Living in Japan
Asia — Expat guide for moving and living abroad
Country overview
Capital
Tokyo
Currency
JPY
Continent
Asia
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Entry requirements
Check if your passport needs a visa for Japan.
Check visa requirementsPopular passport access to Japan
| Passport | Status | Max Stay |
|---|---|---|
| Spain | Visa Free | 90 days |
| Germany | Visa Free | 90 days |
| France | Visa Free | 90 days |
| Italy | Visa Free | 90 days |
| Netherlands | Visa Free | 90 days |
| Sweden | Visa Free | 90 days |
| Portugal | Visa Free | 90 days |
| United States | Visa Free | 90 days |
| India | Visa Required | 90 days |
| United Kingdom | Visa Free | 90 days |
Detailed visa guides for Japan
Monthly costs
Tokyo
Rent (center)
130,000 JPY/mo
Groceries
50,000 JPY/mo
Transport
10,000 JPY/mo
Est. Monthly Total
205,000 JPY/mo
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Work permits
Japan offers a Digital Nomad / Freelance visa option.
-
Highly Skilled Professional Visa (HSP)
Duration: 5 years, path to permanent residence in 1-3 years
Points-based system evaluating education, career, salary, and age
-
Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services
Duration: 1-5 years, renewable
Workers with relevant degree or 10+ years experience in their field
-
Digital Nomad Visa
Duration: 6 months, non-renewable
Remote workers from visa-exempt countries earning over 10 million JPY/year
Salary & tax
Income Tax Range
5% – 45%
Social Security (Employee)
0.15%
National income tax only. Resident tax (~10%) applies additionally. Social security includes health, pension, employment insurance.
Calculate your net salaryUseful services
Insurance
SafetyWing
Nomad health insurance for your stay in Japan. Monthly subscription, cancel anytime.
Get a SafetyWing quote →Connectivity
Airalo
Japan eSIM data plans from $4.50. Activate before you land — no SIM swap.
Get an Airalo eSIM →Language
iTalki
Book 1-on-1 video lessons with native tutors before you move. 150+ languages.
Find a tutor →City guides in Japan
More Countries in Asia
Related guides
Moving to Japan
Work visas, the new digital nomad visa (2024), getting an apartment.
The Complete Digital Nomad Visa Guide
Everything you need to know about digital nomad visas worldwide.
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Top destinations ranked by cost, internet, safety, and visa options.
Expat Health Insurance Guide
How to choose the right health insurance when living abroad.