There’s no question about it – it seems everyone you know these days wants to move to Japan. And a significant portion of that group doesn’t just want to visit on holiday, they want to uproot their lives and relocate entirely.
In 2018, after an incredible trip to Japan, I was set on moving to Tokyo. I made a list of all the ways to maximize my chances of turning that dream into a reality. Five years later, I’m living in Tokyo and have discovered even more paths to make it happen.
But how can you also make it happen? Moving to Japan doesn’t have to be complicated, but understanding the visa application process and knowing which route is the best fit for you and your goals can feel challenging.
In this article, I’ll break it down.
Family and Dependent Visa
If you’re married to or related to a Japanese national, you, my friend, don’t need to read this article—you should send it to a friend who needs the help! Ne~xt.
Student Visa
University
Whether you’re an undergraduate or a post-graduate student, many universities—especially in Tokyo—offer courses in English. (For those who speak Japanese at N2 level or higher, there’s also the option to study in Japanese.) One major benefit of studying over working is the extended vacations that come with school semesters, giving you plenty of time to explore Japan or travel.
Language School
If you’re looking for a lighter load than a full university course, consider attending a language school. This option is perfect if you want to immerse yourself in Japanese culture, learn the language before settling long-term, or simply kill time while figuring out a more permanent way to stay in Japan. Tokyo has many good schools, so don’t be afraid to shop around and find one that suits you. Some schools have one or two entry points per year, while others have rolling admissions, giving you more flexibility in terms of scheduling.
Work Visa
Teaching
One of the most common ways to get to Japan is by coming as an English teacher. There are several well-known programs, such as the JET Programme, which has been running for years and allows foreigners to teach in Japan. However, there are some limitations to this option. For example, these programs are often restricted to individuals from English-speaking countries (primarily from Commonwealth countries like Australia, Canada, the UK, etc.) or those who speak English as a first language. This can make it a harder option for people from non-English-speaking countries.
Another downside is the relatively low pay. English teachers, especially in larger cities like Tokyo, often struggle to find decent accommodation within their budgets. Additionally, most programs assign teachers to a specific school district with little to no flexibility for relocation. This can be frustrating if you’re not placed in an area that suits your lifestyle or interests. On the plus side, teaching typically means you’ll have school holidays, so if you plan your finances well, you can take advantage of those extended breaks to travel and explore Japan to your heart’s content.
True Expat
Another option is to take the “true expat” route—where your company sponsors your move to Japan. There are two ways this can work: either your current company gives you the opportunity to transfer to their office in Japan, or you find a new job with a Japanese company from the outset. The benefit of the latter is the greater freedom it offers, but the former provides more stability. You already know the company and its culture, and there’s a certain safety net in place. In some cases, you may even continue to be paid at your home country’s wage rate, which, considering the current exchange rate and the state of the yen, can mean a significantly higher standard of living compared to your Japanese colleagues. On the other hand, getting a job directly in Japan may come with a pay cut, depending on the industry and role, so it’s important to weigh the pros and cons. One important thing to keep in mind is that in most cases, if you’re looking for a job in Japan, they will require as a minimum, either a bachelor degree or at least 10 years experience in that field.
Business Manager
For those interested in starting their own business in Japan, a Business Manager visa may be the best option. This route is more involved and requires a more sophisticated process than a typical work visa. If you already have an established business or want to start one in Japan, this could be the path for you.
To qualify for the Business Manager visa, you’ll need to have ¥5 million (approximately $35,000) in the bank to fund the business and the proof to back it up. You will also need a business plan, a physical office that meets specific requirements, and proper tax and business registration. The paperwork can be daunting, but there are specialists and services in Japan that can assist you with navigating the bureaucracy. As a real estate brokerage, we can help you find an office space, but we are by no means experts in Japanese immigration law!
Other Routes
There are other methods you might consider using in order to make your dream of living in Japan come true.
Where ordinarily your company where you’re primarily based might not yet have offices based in Tokyo, they would pay a company to employ you while you set up the new business, one method is to cut out the middle man and doing it directly as an individual.
There are certain companies that are flexible and will assist with this for a monthly fee. We recommend starting a company in your country of origin through which to conduct this in a more official capacity. You would be a salaried employee so that comes with its own advantages and disadvantages. You would need to pay taxes and into a pension fund, as well as national health insurance. But in turn you would also be eligible for national health insurance, as well as the other perks of being an official resident.
Conclusion
There are many ways to move to Japan, and each method comes with its own set of advantages and challenges. It’s important to consider what fits best with your current situation. What kind of flexibility do you need? What lifestyle are you hoping for? How much are you willing to invest in your Japan adventure? These are questions that should help guide you toward the best option for your needs.
We look forward to welcoming you to Japan when the time comes and helping you find the perfect place to call home during your stay.
