Asia · Migration Guide
How to Migrate to Japan
Japan has quietly become one of Asia's most accessible destinations for skilled foreign workers, driven by a shrinking workforce and an ageing population. Between the points-based Highly Skilled Professional visa, a broad Engineer/Specialist route, and the newer Specified Skilled Worker programme for hands-on trades, there are more legal pathways than most people realise — and a genuine, if slow, road to permanent residency.
Japanese
¥4.5M–¥7M/year
1–10 years
Japanese Yen (JPY)
Why migrate to Japan?
Japan pairs high safety, excellent healthcare and world-class infrastructure with a labour shortage so acute that the government has repeatedly widened its visa categories. Salaries are moderate by Western standards but so is crime, and the cost of living outside central Tokyo is very manageable. For engineers, IT specialists, healthcare and care workers, and skilled trades, demand is real and employer sponsorship is common. The trade-off is a demanding language barrier and a work culture that rewards patience over speed.
Visa pathways to Japan
Highly Skilled Professional (HSP)
Best for: High earners and advanced degree holders
Timeline: 1–3 months
A points-based visa scoring education, income, age and experience. 70+ points fast-tracks PR to 3 years; 80+ points to just 1 year.
Engineer/Specialist in Humanities
Best for: IT, engineering, business and language professionals
Timeline: 1–3 months
The workhorse work visa. Requires a relevant degree or 10 years' experience and a matching job offer from a sponsoring employer.
Specified Skilled Worker (SSW)
Best for: Care, hospitality, construction, agriculture, food service
Timeline: 2–4 months
Created to fill hands-on shortages. Requires passing a skills test and basic Japanese (JLPT N4). SSW type 2 can lead to long-term residence.
Business Manager visa
Best for: Founders and investors
Timeline: 3–6 months
Requires roughly ¥5M in capital and a viable business plan and office in Japan.
Step by step: how to move to Japan
- 1
Secure a job offer with a sponsoring employer
Almost every Japanese work visa is employer-sponsored. Target companies hiring internationally (IT, manufacturing, care, English teaching) via sites like Japan Dev, GaijinPot and LinkedIn.
- 2
Employer applies for your Certificate of Eligibility
Your employer files the CoE with immigration in Japan on your behalf. This is the real gatekeeping step and takes roughly 1–3 months.
- 3
Apply for the visa at your local Japanese embassy
Once the CoE is issued, submit it with your passport and application to the Japanese embassy or consulate in your country. The visa is usually stamped within a week.
- 4
Arrive and collect your Residence Card
Your Residence Card (Zairyu Card) is printed at the airport on arrival at major international airports — it is your primary ID from day one.
- 5
Register your address within 14 days
Register at your local ward office to activate your address, enrol in National Health Insurance and start your My Number. See our Japan arrival guide for the full first-week checklist.
Requirements
- A job offer from a Japanese employer who will sponsor your Certificate of Eligibility (CoE)
- A relevant university degree or equivalent professional experience
- A valid passport and clean background
- For SSW roles: a passed skills test and JLPT N4-level Japanese
- Proof of funds to support your initial move
In-demand jobs
Language & tests
There is no single points test like Canada's, but Japanese ability shapes everything. Professional visas can be obtained with English-only roles, but the SSW route requires JLPT N4 plus a skills test. Learning Japanese dramatically widens your options and is effectively required for permanent residency and daily life outside international companies.
What it costs to migrate
Japan is relatively cheap to enter — the visa itself is inexpensive and employers usually cover the Certificate of Eligibility. Your real upfront cost is relocation and the notoriously high move-in cost for an apartment.
Path to permanent residency & citizenship
Permanent residency normally requires 10 years of residence (with at least 5 on a work visa), but the Highly Skilled Professional points system slashes this to 1–3 years for high scorers. PR removes the need for employer sponsorship and lets you change jobs freely. Naturalisation (citizenship) is possible after around 5 years but requires renouncing your original nationality, as Japan does not permit dual citizenship for adults.
Frequently asked questions
Can I migrate to Japan without speaking Japanese?
Yes, for many professional roles — particularly in IT and English teaching — English-only positions exist and can sponsor a work visa. However, hands-on Specified Skilled Worker roles require JLPT N4 Japanese, and any long-term life or permanent residency effectively requires the language.
How long does it take to get permanent residency in Japan?
The standard route is 10 years of residence. But under the Highly Skilled Professional points system, high scorers can qualify in as little as 1 year (80+ points) or 3 years (70+ points).
Do I need a job offer to move to Japan?
For almost all work visas, yes — Japanese work visas are employer-sponsored and your company files your Certificate of Eligibility. Exceptions are the Business Manager visa (for founders) and dependent or spouse visas.
Does Japan allow dual citizenship?
No. Japan does not permit dual citizenship for adults, so naturalising as a Japanese citizen generally requires renouncing your original nationality. Permanent residency, however, lets you stay indefinitely while keeping your current passport.
This guide is general information, not legal advice, and rules change often. Always confirm the current requirements on the official government website for your destination. How we research & source our guides.
People who made the move with NextMigrate
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Ready to start your move to Japan?
Take our free eligibility assessment to see which Japan visa pathway fits your profile — or read what to do once you land.
