Your Complete Guide for Expats Moving to Japan: Visas, Living, and Working as a Foreigner

Are you planning your move to Japan? Whether you want to work in Japan, study abroad, or simply experience Japanese culture, understanding visa requirements and how to get a visa is crucial. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know if you want to move to Japan and establish your life in Japan as an expat.

1. Plan Your Move to Japan and Choose the Right Type of Visa

Begin by clarifying your purpose in Japan (work, study, family, etc.) and eligibility. Japan has specific long-term visa categories (zairyū shikaku), each with its own requirements for foreigners who want to stay in Japan. For example, if you want to work in Japan, a work visa like "Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services" (技術・人文知識・国際業務) covers IT engineers, translators, designers and language teachers who want to move to Japan for professional opportunities.

If you're an entrepreneur who wants to move abroad to establish a business in Japan, the Business Manager visa (経営・管理) is designed for foreign entrepreneurs or company executives. For those who want to study in Japan, a student visa (留学) is available for university enrollment or language school attendance if you're eager to learn Japanese while living in Japan.

Spouses and dependents of Japanese citizens or foreign workers have their own visa options – such as "Spouse of Japanese national" if you marry a Japanese citizen or "Dependent" if your family member works in Japan. Note that Japan has no dedicated "retirement visa"; retirees must qualify under existing categories (e.g., "Long-Term Resident" for those with Japanese ancestry, or special "Designated Activities" visas), which are rare and case-specific.

Compare Locations and Living Costs Before You Move Abroad

When you're planning your move to Japan, consider different locations and lifestyles. Tokyo and other big cities offer abundant international jobs (e.g., tech firms often hire English-speaking engineers) and English-friendly services, but the cost of living is high, especially rent. Rural areas or smaller cities often have cheaper housing and sometimes jobs teaching English or tourism work, but fewer English speakers.

For students or families in Japan, urban areas may have more support (international schools, language classes) – for instance, public elementary and junior high schools in Japan are free and can be joined after you register residence – whereas rural towns may offer strong community support but require you to know Japanese at a higher level.

If you don't speak Japanese or your Japanese language skills are limited, it's recommended to start learning basic phrases before you arrive in Japan (even apps or community classes can help) because many forms and procedures are in Japanese, which will be essential when you enter the country.

Create a Checklist Before You Go to Japan

When preparing to move to Japan from the US or any other home country, gather essential documents (passports, birth certificates, diplomas), get translations if needed, and obtain proof of funds. Most visas require showing you can support yourself given the living costs in Japan. Research authoritative sources like the Immigration Bureau website (法務省入国管理局), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) visa pages, and, if studying, the Study in Japan website (e.g., MEXT/JASSO).

For example, the Study in Japan site explains that anyone entering Japan to study must apply for a student visa and status of residence for study. Plan your budget (Japan has a high deposit/rent system and may require a guarantor) and schedule (visa application processing can take 1–3 months or more). If you want to move to Japan with family, check each member's status: spouses or children of a working visa holder can apply as Dependents, while a foreign spouse of a Japanese national applies under Spouse of Japanese. Use this planning phase to contact prospective employers, schools or sponsors – for example, language schools often request bank statements from incoming students.

2. Prepare and Apply for Your Japanese Visa

2a. Work Visas for Those Who Want to Work in Japan (Engineer/Specialist, Instructor, Intra-Company Transferee, etc.)

Most work visas in Japan require a job offer from Japanese companies or a branch office. Common categories for foreigners who want to work in Japan include Engineer/Specialist in Humanities (for tech, IT, marketing, design, language teaching, etc.), Instructor (for elementary/secondary schools), and Intra-Company Transferee (for employees moving from an overseas office to Japan).

To get a work visa and obtain a work visa for Japan, you will typically need a university degree or several years of professional experience, and a contract or letter of employment. The employer in Japan usually applies for a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) on your behalf at the local Immigration Bureau in Japan. The COE confirms the job is legitimate; when issued, the school or company will send it to your home country.

