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Japan

Japan · Asia · updated 03.09.2026

Japan combines low crime, good healthcare and a fast route to permanent residence through the Highly Skilled Professional points system with high natural hazards (earthquakes, tsunamis, typhoons, volcanoes), a ban on dual citizenship and practically no route for parent reunification outside a narrow HSP exception.

Some descriptions for this country are still Russian only: 90% translated. Numbers, prices and timelines are complete.

Entry

Entry rules depend on citizenship. Choose a passport to see the requirement for that one.

Work and visas

Salary in IT
$ 48 820
Median
$ 24 467
Visa speed
The Certificate of Eligibility (COE) is issued by the Immigration Bureau in Japan — no timeframe is given on the official page; once the COE is issued, the visa is usually granted at the embassy in about 5 working days (JETRO).
Degree required
yes
Changing employer
Permitted, but a “Notification of Affiliated Organization” is required — notifying the ISA of a change of workplace (JETRO / ISA).

Visa types: Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services · Highly Skilled Professional (HSP, 70/80+ points) · Intra-company Transferee · Business Manager · Special Highly Skilled Professional (J-Skip) · Future Creation Talent (J-Find)

Employers: Rakuten, SoftBank, Sony, NTT, Toyota, LINE, Mercari, Amazon Japan, Google Japan, Indeed Japan

Long-term visas and residence permits

Diplomat

Other
renewabledoes not count toward permanent residencefamily allowedfee $ 0,00processing 30–90 days
Fee: The application for a certificate of eligibility — the route by which a status is obtained while still abroad — carries no revenue fee: the fee section of the page answers that no fee is charged. The page itself notes that this route yields any status except temporary visitor and permanent resident
official source · read 2026-09-03

Official

Other
term 60 morenewabledoes not count toward permanent residencefamily allowedfee $ 0,00processing 30–90 days
Fee: on the same terms as the ground above.
official source · read 2026-09-03

Professor

Work
term 60 morenewablecounts toward permanent residencefamily allowedfee $ 0,00processing 30–90 days
Fee: on the same terms as the ground above.
official source · read 2026-09-03

Artist

Work
term 60 morenewablecounts toward permanent residencefamily allowedfee $ 0,00processing 30–90 days
Fee: on the same terms as the ground above.
official source · read 2026-09-03

Religious Activities

Work
term 60 morenewablecounts toward permanent residencefamily allowedfee $ 0,00processing 30–90 days
Fee: on the same terms as the ground above.
official source · read 2026-09-03

Journalist

Work
term 60 morenewablecounts toward permanent residencefamily allowedfee $ 0,00processing 30–90 days
Fee: on the same terms as the ground above.
official source · read 2026-09-03

Highly Skilled Professional (i)(a) — academic research

Talent
term 60 morenewablecounts toward permanent residencefamily allowedfee $ 0,00processing 30–90 days
Fee: on the same terms as the ground above.
official source · read 2026-09-03

Highly Skilled Professional (i)(b) — specialised/technical work

Talent
term 60 morenewablecounts toward permanent residencefamily allowedfee $ 0,00processing 30–90 days
Fee: on the same terms as the ground above.
official source · read 2026-09-03

Highly Skilled Professional (i)(c) — business management

Talent
term 60 morenewablecounts toward permanent residencefamily allowedfee $ 0,00processing 30–90 days
Fee: on the same terms as the ground above.
official source · read 2026-09-03

Highly Skilled Professional (ii)

Talent
counts toward permanent residencefamily allowedfee $ 36,7processing 30–60 days
Fee: Permission to change the status of residence is paid for with revenue stamps at the moment the permission is issued; filing through the online application system carries a lower rate of 5,500 yen. Applications accepted before 31 March 2025 are charged the former rate of 4,000 yen even if the permission is issued later
official source · read 2026-09-03

Business Manager

Investment
term 60 morenewablecounts toward permanent residencefamily allowedfee $ 0,00processing 30–90 days
Fee: The application for a certificate of eligibility — the route by which a status is obtained while still abroad — carries no revenue fee: the fee section of the page answers that no fee is charged. The page itself notes that this route yields any status except temporary visitor and permanent resident
official source · read 2026-09-03

Legal/Accounting Services

Work
term 60 morenewablecounts toward permanent residencefamily allowedfee $ 0,00processing 30–90 days
Fee: on the same terms as the ground above.
official source · read 2026-09-03

