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Japan
Answers verified by our experts
Living abroad in Japan — Practical questions
20 questions
Verified answers by our experts
May 2026
Welcome to the SOS-Expat practical guide to life in Japan. Long-stay travelers, digital nomads, international workers and residents will find 20 expert-verified answers covering the essentials for Japan: housing, cost of living, healthcare system, local taxation, visa and residency, social security and consular procedures. Every answer reflects the specific situation in Japan and is regularly reviewed.
Thematic Guides
Do I need a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) to move to Japan?
In most cases, yes. The Certificate of Eligibility is issued by Japan's Immigration Services Agency before you apply for your long-stay visa. Your employer, school, or sponsor in Japan typically submits the application on your behalf. Once issued, you bring it to the Japanese embassy or consulate in your country to obtain the actual visa. Without a COE, your visa application is unlikely to be approved for most work or study categories.
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How long do I have to register my address after arriving in Japan?
You must register your address at your local municipal office (shiyakusho or kuyakusho) within 14 days of moving into your residence. This applies to all foreign nationals holding a Residence Card. Bring your passport and Residence Card. This step unlocks almost everything else: health insurance enrollment, My Number assignment, and bank account opening.
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Is health insurance mandatory for foreigners in Japan?
Yes. All foreign residents in Japan with a valid Residence Card are legally required to enroll in either the employer-based insurance (Shakai Hoken) or the national health insurance scheme (Kokumin Kenko Hoken). Enrollment is done at the municipal office after address registration. Premiums are calculated based on your income from the previous year. Coverage generally reimburses 70% of eligible medical costs.
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Can I open a bank account in Japan as a foreigner?
Yes, but you will need your Residence Card with your registered address, your passport, and your My Number. Some banks also require a Japanese phone number and may ask how long you have been in Japan. Japan Post Bank (Yuucho Ginko) is generally the most accessible for newly arrived foreigners. Online banks such as Rakuten Bank also accept foreign residents and offer English-language interfaces.
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What is the My Number and when will I receive it?
My Number (Kojin Bango) is Japan's 12-digit national identification number, similar to a social security number. It is automatically assigned once you complete your address registration at the municipal office. You will receive a notification letter at your registered address within a few weeks. My Number is required for tax declarations, social insurance, employment contracts, and certain banking procedures. Keep your notification card in a safe place — losing it does not delete your number, but replacement involves additional steps.
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Can foreigners rent an apartment in Japan without a guarantor?
Yes, but options are more limited. You can use a guarantor company (hoshō gaisha) — a paid service that acts as your guarantor for an additional fee (typically 0.5–1 month's rent). Alternatively, UR Chintai (public housing) and most share houses require no guarantor at all. Your employer may also provide housing guarantees if you are relocating for work.
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How much does it cost to move into an apartment in Japan?
Initial move-in costs for a standard rental in Japan typically amount to 4–6 months of rent, covering: key money (reikin, 1–2 months, non-refundable), security deposit (shikikin, 1–2 months), agency fee (1 month), and first month's rent. Share houses and UR Chintai properties have significantly lower upfront costs and no key money.
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What is the average rent for an expat in Tokyo or Osaka?
In Tokyo, a one-bedroom apartment (1LDK) in a central area (Shinjuku, Shibuya, Minato) costs between ¥150,000 and ¥250,000/month (approx. €900–€1,500). Outer wards are significantly cheaper (¥80,000–¥120,000). In Osaka, prices are 20–30% lower on average. Furnished short-term units and share house rooms start from ¥50,000–¥70,000/month.
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Do I need to speak Japanese to rent an apartment in Japan?
Not necessarily, but it helps considerably. Most real estate agencies (fudōsan) operate only in Japanese, and all contracts are in Japanese. Use foreigner-friendly platforms such as GaijinPot Apartments or Tokyo Cheapo listings, or hire a bilingual agent. Having an expert review your lease before signing is strongly recommended to avoid misunderstandings about fees, exit clauses, or pet/renovation restrictions.
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Can I contact my country's embassy in Japan for housing assistance?