Once you get your certificate of eligibility, apply for the working visa at the Japanese Embassy or Japanese Consulate in your home country. Submit your passport, a visa application form, photo, the original COE, and any requested fee. You should clearly specify the visa category. Once approved, the Embassy will stamp your passport. If you're already in Japan and hold a valid long-term status but change jobs, you may apply within Japan for status change instead of getting a new visa abroad.

Example: An IT engineer offered a job in Tokyo would typically fall under the Engineer/Specialist category. The Tokyo company's HR department submits a COE application with your resume and contract. After processing, you get the COE and then submit it with your visa application form to the Embassy. Once the visa is issued, you can enter the country and start your year in Japan working at your new job.

2b. Student Visas for Those Who Want to Study in Japan (Language School, University)

If you plan to study in Japan, choose a certified Japanese educational institution first. Japanese universities and MEXT scholarship programs often publish application guides. Private language schools also welcome international students, but check their accreditation. The school must issue you an acceptance letter or enrollment certificate.

Next, obtain a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) for "Study" (ryūgaku). Normally, the school (or its representative) applies for the COE as your proxy. You'll provide documents like your passport copy, photo, educational transcripts, and proof of funds (e.g., bank statements). The Study in Japan site explains that part of this process is showing you can cover tuition and living costs. After the COE is approved, go to the Japanese Embassy/Consulate in the US (or your country) to apply for the student visa. Submit the COE, passport, visa application form, photos, and any embassy-specific documents. The embassy will issue a visa with your student status.

Example: If you enroll in a Japanese language institute to learn Japanese, the school will usually be your sponsor. Once you receive the school's paperwork, you'll get a COE. You then apply for a "Student" visa at the consulate. Study visas are often 1–2 years (renewable) for language schools, and 4+ years for university. Student visas allow part-time work up to 28 hours per week (with permission) if you want to work in Japan while studying.

2c. Working Holiday Visa for a Year in Japan

Japan offers Working Holiday agreements with select countries (e.g., Canada, Australia, UK, New Zealand, etc.). (Note: US citizens currently cannot get a Japan working holiday visa.) These are typically 6–12 month visas for young adults (usually 18–30) who want to move to Japan primarily to travel and holiday, with part-time work allowed. Requirements include being a resident of the partner country, having sufficient funds, a return ticket, and no dependents. For example, applicants must be between 18–30 years old (some countries have 25-limit).

To apply for a working holiday visa, you submit to the Japanese Embassy/Consulate in your country: your passport, visa application form, photos, a sponsor letter from Japan (if required), and proof of funds. The embassy processes these directly; no COE is needed since you enter under the WH program. Note that Working Holiday visas cannot be used for long-term career jobs — they are for travel and short-term work/tourism only, typically lasting a year in Japan.

2d. Spouse and Dependent Visas for Family in Japan

If you marry a Japanese national, apply for the "Spouse of Japanese National" (Nihonjin no haigūsha) status. If your spouse is a permanent resident, apply under "Spouse of Permanent Resident". These applications generally require a marriage or birth certificate (apostilled/legalized), proof of relationship, and evidence of financial support (e.g., your spouse's income and residence). If you will arrive from outside Japan, obtain a COE for "Spouse of Japanese" and then a visa at the consulate. If you're already in Japan (e.g., on a temporary visa), you can change status at the Immigration Bureau.

For spouses and children of foreign workers (or students) with a long-term visa, the "Dependent" status applies. Applying for a dependent visa typically requires the primary visa-holder to prove they earn at least enough to support the family. Spouses on Dependent visas generally cannot work without additional permission (you can apply for permission to work part-time).

