Japan
Culture and order at a price
Japan launched a digital nomad visa in 2024, but with a 6-month limit and $67,000 income requirement, it's more of a long tourist visa than a residence path. Japan rewards the committed: those willing to learn Japanese, navigate bureaucracy, and embrace a very different way of living.
Our framework evaluates Japan across 6 strategic pillars. Each pillar answers a key question that matters when planning your relocation strategy.
Profile Weight Distribution
How we score: Six strategic pillars with weighted sub-factors. Confidence indicators show data quality (●●● = verified, ●●○ = researched, ●○○ = editorial). Read our full methodology
Profile weighting: Different expat profiles prioritize different pillars. Select your profile above to see personalized rankings.
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Immigration Overview
Japan is not a country that makes immigration easy, and that's somewhat intentional. The society is highly organized, extremely safe, and culturally rich, but it expects residents to integrate rather than exist in an expat bubble. Limited English proficiency outside major cities, complex bureaucratic processes, and social expectations that differ significantly from the West.
For those who commit, the rewards are substantial. Tokyo offers world-class urban living at surprisingly reasonable costs (cheaper than New York or London). Osaka brings a different energy with legendary food culture. Rural areas offer affordability and access to nature that's hard to match.
The new digital nomad visa (2024) allows 6-month stays for high earners, but it's not renewable and doesn't lead to residence. Serious long-term residence requires employment, business ownership, or marriage to a Japanese citizen. Naturalization is possible but takes 5+ years and requires giving up other citizenships.
Visa & Residency Pathways
Designated Activities Visa (DNV)
Japan's limited digital nomad visa
- 6-month maximum (non-renewable)
- 10M yen (~$67,000) income requirement
- Private health insurance required
- No Japanese clients/income
- Visa-waiver country citizens only
Work Visa (Engineer/Humanities)
The standard path for professionals
- Employer sponsorship required
- University degree or 10+ years experience
- 1-5 year duration
- Job must match qualifications
- Path to permanent residence
Business Manager Visa
For those starting or managing a business
- 5M yen (~$33,000) investment or 2+ employees
- Physical office in Japan required
- Viable business plan
- 1-5 year duration
- Active management required
Highly Skilled Professional Visa
Points-based visa for top talent
- 70+ points on government scale
- Academic, professional, or investment achievements
- 5-year visa
- Fast track to permanent residence (1-3 years)
- Preferential treatment for family
Why Japan?
Extreme Safety
One of the world's safest countries. Lost wallets returned with cash. Crime essentially non-existent in daily life.
Infrastructure Excellence
Trains run to the second. Everything works. The efficiency of daily life is unmatched anywhere.
Food Culture
More Michelin stars than any country. $10 ramen that changes your life. Convenience store food that's actually good.
Healthcare System
National Health Insurance covers 70% of costs. High quality care. Affordable even without insurance.
Natural Beauty
Mountains, beaches, hot springs, cherry blossoms. Four distinct seasons. Nature accessible from major cities.
Unique Culture
Anime, gaming, traditional arts. A cultural depth that takes years to explore. Nothing quite like it anywhere else.
General Requirements
Common requirements for Japan visas:
- Valid passport
- Certificate of Eligibility (issued by Immigration)
- Proof of income/financial means
- Health insurance (for DNV)
- Sponsor documents (employer or self)
- Residence card registration upon arrival
Japan's immigration system requires patience. The Certificate of Eligibility process takes 1-3 months. Many visa types require substantial documentation. But once you're in the system, renewals are generally straightforward if you've followed the rules.
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