Expats Moving to Japan

Relocating to Japan

Japan, the country of opportunity and growth, has emerged as a popular destination for young professionals. Many multinational corporations have their headquarters in Japan, and professionals are relocating to pursue their professional aspirations. Whatever your reason for relocating, this charming Asian country will undoubtedly win your heart with its simplicity. Whatever the reason for the relocation, plan it meticulously with experienced movers and packers. It is recommended that you hire international removalists to make things easy for you, especially when you have experts like Apac Relocation on your side.

Housing

Accommodation in Japan is expensive—Tokyo is one of the most expensive cities in the world—but foreigners joining the Japanese property market will discover that startup costs are also high. In Japan, the initial costs, which include a variety of services such as a realtor, insurance, and others, can easily exceed five times the property’s rent.

The typical rent in Japan varies by city, although the national average ranges from 50 to 70,000 JPY (470–650 USD). Finding residence as a foreigner in Japan is rather simple. When searching to rent or buy a home, expats should not face too many limitations. The requirement of a guarantor is one of the most challenging obstacles that expats will confront. In Japan, a guarantor, also known as a co-signer in other countries, is someone who agrees to pay a renter’s rent or penalty costs if the tenant is unable to do so for any reason. Because the guarantor must be a Japanese citizen, many Japanese nationals enlist the help of a family member to serve as a guarantee.

Jobs

Previously, the Japanese labour market was not recognized for being accommodating to foreigners. However, this has altered in recent years, as Japan has experienced an increase in not only multinational corporations opening up shop in its major cities, but also an inflow of expats relocating to the small island nation. As a result, Japan has made it easier for expats to obtain a social security number. Even if you do not request one, you will be assigned a social security number when you apply for your residency card.

Expats wondering how to find a job in Japan should hunt for positions in early spring and late summer, as these are peak hiring seasons. Working in Japan has several advantages, including a high average pay (almost 4 million JPY (37,800 USD) per year) and collaborative company culture. However, Japan is also a tremendously work-oriented country.

Banking

Understanding bank accounts and the Japanese tax system is not difficult. As a highly developed, world-leading economy, most of Japan’s financial system is similar to that of Europe and North America. The most difficult obstacle for foreigners to overcome when opening a bank account is producing a residence card. Without Japanese residency, it is not feasible to open a bank account in Japan. Foreigners who intend to stay in Japan for more than 90 days should not have an issue, as they will need to secure a residence visa in order to live and work in Japan.

You might be surprised to find that Japan is mostly a cash-based society. Fortunately, ATMs are widely available across the country, but be aware that many charge a small withdrawal fee even if you have a Japanese bank account. If you ever find yourself in need of money, search for a 7/11 convenience store, as these will always have an ATM.

Read the complete relocation guide to Japan here – Relocate to Japan