2e. Business and Start-up Visas for Entrepreneurs Who Want to Move to Japan

To start or manage a business in Japan, the "Business Manager" visa (経営・管理) is used. Requirements include investing at least ¥5 million in a Japanese company, having a business office in Japan, and managing the company (as CEO, etc.). You must submit a detailed business plan and company documents with your COE application. Some local governments offer a 6-month "Startup" visa for those setting up new businesses; these allow time to secure funding or prepare for the Business Manager visa. This special visa is limited to designated cities (e.g., Tokyo, Osaka) and requires a local organization's support. There is currently no specific digital nomad visa for Japan, though the Japanese government has discussed such options.

Eventually, to stay in Japan long-term as a foreign entrepreneur, you'll switch to a full Business Manager visa.

2f. Other Long-Term and Retirement-Style Visas for Expats

Japan has a "Long-Term Resident" status (永住者配偶者等 or 長期滞在) for people like descendants of Japanese or certain refugee groups, but it's not for general retirees. In practice, Japan does not grant visas just for retirement – some wealthy older expats enter on tourist visas or special "Designated Activities" visas case-by-case, but these are uncommon. The closest option is sometimes "Designated Activities (Long Stay)", a discretionary visa allowing extended visits for recreation or culture. MOFA lists this as "Long Stay (sightseeing/rec. purposes)", but note it is not a guaranteed or long-term work visa – extensions beyond one year are rare. (Anyone planning to move to Japan permanently without work should carefully consult immigration authorities.)

3. After Visa Approval: Pre-Departure Preparation Before You Arrive in Japan

Once your visa is issued (in your passport or electronically), prepare for the move to Japan. Purchase airline tickets and arrange temporary housing (hotel or Airbnb) for your first days when you arrive in Japan. If you have large luggage or furniture, consider international moving/shipping companies – note that Japan's apartments often lack Western storage, so bring only essentials.

Make copies of important documents (visa page, COE, passport, marriage certificates, academic certificates). Notify banks/credit cards of your travel, and consider an international phone plan for your first days. Research short-term accommodations: in big cities, capsule hotels or "monthly mansions" exist for newcomers; in rural areas, look for guesthouses or ask your employer/school for help.

Also handle preparations in your home country: schedule medical check-ups or vaccinations if needed, buy a travel adapter, and find out which documents (like driver's license) you should bring. If you have pets and want to bring them when you move to Japan, check Japan's quarantine rules well in advance – dogs and cats often require vaccinations and a waiting period.

4. Arriving in Japan (Immigration & Landing When You Enter the Country)

When you enter Japan, present your passport and visa (or COE and passport if you obtained a visa at the consulate). For long-term stays (over 90 days), you will receive a Residence Card (在留カード, zairyū kādo) on the spot at major airports (Narita, Haneda, Kansai, etc.). The immigration officer will stamp your passport and hand you the card. If you land at a smaller airport, you may get a stamp saying "Residence Card to be issued later," and your card will be mailed to you after you register your address.

Bring your Residence Card immediately to the local city/ward office to register your address within 14 days of moving. The Tokyo Chuo-ku guide emphasizes: after moving into a new address, you must submit your residence card to the ward office within 14 days. You'll fill out a 転入届 (tennyū todoke, "move-in notification") and the officials will record you in the resident registry (住民票). This registry entry then entitles you to use public services (e.g., local schools, taxes, insurance) and proves your official address. When registering, you will be given (or asked to apply for) your My Number (個人番号) – a 12-digit social security/tax ID that the Japanese government assigns to all residents. Keep the My Number notification letter and your Residence Card safely; carry your Residence Card at all times after landing (it is your legal ID in Japan).

5. Essential Post-Arrival Registrations and Services When You're in Japan

Residence Card:

As noted, register your residence. If your Residence Card has an incorrect address (if you arrive in Japan before finalizing housing), update it at the city office. Any address changes in Japan must be reported within 14 days.