Medical Services

Work
term 60 morenewablecounts toward permanent residencefamily allowedfee $ 0,00processing 30–90 days
Fee: on the same terms as the ground above.
official source · read 2026-09-03

Researcher

Work
term 60 morenewablecounts toward permanent residencefamily allowedfee $ 0,00processing 30–90 days
Fee: on the same terms as the ground above.
official source · read 2026-09-03

Instructor

Work
term 60 morenewablecounts toward permanent residencefamily allowedfee $ 0,00processing 30–90 days
Fee: on the same terms as the ground above.
official source · read 2026-09-03

Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services

Work
term 60 morenewablecounts toward permanent residencefamily allowedfee $ 0,00processing 30–90 days
Fee: on the same terms as the ground above.
official source · read 2026-09-03

Intra-company Transferee

Work
term 60 morenewablecounts toward permanent residencefamily allowedfee $ 0,00processing 30–90 days
Fee: on the same terms as the ground above.
official source · read 2026-09-03

Nursing Care

Work
term 60 morenewablecounts toward permanent residencefamily allowedfee $ 0,00processing 30–90 days
Fee: on the same terms as the ground above.
official source · read 2026-09-03

Entertainer — criterion 1(a)

Work
term 36 morenewablecounts toward permanent residencefamily allowedfee $ 0,00processing 30–90 days
Fee: on the same terms as the ground above.
official source · read 2026-09-03

Entertainer — criterion 1(b)

Work
term 36 morenewablecounts toward permanent residencefamily allowedfee $ 0,00processing 30–90 days
Fee: on the same terms as the ground above.
official source · read 2026-09-03

Entertainer — criterion 1(c)

Work
term 36 morenewablecounts toward permanent residencefamily allowedfee $ 0,00processing 30–90 days
Fee: on the same terms as the ground above.
official source · read 2026-09-03

Entertainer — criterion 2 (sports and other shows)

Work
term 36 morenewablecounts toward permanent residencefamily allowedfee $ 0,00processing 30–90 days
Fee: on the same terms as the ground above.
official source · read 2026-09-03

Entertainer — criterion 3 (artistic work off stage)

Work
term 36 morenewablecounts toward permanent residencefamily allowedfee $ 0,00processing 30–90 days
Fee: on the same terms as the ground above.
official source · read 2026-09-03

Skilled Labor — cook

Work
term 60 morenewablecounts toward permanent residencefamily allowedfee $ 0,00processing 30–90 days
Fee: on the same terms as the ground above.
official source · read 2026-09-03

Skilled Labor — occupations other than cook

Work
term 60 morenewablecounts toward permanent residencefamily allowedfee $ 0,00processing 30–90 days
Fee: on the same terms as the ground above.
official source · read 2026-09-03

Specified Skilled Worker (i)

Work
term 36 morenewabledoes not count toward permanent residenceapplicant onlyfee $ 0,00processing 30–90 days
Fee: on the same terms as the ground above.
official source · read 2026-09-03

Specified Skilled Worker (ii)

Work
term 36 morenewablecounts toward permanent residencefamily allowedfee $ 0,00processing 30–90 days
Fee: on the same terms as the ground above.
official source · read 2026-09-03

Technical Intern Training (i)

Work
term 12 morenewabledoes not count toward permanent residenceapplicant onlyfee $ 0,00processing 30–90 days
Fee: on the same terms as the ground above.
official source · read 2026-09-03

Technical Intern Training (ii)

Work
term 24 morenewabledoes not count toward permanent residenceapplicant onlyfee $ 36,7processing 30–60 days
Fee: Permission to change the status of residence is paid for with revenue stamps at the moment the permission is issued; filing through the online application system carries a lower rate of 5,500 yen. Applications accepted before 31 March 2025 are charged the former rate of 4,000 yen even if the permission is issued later
official source · read 2026-09-03

Technical Intern Training (iii)

Work
term 24 morenewabledoes not count toward permanent residenceapplicant onlyfee $ 36,7processing 30–60 days
Fee: on the same terms as the ground above.
official source · read 2026-09-03

Cultural Activities — unpaid academic or artistic work

Study
term 36 morenewablefamily allowedfee $ 0,00processing 30–90 days
Fee: The application for a certificate of eligibility — the route by which a status is obtained while still abroad — carries no revenue fee: the fee section of the page answers that no fee is charged. The page itself notes that this route yields any status except temporary visitor and permanent resident
official source · read 2026-09-03

