Ready to start a new adventure across the Channel? If you’re planning a move to Japan, this guide will give you all the practical steps, updated costs, and streamlined advice you need for a smooth transition.
What should I know about living in Japan at a glance?
- Population: ~125 million (national, 2025)
- Currency: Japanese Yen (JPY) — Prices are usually compared internationally in USD or EUR.
- Average salary: between JPY 4.5 million and JPY 5.0 million per year (~EUR 28,000–31,000)
- Live JPY ←→ Dollar: Use dynamic currency converters for the latest exchange rates
Reviewed by Statistics Bureau of Japan, last updated in June 2025; Bank of Japan, last updated in July 2025; XE Financial Data Team, last updated in July 2025.
How much does it cost to move door-to-door to Japan?
The cost of moving to Japan depends on shipment size and transport method. Typical market rates as of mid-2025 are:
| Move Type | Time | Cost (EUR or USD) |
| 20 ft container (FCL)⁺ | ~5–8 weeks | USD 2,500–5,000 (≈ EUR 2,300–4,600) |
| 40 ft container (FCL)⁺ | ~5–8 weeks | USD 4,000–7,500 (≈ EUR 3,700–7,000) |
| Air freight (~1 m³ / ~200 kg, door-to-door) | ~5–7 days | USD 2,800+ (≈ EUR 2,600+) — air freight is fast but more expensive |
| Customs & duties fees | — | Japan applies 0–10% duty depending on goods category + 10% VAT (consumption tax). |
Reviewed by Freight Market Analysis Team (iContainers, BR Logistics, Freightify, NEX), last updated in mid-2025
Use a real-time moving cost calculator for tailored quotes with ReloAdvisor.
Real-life case: “I moved to Tokyo in April 2025 with about 25 cubic meters of personal belongings using a 40ft container from Los Angeles. The total cost—including door-to-door pick-up, sea freight, and delivery to my apartment in central Tokyo—was around USD 6,500. The relocation company in Japan handled customs clearance at the Port of Yokohama and arranged final delivery despite narrow city streets.” — Nadia L., moved in April 2025
Importantly, many people moving to Japan choose to relocate to one of the five most popular cities, including Tokyo, Osaka, Yokohama, Nagoya, and Sapporo. These cities combine strong infrastructure, diverse job markets, and vibrant expat communities.Create hyperlinks for each city name here.
What are the customs and duty rules when moving belongings?
If you’re relocating to Japan, you may qualify for duty-free import of used household goods under Japanese Customs rules. To be eligible:
- Items must have been owned and used for at least 6 months.
- Goods must arrive within 6 months after your move.
At customs, present:
- Inventory list of goods
- Passport and visa/residence card
- Proof of residency abroad
⚠️ New items, vehicles, or high-value goods may be subject to 10% consumption tax + applicable duties.
Reviewed by Japan Customs, last updated in mid-2025
What is the cost of living in Japan?
The average monthly cost of living in Japan for a single occupant—including rent, groceries, transport, and utilities—is approximately €1,500–2,200 per month, varying by city.
| Expense | Japan (EUR/month) |
| Rent (1-bedroom flat in city centre, Tokyo average) | ~€1,000 / outside centre ~€700 |
| Groceries (single person) | ~€300–350 |
| Transport (monthly public transit pass) | ~€50–100 |
| Utilities (electricity, heating, etc.) | ~€150–200 |
Reviewed by Numbeo Data Quality Team, last updated in July2025
What do I need to know about Japan visas and residency?
Most foreigners require a visa to live in Japan. Options include: Work Visa, Student Visa, Highly Skilled Professional Visa, Family Visa, Investor/Business Manager Visa, and the Specified Skilled Worker Visa.
Visa categories and eligibility check: https://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/
Visa application portal (for appointments and documents): https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/
Reviewed by Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan & Immigration Services Agency of Japan, last updated in June 2025
What’s required to import a car or swap a driving licence?
Vehicles must comply with Japanese emissions and safety standards. Import duties, 10% consumption tax, and registration fees apply.
Driver’s licences from certain countries (e.g., Germany, France, Switzerland, Belgium, Monaco, Taiwan) can be exchanged without testing. Others (e.g., USA, UK, China, India) require written and practical driving tests.
Reviewed by Japan Automobile Federation (JAF) & Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, last updated in July 2025
How can I bring pets with me to Japan?
Pets must be microchipped, vaccinated against rabies, and undergo a minimum 180-day quarantine process if not arriving from rabies-free designated regions.Import requirements vary by species. Entry is only permitted through designated airports and ports (Narita, Haneda, Kansai, Chubu, etc.).
Reviewed by Animal Quarantine Service of Japan, last updated in March 2025
How do I open a bank account and get Japan’s social security number (My Number)?
To open a Japanese bank account, you’ll need:
- Passport and Residence Card
- Proof of address (rental contract/utility bill)
- Sometimes proof of employment/student ID
“My Number” (個人番号) is Japan’s social security number, required for tax, social insurance, and banking. It is issued automatically when registering residence at the local municipal office.
Reviewed by Digital Agency of Japan, last updated in November 2024
How to Navigate the Housing Market as a Newcomer to Japan?
In Japan, renting usually requires a security deposit (shikikin), key money (reikin), and a guarantor. Utilities are typically not included in rent.
To rent, you’ll need:
- Passport and Residence Card
- Proof of income or job/study contract
- Guarantor or guarantor company contract
To buy property in Japan, budget an extra 5–7% for taxes and transaction costs.Top areas for newcomers:
- Tokyo (international hub, many expats)
- Osaka (food culture, business center)
- Yokohama (close to Tokyo, family-friendly)
- Fukuoka (rising startup scene)
- Sapporo (nature, affordable living)
Reviewed by Real Estate Economic Institute Japan, last updated in March 2025
How to Understand Your Tax and Pension Obligations in Japan?
If you’re a tax resident in Japan (living more than 183 days per year), you’re taxed on worldwide income. Contributions to national insurance and pension schemes are mandatory.
| Tax Component | Description | Notes |
| Income Tax | Progressive rates: 5%–45% depending on income | Local inhabitant tax (~10%) also applies |
| Social Contributions | Covers pension, healthcare, unemployment | ~15% employee share; employers also contribute |
| Double Tax Treaties | Avoid double taxation | Japan has agreements with 60+ countries |
Reviewed by National Tax Agency of Japan & Japan Pension Service, last updated in April 2025
Where can I find tools and more resources before moving?
For further guidance, try a volume calculator, book a video survey, or explore relocation guides for China and South Korea with ReloAdvisor.