National Health Insurance (NHI):

All foreigners staying in Japan over 3 months must enroll in Japan's National Health Insurance at the municipal office. After you complete residence registration, go to the city/ward office and sign up. You may need your Residence Card and sometimes passport. The "Study in Japan" official guide confirms: foreign residents over three months have to subscribe to NHI and should register at the municipal office right after moving in. Once enrolled, you'll receive an insurance card ("hokenshō"); this covers 70% of most medical costs. Premiums are based on income – students or non-workers often pay very little or get exemptions (report zero income to qualify for reductions).

Pension:

Generally, ages 20–59 in Japan are required to enroll in the public pension system. As a salaried worker, you will automatically join the Employees' Pension (厚生年金). If self-employed or a student, you'll join the National Pension (国民年金). You can ask your ward office about exemptions or refunds if you leave Japan later.

National Pension and Insurance:

If working, you'll also get into social insurance (for health, pension, and unemployment). Your employer will explain this. If not working, paying the basic National Pension (kokumin nenkin) keeps you in the system.

Taxes and Residency:

Your ward may also issue a jūminhyō (住民票) – a certificate of residence record. When opening a Japanese bank account or applying for things, you often need a jūminhyō to prove your address (often identical to the printout of your registration form). You'll pay a small yearly resident tax based on income to the local government; file any income taxes as required.

6. Setting Up Daily Life in Japan for Expats

Finding a Place to Live:

Long-term rentals in Japan almost always require a guarantor (hoshonin). Since many foreigners lack a Japanese guarantor, agencies often require using a guarantor company (保証会社) for a fee. Sharehouses (ゲストハウス) or real-estate firms specializing in foreign tenants (many list bilingual info) can help expats. Expect to pay a deposit (shikikin) and key money (reikin) – usually 1–2 months' rent each – and the first month's rent upfront. Places like Tokyo are competitive due to the high cost of living, so prepare digital applications ahead of arrival or use services like GaijinPot Housing. When comparing cities, remember that while Tokyo rent is high, more properties are advertised in English; rural areas might have extremely low rent but little English support.

Open a Japanese Bank Account:

Bring your Residence Card and passport to open a Japanese bank account. Major banks (Japan Post Bank/Yūcho, Shinsei, etc.) and some online banks (e.g., Shinsei with English service) accept foreigners. You'll often need to make a personal seal (inkan), though some banks now accept signatures. Set up payment for utilities – electricity (Denki), gas, water – soon after moving in. Convenience stores (konbini) let you pay many bills in cash. Get a credit card or cash card for normal spending. Some international cards (Visa, Master) work in Japan, but always carry cash or a local debit/IC card (like Suica/Pasmo for trains, which can also be used for small purchases).

Mobile Phone/Internet:

A Japanese phone number is crucial. Major carriers (NTT Docomo, SoftBank, au) require a Residence Card and usually inkan. For short-term, a prepaid SIM (e.g., Mobal, Sakura Mobile) works. Free Wi-Fi is spotty, so plan a mobile data solution. The airports often have SIM card kiosks or Wi-Fi rental. Internet providers require contracts; many people use apartments that come with fiber internet or share Wi-Fi.

Transportation:

After arriving, buy or top up an IC card (Suica/Pasmo) for public transit. Train and bus networks are extensive and reliable for expats in Japan. If working far from home, get a commuter pass (定期券) through your company or on apps – it saves money on daily travel. Cycling is common in suburbs, but obey Japanese road rules and consider registering your bike with local police (防犯登録).

Learn Japanese Language:

Even if basics, enroll in local Japanese language classes as soon as possible. Many city governments and NPOs offer free or low-cost lessons for foreign residents. To navigate bureaucracy and make friends in Japan, improving your Japanese level pays off. Mobile apps and Japanese online courses can help with menus and signs at first, but immersion is best to really learn Japanese.