Cultural Activities — apprenticeship under a Japanese master

Study
term 36 morenewablefamily allowedfee $ 0,00processing 30–90 days
Fee: on the same terms as the ground above.
official source · read 2026-09-03

Student

Study
term 51 morenewablefamily allowedfee $ 0,00processing 30–90 days
Fee: on the same terms as the ground above.
official source · read 2026-09-03

Trainee

Work
term 12 morenewabledoes not count toward permanent residenceapplicant onlyfee $ 0,00processing 30–90 days
Fee: on the same terms as the ground above.
official source · read 2026-09-03

Dependent

Family
term 60 morenewablefee $ 0,00processing 30–90 days
Fee: on the same terms as the ground above.
official source · read 2026-09-03

Permanent Resident

Other
fee $ 61,1processing 120–180 days
Fee: Permission for permanent residence is paid for with revenue stamps at the moment the permission is issued. Where permanent resident status is not changed but acquired (birth in Japan, loss of Japanese nationality), no fee is charged at all. Applications accepted before 31 March 2025 are governed by the former rate of 8,000 yen
official source · read 2026-09-03

Spouse of Japanese National

Family
term 60 morenewablecounts toward permanent residencefee $ 0,00processing 30–90 days
Fee: The application for a certificate of eligibility — the route by which a status is obtained while still abroad — carries no revenue fee: the fee section of the page answers that no fee is charged. The page itself notes that this route yields any status except temporary visitor and permanent resident
official source · read 2026-09-03

Child of Japanese National

Family
term 60 morenewablecounts toward permanent residencefee $ 0,00processing 30–90 days
Fee: on the same terms as the ground above.
official source · read 2026-09-03

Spouse or Child of Permanent Resident

Family
term 60 morenewablecounts toward permanent residencefee $ 0,00processing 30–90 days
Fee: on the same terms as the ground above.
official source · read 2026-09-03

Long-Term Resident — third-generation descendant of Japanese

Repatriation
term 60 morenewablecounts toward permanent residencefee $ 0,00processing 30–90 days
Fee: on the same terms as the ground above.
official source · read 2026-09-03

Long-Term Resident — spouse of a second-generation descendant of Japanese

Repatriation
term 60 morenewablecounts toward permanent residencefee $ 0,00processing 30–90 days
Fee: on the same terms as the ground above.
official source · read 2026-09-03

Long-Term Resident — spouse of a third-generation descendant of Japanese

Repatriation
term 60 morenewablecounts toward permanent residencefee $ 0,00processing 30–90 days
Fee: on the same terms as the ground above.
official source · read 2026-09-03

Long-Term Resident — minor unmarried child of a resident

Family
term 60 morenewablecounts toward permanent residencefee $ 0,00processing 30–90 days
Fee: on the same terms as the ground above.
official source · read 2026-09-03

Long-Term Resident — adopted child under six

Family
term 60 morenewablecounts toward permanent residencefee $ 0,00processing 30–90 days
Fee: on the same terms as the ground above.
official source · read 2026-09-03

Employment for Skill Development (in force from 1 April 2027)

Work
applicant onlyfee $ 0,00processing 30–90 days
Fee: on the same terms as the ground above.
official source · read 2026-09-03

Designated Activities — domestic worker of a diplomat

Work
renewableapplicant onlyfee $ 0,00processing 30–90 days
Fee: on the same terms as the ground above.
official source · read 2026-09-03

Designated Activities — domestic worker of a Highly Skilled Professional

Work
renewableapplicant onlyfee $ 36,7processing 30–60 days
Fee: Permission to change the status of residence is paid for with revenue stamps at the moment the permission is issued; filing through the online application system carries a lower rate of 5,500 yen. Applications accepted before 31 March 2025 are charged the former rate of 4,000 yen even if the permission is issued later
official source · read 2026-09-03

Designated Activities — amateur athlete

Work
renewablefamily allowedfee $ 0,00processing 30–90 days
Fee: The application for a certificate of eligibility — the route by which a status is obtained while still abroad — carries no revenue fee: the fee section of the page answers that no fee is charged. The page itself notes that this route yields any status except temporary visitor and permanent resident
official source · read 2026-09-03

Designated Activities — family of an amateur athlete

Family
renewablefee $ 0,00processing 30–90 days
Fee: on the same terms as the ground above.
official source · read 2026-09-03

Designated Activities — parent of a Highly Skilled Professional

Family
renewablefee $ 0,00processing 30–90 days
Fee: on the same terms as the ground above.
official source · read 2026-09-03

