decide whether they should give you credit or not. The better your credit is the easier it is to take loans or credit cards

How to build credit?

As a foreigner you will not have any credit history, so you will have to build it, here is how you do it:

  • Open a bank account and establish a financial history

  • Get a credit card (sometimes, foreigners can start with a secured card or need proof of income)

  • Pay all of your bills and credit card balances on time

  • Keep your credit card usage below 30% to show that you can manage credit well

What are the types of Taxes

Here are the types of Taxes you should know when moving to Japan:

    • Local tax paid to your city/ward, usually 10% of your income

    • A 10% sales tax on goods and services

    • Mandatory Tax paid for most workers. You may qualify for a refund if you decide to leave Japan

Do Foreigners need to pay Taxes?

Yes, if you live and work in Japan you need to pay taxes.

  • If you live in Japan less than a year you only pay tax on income earned inside Japan

  • If you live in Japan more than a year, you pay tax on worldwide income

How do I file Taxes in Japan?

Most employees do not need to file anything because companies automatically deduct them from your salary. However, you do need to file taxes if you:

  • Work freelance

  • Own a business

  • Have multiple jobs

  • Earn over 20 million JPY per year

Here is how to file taxes:

  1. Receive your Year-End Tax Adjustment from your employer

  2. If required, file a Kakutei Shinkoku (tax return) at your local tax office

  3. If you overpaid, you get a tax refund

Healthcare

Japan has one of the best healthcare systems in the world, with universal health coverage ensuring all residents have access to medical care. When you move to Japan, you need to make sure you enroll into a health insurance plan and understand how medical services work.

Types of Health Insurance

Japan has two main types of mandatory health insurance:

    • This is for students, freelancers, part-time workers and unemployed residents

    • It covers 70% of medical costs, and you pay 30%

    • It is managed by the local city/ward office

    • For full time employees working for a company

    • You enroll automatically when you start working

    • Covers 70-80% of medical costs (5-10% of your salary which is automatically deducted)

    • Includes pension contributions and sick leave benefits

    • Employer pays 50% of your premiums

There is also the option for Private Health Insurance which you purchase for by yourself, which does cost more than what you pay for the National and Employee health insurance.

How to apply for National or Employee Health Insurance?

    • Visit your local city office with your Residence Card (Zairyu) and passport

    • Receive your NHI card (you need this any time you need to get healthcare services)

    • Your company enrolls you automatically when you start working at a company

    • You will receive a Health Insurance Card from your employer

Housing & Renting

Finding a place to live in Japan can be a little challenging as a foreigner because of the strict rules, language barriers and high cost upfront. However, understanding the process and what you need will make it a lot easier.

Can foreigners rent Apartments in Japan?

Yes of course, but some landlords refuse foreign tenants because language barriers and cultural concerns

Some common challenges that occur can be:

  • Many landlords prefer Japanese tenants

  • You may need a guarantor (someone who guarantees your rent payments)

  • Initial costs are high (deposit, key money, agent fees)

  • Most apartments are unfurnished

Some solutions to these challenges can be:

  • Use foreigner friendly rental agencies

  • Consider share houses or guesthouses

  • Learn basic Japanese phrases to communicate with landlords easier

What do you need to rent an apartment?

Here is a quick breakdown of what documents you need to rent an apartment in Japan:

  • Passport

  • Residence Card (Zairyū Kādo)

  • Visa with valid residence status

  • Bank account in Japan

  • Proof of income or employment

  • Guarantor (Rentai Hoshōnin) (Japanese citizen or company who guarantees your rent payments)

If you do not have a guarantor you can use a guarantor company (Hoshō-gaisha) by paying a fee

Types Housing you can rent in Japan?