Schools for Children:

If you bring school-age children as part of your family in Japan, register them for the local public school (elementary or junior high) through the board of education once you have a permanent address. Public schooling is tuition-free. Be aware classes are in Japanese; some areas have "global" or IB programs, but many expats form study groups. Alternatively, private international schools exist but are very expensive (often $15–30K/year).

Community and Support:

Look for local expat groups, Facebook communities, or meetup events to make friends in Japan. Many cities have multilingual information centers (like Tokyo's FRESC) that offer free consultations (often in English) on daily issues. The Tokyo Multicultural Portal provides guides (in various languages) on living in Japan – for example, it advises submitting a move-in notice (転入届) within 14 days of moving and bringing your Residence Card and any "move-out certificate". Similarly, Hello Work (ハローワーク) offices can help with job placement; some have English-speaking staff for foreigners who want to work in Japan.

Japanese Culture and Daily Customs:

Expect Japanese culture to value punctuality, politeness, and clear recycling rules. Your neighbors will appreciate you greeting them ("Konnichiwa") and understanding whether to separate burnable (燃えるごみ) from non-burnable (燃えないごみ) waste. Public utilities and schools will likely explain procedures in both Japanese and some English. Many municipalities provide simple guides (外国人向けガイド) – for instance, the Chuo-ku ward brochure notes that registering your residence lets you "prove where you live and receive administrative services such as enrollment in elementary/junior high school and National Health Insurance".

National Health Insurance (again):

Once you have income or even occasionally as a student, keep your NHI up to date. When sick, show your NHI card to pay only 30% of bills. After 6 months to a year of paying into NHI, high medical costs beyond your personal ceiling can be reimbursed (if you saved receipts). Pharmacies and hospitals usually have English forms in major cities; at smaller clinics carry a simple Japanese dictionary or use translation apps if you don't speak Japanese well.

7. Learn Japanese, Work Culture and Integration for Those Who Want to Stay in Japan

If you want to stay in Japan long-term or live in Japan permanently, you'll need to plan for renewals and (eventually) permanent residency. Visas typically require extension every 1–5 years; maintain valid employment/enrollment and reapply at your regional Immigration Bureau before expiry. If married to a Japanese citizen or on a highly skilled visa, pathways to permanent residency (永住許可) may be faster. Familiarize yourself with Japan's tax year (you may need to file an income tax return by March 15 if you have other income).

Your Rights at Work:

Japanese labor law applies to all workers in Japanese work culture. Know basics: the legal workweek is 40 hours, and overtime pay is required beyond that. Some jobs expect long hours, but there are also many regulated 9–5 positions. If you have any issues (harassment, unpaid wages), local labor bureaus and international support centers can advise. Unions (Union Plus, Tokyo General Union) also support foreign members.

Building Community:

Get involved in local events or international exchange groups to make friends in Japan. Knowing a few Japanese neighbors goes a long way when you're living in Japan. Children of expats often join kokusaikouryūkai (international clubs) for playgroups or sports. Try festivals and community center classes. Many find life in Japan rewarding once they adapt to small local networks and language.

In summary, relocating to Japan involves carefully choosing and obtaining the correct visa, preparing documents (including a COE in most cases), and then managing a series of official procedures on arrival (immigration, address registration, insurance enrollment). Authoritative sources remind us to register promptly ("bring your residence card to the municipal office within 14 days") and to join the National Health Insurance program if staying over three months. By following these steps—planning finances and location, applying for and securing your visa, completing immigration and local registrations, and setting up housing, banking, and communications—you can smoothly transition into daily life in Japan.

Key Resources:

• Japanese Immigration Bureau (法務省入国管理局) for visa requirements
• the Study in Japan website (studyinjapan.go.jp) for student visa guidance
• your local city/ward office websites for registration and insurance details

These official sources provide forms and instructions (in Japanese and some English). Always keep copies of your passport, residency card, and important certificates handy, and don't hesitate to ask for help from your company's HR, your school's international office, or local support centers if you hit language or procedural hurdles when entering Japan.