Designated Activities — working spouse of a Highly Skilled Professional

Work
renewablefee $ 0,00processing 30–90 days
Fee: on the same terms as the ground above.
official source · read 2026-09-03

Designated Activities — internship (notification no. 9)

Work
renewableapplicant onlyfee $ 0,00processing 30–90 days
Fee: on the same terms as the ground above.
official source · read 2026-09-03

Designated Activities — summer job (notification no. 12)

Work
renewableapplicant onlyfee $ 0,00processing 30–90 days
Fee: on the same terms as the ground above.
official source · read 2026-09-03

Designated Activities — international cultural exchange (notification no. 15)

Work
renewableapplicant onlyfee $ 0,00processing 30–90 days
Fee: on the same terms as the ground above.
official source · read 2026-09-03

Designated Activities — EPA nurse/care-worker candidate

Work
renewablefamily allowedfee $ 36,7processing 14–30 days
Fee: Permission to extend the period of stay is paid for with revenue stamps at the moment the permission is issued; filing through the online application system carries a lower rate of 5,500 yen. Applications accepted before 31 March 2025 are charged the former rate of 4,000 yen even if the permission is issued later
official source · read 2026-09-03

Designated Activities — EPA-qualified nurse or care worker

Work
renewablefamily allowedfee $ 36,7processing 30–60 days
Fee: Permission to change the status of residence is paid for with revenue stamps at the moment the permission is issued; filing through the online application system carries a lower rate of 5,500 yen. Applications accepted before 31 March 2025 are charged the former rate of 4,000 yen even if the permission is issued later
official source · read 2026-09-03

Designated Activities — family of an EPA nurse or care worker

Family
renewablefee $ 0,00processing 30–90 days
Fee: The application for a certificate of eligibility — the route by which a status is obtained while still abroad — carries no revenue fee: the fee section of the page answers that no fee is charged. The page itself notes that this route yields any status except temporary visitor and permanent resident
official source · read 2026-09-03

Designated Activities — medical stay

Other
renewablefamily allowedfee $ 0,00processing 30–90 days
Fee: on the same terms as the ground above.
official source · read 2026-09-03

Designated Activities — companion of a medical-stay patient

Other
renewablefee $ 0,00processing 30–90 days
Fee: on the same terms as the ground above.
official source · read 2026-09-03

Designated Activities — specified research

Work
renewablefamily allowedfee $ 0,00processing 30–90 days
Fee: on the same terms as the ground above.
official source · read 2026-09-03

Designated Activities — specified information-processing work

Work
renewablefamily allowedfee $ 0,00processing 30–90 days
Fee: on the same terms as the ground above.
official source · read 2026-09-03

Designated Activities — family and parents of a specified researcher

Family
renewablefee $ 0,00processing 30–90 days
Fee: on the same terms as the ground above.
official source · read 2026-09-03

Designated Activities — long-stay tourism and recreation

Retirement
term 12 morenewablefamily allowedfee $ 0,00processing 30–90 days
Fee: on the same terms as the ground above.
official source · read 2026-09-03

Designated Activities — spouse accompanying a long-stay visitor

Family
term 12 morenewablefee $ 0,00processing 30–90 days
Fee: on the same terms as the ground above.
official source · read 2026-09-03

Designated Activities — digital nomad

Remote work
term 6 monot renewablefamily allowedfee $ 0,00processing 30–90 days
Fee: on the same terms as the ground above.
official source · read 2026-09-03

Designated Activities — family of a digital nomad

Family
term 6 monot renewablefee $ 0,00processing 30–90 days
Fee: on the same terms as the ground above.
official source · read 2026-09-03

Designated Activities — parent of a specified researcher or IT specialist

Family
renewableapplicant onlyfee $ 0,00processing 30–90 days
Fee: on the same terms as the ground above.
official source · read 2026-09-03

Designated Activities (Notice 46) — graduate of a Japanese university

Work
renewablefamily allowedfee $ 0,00processing 30–90 days
Fee: on the same terms as the ground above.
official source · read 2026-09-03

Designated Activities (Notice 46) — spouse or child of the graduate

Family
renewableapplicant onlyfee $ 0,00processing 30–90 days
Fee: on the same terms as the ground above.
official source · read 2026-09-03

Designated Activities — ski instructor

Work
renewableapplicant onlyfee $ 0,00processing 30–90 days
Fee: on the same terms as the ground above.
official source · read 2026-09-03

