Studying in...
JAPAN
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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 study in Japan?
If you think to study in Japan, you need to apply for a Study Visa (Ryūgaku Visa). Here is a quick step-by-step on how to do so:
Get accepted to a Japanese School (The school will provide a Certificate of Eligibility (CoE)
Apply for a Student Visa (Passport, Completed visa application form, passport-sized photos, Certificate of Eligibility, Admission Letter from the school, Academic Certificates, Proof of Financial support and some universities might ask for a Certificate of Japanese Language Proficiency)
Enter Japan and Register as a Resident (Get a Residence Card (Zairyuu Card) at the airport when you go through immigration)
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?
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
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!
Can you work on a Student Visa?
Yes you can, but you will need to apply for a Work Permit at the Immigration Office. With a work permit you are only allowed to work up to 28 hours a week since you are a student.
Banking & Taxes
As you are studying in 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)
Student ID or Proof of Enrollment
Phone Number in Japan (Required for verification)
Do Students need to pay Taxes?
No, if you work part-time (earning less than ¥1.03 million per year) you do not need to pay any income tax.
If you earn more than ¥1.03 million per year, you must file a tax return
There are some taxes you should be aware of that you might have to pay:
Resident tax (After 1 year in Japan, you may need to pay local taxes)
Pension (Students can apply for exemption from paying the National Pension)
Healthcare
Japan has one of the best healthcare systems in the world, with universal health coverage ensuring all residents have access to medical care. As you are a student, you are required to join the National Health Insurance (NHI) to study in Japan.
What do I need and how to apply for NHI?
Here is a quick breakdown of what you need for you application for National Health Insurance and how to apply for it:
What do i need:
Residence Card (Zairyū Kādo)
Passport
Student Visa
Proof of Address (e.g., a rental contract)
How to apply:
Apply at the city hall
Pay Insurance fees (¥2,000 per month, varies by which city)
Get your Health Insurance Card (use this card at clinics, hospitals and pharmacies for discounted treatment
Other types of Health Services
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More expensive than National Health Insurance
Covers full medical costs
Covers mental health treatments
Some plans include repatriation (returning home if sick/injured
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Most universities have student health centers
Free health checkups
Mental Health counselling
Vaccinations
Housing & Renting
Finding a place to live in Japan as a student, can be challenging, especially with language barriers and rental requirements. But this section will explain everything very simply so you know everything you need to know about finding a place to stay in Japan.
What do you need to rent in Japan?
Here is a quick breakdown on what you need to rent a place as a student:
Passport
Residence Card (Zairyū Kādo)
Student Visa
Certificate of Enrollment
Guarantor or Guarantor Company (Hoshōnin or Hoshō Kaisha)
Emergency Contact (usually a Japanese resident or friend)
Income Proof (bank statements or scholarship documents)
Types of Student Housing
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Shared housing with private rooms and common spaces
Fully furnished
No guarantor required for many share houses
Great for meeting people and friends
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More independence and privacy
Unfurnished (usually must buy your own furniture)
Requires key money, (key money is a fee paid to a manager or landlord) deposit and agency fees
Guarantor usually required
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Live with a Japanese family
Learn Japanese culture and language
House rules and curfews may apply
Transportation
Japan has one of the world’s best public transportation systems, making very easy to travel without a car.
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:
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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
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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
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Taxis are pretty pricey, but are available 24/7
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There are options like Times Car Rental and Toyota Share that let you rent a car hourly