Your embassy can provide a list of local contacts or recommend relocation services, but does not directly assist with finding or securing housing. For hands-on help — navigating Japanese lease terms, communicating with landlords, or understanding local neighborhood rules — a local expat expert with on-the-ground knowledge is far more effective and faster.
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What salary is needed to live comfortably in Tokyo in 2026?
A net salary of 3,500 to 5,000 USD per month allows for a comfortable life in Tokyo in 2026: rent in a central area, regular outings, and possible savings. Below 2,500 USD, you'll need to choose peripheral neighborhoods and limit expenses. Local Japanese salaries are often lower: the average salary in Tokyo is around 2,800–3,200 USD net for a Japanese executive. Expatriates on international packages often receive a separate housing allowance that significantly improves their standard of living.
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Is Tokyo more expensive than other major Asian cities?
In 2026, Tokyo is more expensive than Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Ho Chi Minh City, or Manila, but comparable to Seoul and Singapore. It remains cheaper than Hong Kong for housing. The weakness of the yen against major international currencies makes Tokyo relatively affordable for expatriates paid in EUR, USD, or GBP. Local food (popular Japanese restaurants, supermarkets) is significantly cheaper than in Western equivalents of similar quality.
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Can you live in Tokyo on 1,500 USD per month?
Yes, it’s possible but difficult. With 1,500 USD/month, you would need to opt for a shared room or very remote housing (500–700 USD), cook most meals (200–250 USD), and limit outings. This budget leaves almost no room for savings, travel, or unexpected expenses. This situation is realistic for students or early-career individuals, but uncomfortable in the long term for an expatriate wishing to maintain a standard Western lifestyle.
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What initial costs should be anticipated upon arrival in Tokyo?
Settling in Tokyo involves significant initial costs to anticipate: 3 to 6 months of rent in advance (security deposit, agency fees, sometimes non-refundable reikin), purchasing or renting furniture, internet connection (activation fees: 50–100 USD), mobile subscription, and possibly visa and document translation fees. Plan for a starting capital of at least 5,000 to 10,000 USD to cover these first months without financial stress.
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Is health insurance mandatory for expatriates in Japan?
Yes. Anyone legally residing in Japan — regardless of nationality — is required to enroll in the national health insurance system (Kokumin Kenko Hoken or employer insurance). Registration must be done within 14 days of registering at the local government office. Failure to comply can result in penalties and retroactive contribution reminders. This insurance covers 70% of medical expenses. Private supplementary insurance is recommended to cover the remaining out-of-pocket costs.
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Visa & Immigration
Can I change my work visa type once in Japan?
Yes, it is possible to change your residency status in Japan without leaving the country. You must submit a change of status application to the local Immigration Services Agency office. Processing times vary from 2 to 8 weeks, and your employer may need to provide new sponsorship documents. It is strongly advised not to change jobs until your new status is approved.
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Do I need to speak Japanese to obtain a work visa in Japan?
Japanese language proficiency is not an official requirement for most work visas (engineer, international services, management). However, for the Specified Skills Visa (SSW), a Japanese language test (minimum JLPT N4 or JFT-Basic) is required for most relevant sectors. In practice, proficiency in Japanese significantly improves your chances of being hired by a Japanese company.
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How long does it take to obtain a work visa in Japan?
The total timeframe is generally 2 to 4 months. Obtaining the Certificate of Eligibility (COE) from your employer in Japan takes 1 to 3 months from the ISA. After that, the visa is issued by your Japanese embassy or consulate within 3 to 10 business days after submission of the complete application. Timelines can vary based on your nationality and the time of year.
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Can my family members work with a dependent visa in Japan?
Spouses and children of work visa holders can obtain a dependent visa. With this status, the spouse can work up to 28 hours per week, provided they obtain a special activity permission from the ISA. For full-time work, the spouse must have their own work visa corresponding to their activity. Minor children cannot work.
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Is there a work visa in Japan without prior employer sponsorship?
This is very limited in 2026. There is no general job-seeking visa for foreign nationals. Some exceptions exist: graduates from Japanese universities can obtain a stay extension to seek employment (6 months). The freelance or self-employed visa remains difficult to obtain and requires proof of sufficient income and established activity. The "Business Manager" visa is an option for those creating their own business.
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Official resources
Useful links for your life in Japan