Designated Activities — start-up preparation by a Japanese university graduate

Startup
renewableapplicant onlyfee $ 36,7processing 30–60 days
Fee: Permission to change the status of residence is paid for with revenue stamps at the moment the permission is issued; filing through the online application system carries a lower rate of 5,500 yen. Applications accepted before 31 March 2025 are charged the former rate of 4,000 yen even if the permission is issued later
official source · read 2026-09-03

Designated Activities — start-up by a graduate of a designated university

Startup
renewableapplicant onlyfee $ 36,7processing 30–60 days
Fee: on the same terms as the ground above.
official source · read 2026-09-03

Designated Activities — continued job hunting after graduation

Job seeking
renewableapplicant onlyfee $ 36,7processing 30–60 days
Fee: on the same terms as the ground above.
official source · read 2026-09-03

Designated Activities — waiting for employment after a job offer

Job seeking
renewableapplicant onlyfee $ 36,7processing 30–60 days
Fee: on the same terms as the ground above.
official source · read 2026-09-03

Designated Activities — waiting for graduate school admission

Study
renewableapplicant onlyfee $ 36,7processing 30–60 days
Fee: on the same terms as the ground above.
official source · read 2026-09-03

J-Find — Future Creation Individual

Job seeking
term 24 morenewablefamily allowedfee $ 0,00processing 30–90 days
Fee: The application for a certificate of eligibility — the route by which a status is obtained while still abroad — carries no revenue fee: the fee section of the page answers that no fee is charged. The page itself notes that this route yields any status except temporary visitor and permanent resident
official source · read 2026-09-03

J-Find — spouse or child

Family
term 24 morenewableapplicant onlyfee $ 0,00processing 30–90 days
Fee: on the same terms as the ground above.
official source · read 2026-09-03

Designated Activities (Notice 43) — fourth-generation Japanese descendant

Repatriation
term 12 morenewableapplicant onlyfee $ 0,00processing 30–90 days
Fee: on the same terms as the ground above.
official source · read 2026-09-03

Designated Activities — foreign entrepreneur (Start-up Visa)

Startup
term 24 morenewablefamily allowedfee $ 0,00processing 30–90 days
Fee: on the same terms as the ground above.
official source · read 2026-09-03

Designated Activities — family of a foreign entrepreneur

Family
term 24 morenewableapplicant onlyfee $ 0,00processing 30–90 days
Fee: on the same terms as the ground above.
official source · read 2026-09-03

Designated Activities — preparation for transition to Specified Skilled Worker (i)

Work
term 6 morenewableapplicant onlyfee $ 36,7processing 30–60 days
Fee: Permission to change the status of residence is paid for with revenue stamps at the moment the permission is issued; filing through the online application system carries a lower rate of 5,500 yen. Applications accepted before 31 March 2025 are charged the former rate of 4,000 yen even if the permission is issued later
official source · read 2026-09-03

Designated Activities — employment continuation support

Work
term 12 morenewableapplicant onlyfee $ 36,7processing 30–60 days
Fee: on the same terms as the ground above.
official source · read 2026-09-03

Designated Activities — preparation for road transport Specified Skilled Worker

Work
term 6 monot renewableapplicant onlyfee $ 0,00processing 30–90 days
Fee: The application for a certificate of eligibility — the route by which a status is obtained while still abroad — carries no revenue fee: the fee section of the page answers that no fee is charged. The page itself notes that this route yields any status except temporary visitor and permanent resident
official source · read 2026-09-03

Designated Activities — technical intern in transfer with a new placement

Work
term 4 monot renewableapplicant onlyfee $ 36,7processing 30–60 days
Fee: Permission to change the status of residence is paid for with revenue stamps at the moment the permission is issued; filing through the online application system carries a lower rate of 5,500 yen. Applications accepted before 31 March 2025 are charged the former rate of 4,000 yen even if the permission is issued later
official source · read 2026-09-03

Designated Activities — technical intern in transfer without a placement

Work
term 4 monot renewableapplicant onlyfee $ 36,7processing 30–60 days
Fee: on the same terms as the ground above.
official source · read 2026-09-03

J-Skip — Special Highly Skilled Professional (research or specialist work)

Talent
term 60 morenewablecounts toward permanent residencefamily allowedfee $ 0,00processing 30–90 days
Fee: The application for a certificate of eligibility — the route by which a status is obtained while still abroad — carries no revenue fee: the fee section of the page answers that no fee is charged. The page itself notes that this route yields any status except temporary visitor and permanent resident
official source · read 2026-09-03

J-Skip — Special Highly Skilled Professional (business management)

Talent
term 60 morenewablecounts toward permanent residencefamily allowedfee $ 0,00processing 30–90 days
Fee: on the same terms as the ground above.
official source · read 2026-09-03

Working Holiday

Working holiday
term 12 monot renewableapplicant onlyfee $ 0,00processing time not published
Fee: on the same terms as the ground above.
For citizens of certain countries only.
official source · read 2026-09-03

Programme terms change, and the final decision rests with the consulate or the country migration service. The data is collected from official sources on the date shown and is not legal advice.