    • Apāto (small, wooden buildings with thin walls)

    • Manshon (Bigger buildings made of concrete)

    • Shared living with private rooms but shared kitchen, bathroom and living areas

    • Cheaper and easier for foreigners (no guarantor required)

    • Great for students and working professionals

    • Short-term stays (ideal for new arrivals)

    • Fully furnished and no long-term contract

    • More expensive but no big upfront costs

    • Includes utilities and WiFi

    • If you work in Japan, some companies provide housing for employees

    • Cheaper and no need for a guarantor

    • You may need to move out if you change jobs

Driving and Transportation

Japan has one of the world’s best public transportation systems, making very easy to travel without a car. However, if you do plan to drive you will need a Japanese driver’s license and understand car ownership.

Can foreigners drive in Japan?

Yes, but only if you get an IDP (international driving permit) before arriving and there are only a select few of countries who are allowed unless there is an agreement with Japan, so it is important to check if your home country is included.

Since you are moving to Japan, IDP is only valid for 1 year. After the expiration you will need to have a Japanese Drivers License sorted.

Here are the countries that are allowed to apply for an IDP for Japan:

  • United States

  • Canada

  • United Kingdom

  • Australia

  • New Zealand

  • Germany

  • France

  • Italy

  • Sweden

  • Switzerland

  • USA

  • UK

  • Canada

  • Australia

  • New Zealand

  • Germany

  • France

  • Sweden

  • Italy

  • Belgium

  • Netherlands

  • Denmark

  • Norway

  • Austria

  • Spain

  • South Korea

  • Hong Kong

How to apply for a Japanese Drivers License?

While you have your IDP, it is smart to look on how to apply for a permanent Japanese drivers license, there are 2 ways you can do this:

  • Convert your foreign license to a Japanese drivers license

  • Get a new Japanese driver license

Here is a quick guide on how to do both:

Converting foreign license into a Japanese license

If you have a valid drivers license from another country and plan to live in Japan, you need to convert your license to a Japanese one as your IDP expires. (some countries in the agreement will still have to take a practical, and written exam)

This is also required by people from countries that do not have an IDP agreement with Japan, this means that if you wish to drive in Japan, you need to get a Japanese drivers license and go through the written and practical test.

Countries that do not need to take a driving test (written and practical exam):

  • Netherlands

  • Belgium

  • Austria

  • Switzerland

  • Singapore

  • South Korea

If your country is not in this list, you will have to take a written and driving test

What documents do I need and how to apply?

Here are the documents you will need to be able to apply:

  • Passport

  • Residence Card

  • Valid Foreign Drivers License

  • Certified Translation of your License (this is done at Japanese Automobile Federation and takes around 1-2 weeks to process)

  • Proof of stay in your home country

  • 2 ID photos

  • Application fee

When you have all the documents in place, you visit your local Driver’s License Center, where you will:

  • Submit your application

  • Take a vision test

  • If your country requires a test you will take a 10-question written test and do a practical driving test on a closed course

  • After you pass the test, you will receive your Japanese Driver’s License!

REMINDER: The driving test is extremely strict, so do practice at a driving school if needed

Public Transport

Japan has one of best and most extensive public transport networks in the world, so most residents do not own a car, especially in major cities such as Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto.

Here is a quick breakdown of the most used public transportations in Japan:

    • Shinkansen, this is the bullet trains for long distance travel

    • JR (Japanese Railways), this is the national rail network

    • Subways and Metros, which are in-city transport

    • Private railways, Non-JR lines linking to different regions

    • City buses which are for local routes

    • Highway buses, these are cheaper than trains for long distance travel but do of course take longer

    • Night buses, overnight travel options

    • Taxis are pretty pricey, but are available 24/7

    • There are options like Times Car Rental and Toyota Share that let you rent a car hourly

How to get an International Driving Permit?

What do you need:

  • A valid drivers license from your home country

  • IDP application form

  • Passport-sized photos

  • Application fee

In person application:

  • Go to an official issuing authority in your country

  • Submit documents and pay the fee

  • Some locations issues IDP immediately on the same day!

Online or Mail application:

  • Some countries allow you to apply online

  • If applying by mail, send your documents with a return envelope

  • Processing time is around 1-2 weeks (longer for mail applications)