Residence and citizenship

Permanent residence after
10 years
Citizenship after
5 years
Language
There is no formal language exam requirement for naturalisation, but basic Japanese is expected in practice.
Dual citizenship
not allowed

Naturalisation: at least 5 years of continuous residence, ~80% of applications are approved, no country knowledge exam is required, and processing takes up to 18 months (Wikipedia: Japanese nationality law / Immigration to Japan). Residence (permanent residency): 10 years as standard, but under the Highly Skilled Professional programme 3 years with 70+ points or 1 year with 80+ points (ISA, moj.go.jp/isa).

Documents

Document certification
apostille

The country is party to the 1961 Hague Convention: a degree or certificate is authenticated with a single apostille in the country that issued it.

Family

Partner

“Family Residence” status is for partners and children of work visa holders (Engineer/Specialist, HSP and others); the period of stay is set individually and does not exceed 5 years at a time (ISA, moj.go.jp/isa).

Children

Can be brought
yes

Children are included in “Family Residence” status together with a spouse.

Parents

Difficulty
no route

“Family Residence” status covers only a spouse and children — parents are not included (confirmed on the ISA page about “Additional family member” status). The one narrow exception is that holders of Highly Skilled Professional status may in certain circumstances invite ONE parent (their own or a partner's, not both) under “Designated Activities” status; the exact income thresholds and conditions could not be confirmed against an official source in this session.

Partner's parents

Difficulty
no route

Matters: In a number of countries only a biological child can sponsor a parent, in which case the spouse files the application.

Pets

Limit
no limit
Quarantine
180 days
Antibody titre test
needed
Preparation
~6 months

Strict import rules: a rabies antibody titre test at an accredited laboratory and advance notification of the Animal Quarantine Service (AQS) are required. If all conditions are met in advance, quarantine on arrival is only ~12 hours; if not, the animal is held at an AQS quarantine facility for up to 180 days (maff.go.jp/aqs). Preparation must begin many months before the move.

Safety

Situation
calm

A stable parliamentary democracy with no internal conflicts.

Crime: Japan is one of the safest countries in the world for violent crime and homicide. The main risks for newcomers come not from crime but from natural disasters.

Natural hazards

Earthquakesvery high

Japan lies on the tectonic plate boundaries of the Pacific Ring of Fire, and earthquakes occur regularly across the whole country (Wikipedia: Japan / Geography of Japan).

Wildfireslow
Floodsmedium

Seasonal typhoons and downpours cause flooding, especially in July-September.

Hurricaneshigh

Typhoons regularly reach the archipelago in late summer and early autumn (Wikipedia: Geography of Japan).

Droughtslow
Extreme heatmedium

In summer (July-August) high temperatures and humidity in the major cities, Tokyo included.

Volcanoeshigh

Japan has 108 active volcanoes, about 10% of all the active volcanoes in the world (Wikipedia: Geography of Japan).

Tsunamisvery high

Coastal areas, especially the Pacific coast of Tohoku, are exposed to tsunamis; the largest was in 2011 after the Tohoku earthquake.

One of the most seismically active regions in the world: earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanoes, typhoons. That said, building codes and early warning systems are among the most advanced anywhere.

Climate

-2J
-1F
3M
9A
14M
17J
21J
22A
18S
12O
6N
0D
Type
From subtropical in the south to temperate monsoon and subarctic in the north (Hokkaido); the archipelago stretches from north to south

The temperatures and rainfall given correspond to the climate of central Japan (Tokyo). The climate varies widely across the country, from the subtropics of Okinawa to the snowy subarctic of Hokkaido.

Quality of life

Life expectancy
84 years
Migration
inflow

Healthcare: Universal insurance by law (Employees' Health Insurance for employees, National Health Insurance for everyone else). The patient pays 10-30% of the cost of treatment, with a monthly cap on outlay. One of the best health systems in the world by treatment outcomes (Wikipedia: Healthcare in Japan).

Flows: Net migration of +175,003 people in 2023 (World Bank, SM.POP.NETM), about +1.4 per 1,000 population. Higher peaks came in 2016-2019 (+300-320k a year), followed by a decline and a negative figure in 2021 (COVID-19).

Cities

Tokyo

tech hub
9 878 284 residents
$ 1 130
1 bedroom, per month

23 special wards (population as at 1 January 2024, Wikipedia). Japan's largest technology and business hub.

2 bedrooms $ 1 606 · estimate3 bedrooms $ 2 080utilities $ 140ticket $ 1,30monthly pass $ 76,1
To buy, per m²: centre $ 10 558 · suburbs $ 5 002

A high risk of severe earthquakes (the largest historically was in 1923, with >140,000 dead). The early warning system and building codes are among the best in the world.

+Japan's largest IT labour market
+Developed infrastructure and transport
+International companies
−High rent by Japanese standards
−Earthquake risk
−Summer heat and humidity

Yokohama

tech hub
3 772 726 residents
$ 939
1 bedroom, per month

Japan's second most populous city (June 2024, Wikipedia), part of the Greater Tokyo conurbation and a major port.

2 bedrooms $ 1 247 · estimate3 bedrooms $ 1 557utilities $ 122ticket $ 1,36monthly pass $ 58,5
To buy, per m²: centre $ 6 237 · suburbs $ 3 857

Seismic risk, as across the whole Kantō region. Coastal districts are potentially vulnerable to tsunamis.

+Close to Tokyo
+A port and industry
+Lower rent than central Tokyo
−Earthquakes
−Long commutes into central Tokyo at rush hour

Osaka

tech hub
2 816 247 residents
$ 681
1 bedroom, per month

Japan's third largest city by population (October 2025, Wikipedia), a major economic centre in the Kansai region.

2 bedrooms $ 958 · estimate3 bedrooms $ 1 237utilities $ 122ticket $ 1,48monthly pass $ 32,3
To buy, per m²: centre $ 5 334 · suburbs $ 2 060

Seismic risk (the Kansai region), with typhoons and the flooding they bring possible.

+A lower cost of living than Tokyo
+A large labour market
+Good food and culture
−Earthquakes
−Typhoons

Nagoya

2 337 864 residents
$ 494
1 bedroom, per month

Japan's fourth most populous city (September 2025, Wikipedia), an industrial centre (Toyota and the car industry).

2 bedrooms $ 702 · estimate3 bedrooms $ 912utilities $ 119ticket $ 1,51monthly pass $ 62,3
To buy, per m²: centre $ 2 328 · suburbs $ 1 124

Seismic risk, typhoons.

+Industry and carmaking
+More affordable housing
+Good transport links
−Fewer international IT vacancies than in Tokyo or Osaka
−Earthquakes

Sapporo

1 959 750 residents
$ 404
1 bedroom, per month

Japan's fifth most populous city (July 2023, Wikipedia) and the largest city on Hokkaido.

2 bedrooms $ 574 · estimate3 bedrooms $ 743utilities $ 283ticket $ 1,56monthly pass $ 46,6
To buy, per m²: centre $ 2 166 · suburbs $ 1 568

Extremely snowy winters (~4.79 m of snow a year on average) — one of the snowiest big cities in the world. Seismic risk is lower than in Tokyo or Osaka, but not zero.

+The most affordable rent among the major cities
+Mild summer
+Nature and snow sports
−Very high heating costs in winter
−Smaller IT labour market
−Isolation from the main islands in winter (ferries/flights)

Grocery basket

Bread, 500 g
$ 1,40
Milk, 1 l
$ 1,40
Eggs, 12
$ 2,01
Chicken breast, 1 kg
$ 6,17
Cheese, 1 kg
$ 11,3
Rice, 1 kg
$ 4,22
Potatoes, 1 kg
$ 2,55
Apples, 1 kg
$ 4,53
Coca-Cola / Pepsi, 2 l
$ 1,34
Total
$ 34,9

The same set for every country, so the comparison is fair.

Cost of living across the country

Rent, 1 bedroom
$ 528 a month
Rent, 3 bedrooms
$ 1 147 a month
Utility bills
$ 140 a month
Home internet
$ 30,9 a month
Monthly transport pass
$ 59,9 a month
Single transport ticket
$ 1,59
Petrol, litre
$ 1,05
Cold medicine
$ 9,68 for a week

Country averages. City prices, where collected, are shown above and are more precise.

Indicators

Life expectancy
84 years2024
Homicides
0,2 per 100k2024
Road deaths
2,7 per 100k2021
Unemployment
2,5 %2025
Unemployment, ages 15–24
3,9 %2025
Inequality (Gini)
32,32020 · data lags behind
Health spending per person
$ 3 638 a year
Air pollution, PM2.5
11,5 µg/m³2023
Access to clean water
99,2 %2024
Internet, fixed line
224,8 Mbit/s2026
Internet, mobile
67,9 Mbit/s2026

Governance

Political stability
high · 1,1
Control of corruption
high · 1,4
Rule of law
high · 1,5
Government effectiveness
high · 2,1

World Bank estimates on a −2.5 to +2.5 scale, higher is better.

Natural hazards

Earthquakes
9,7 out of 10
River floods
7,8 out of 10
Coastal floods
9,4 out of 10
Tropical cyclones
9,2 out of 10
Droughts
0,4 out of 10
Tsunamis
10 out of 10

Policy towards newcomers

Migrant integration, overall score
44 out of 100 · 2019
Family reunification
62 out of 100 · 2019
Permanent residence
63 out of 100 · 2019
Access to citizenship
47 out of 100 · 2019
Access to the labour market
59 out of 100 · 2019

Measures how favourable the law is towards newcomers, not one person's chances of getting a visa.

Each value carries the year it refers to. “Data lags behind” means this country's figure was collected noticeably earlier than the rest. Natural hazards use one 0–10 scale and are meant to be compared against each other.

Pros and cons

+One of the world's lowest levels of violent crime and homicide
+Excellent healthcare with universal insurance
+High life expectancy
+Developed infrastructure and public transport
+The clear HSP points system speeds up permanent residence (1-3 years instead of 10)
−Dual citizenship is not allowed
−Parents, your own or a partner's, can practically never be sponsored for residence; there is only a narrow exception for HSP
−Bringing pets in is strict and slow: an antibody titre test, and quarantine of up to 180 days if the timings are missed
−High seismic, tsunami and typhoon risk nationwide
−On the available data IT salaries are far below other Asian tech hubs

Compare with other countries in the region

Afghanistan · Azerbaijan · Bangladesh · Bhutan · Brunei · Cambodia · Hong Kong · India · Indonesia · Iran · Iraq · Jordan · Kazakhstan · Kuwait · Kyrgyzstan · Laos · Lebanon · Malaysia · Mongolia · Myanmar · Nepal · Oman · Pakistan · People's Republic of China · Philippines · Singapore · South Korea · Sri Lanka · State of Palestine · Taiwan · Tajikistan · Thailand · Timor-Leste · Türkiye · Turkmenistan · Uzbekistan · Vietnam · Yemen

Other countries in the region: Asia

Afghanistan · Azerbaijan · Bangladesh · Bhutan · Brunei · Cambodia · Hong Kong · India · Indonesia · Iran · Iraq · Jordan · Kazakhstan · Kuwait · Kyrgyzstan · Laos · Lebanon · Malaysia · Mongolia · Myanmar · Nepal · North Korea · Oman · Pakistan · People's Republic of China · Philippines · Singapore · South Korea · Sri Lanka · State of Palestine · Syria · Taiwan · Tajikistan · Thailand · Timor-Leste · Türkiye · Turkmenistan · Uzbekistan · Vietnam · Yemen

All countries by region

Official sources

Immigration Services Agency of Japan (ISA)
Visas, residence statuses, residence permits, naturalisation
↗
ISA — Search by Status of Residence
Engineer/Specialist in Humanities, Highly Skilled Professional (points) and others
↗
Ministry of Justice / ISA
Naturalisation: 5 years of residence, giving up the previous citizenship
↗
SUUMO
Japan's largest rental site (~9.5 million listings)
↗
SUUMO
Renting and buying housing
↗
Animal Quarantine Service (MAFF)
Strict rules: a rabies antibody titre test and a waiting period
↗
National Tax Agency Japan
Income tax
↗
Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare
Universal insurance: Employees' Health Insurance (for the employed) / National Health Insurance
↗

Reliability. Collected from open sources: official immigration service sites, statistical aggregators, industry surveys. Updated: 2026-09-03.

This is not advice. This material is for reference and is not legal, tax or immigration advice. Visa rules, tax thresholds and prices change. Before deciding anything, check the official sources and consult a licensed professional in the relevant country.