Moving to Japan
So, you will move to Japan soon and wonder how to transition smoothly to the Land of the Rising Sun. There are lots of things that must be done, from the paperwork to stuff to bring along, etc. Indeed, relocating to Japan can be exciting but also challenging. No matter whether you come to Japan for work, study, or adventure, in this article, you'll find essential tips and insights to help your relocation go smoothly.
Checklist before moving to Japan
Apply for a visa to Japan
Unless you fall under the visa exemption category to enter Japan, you will need a visa to enter legally. Visa application procedures and preparation time will vary depending on the type of visa you want to apply for, such as a work visa or a Working Holiday Visa.
Make sure to research the visa requirements for your specific situation carefully and apply for the appropriate visa through the nearest Japanese embassy or consulate.
Calculate the budget to live in Japan
Before making a decision to relocate to Japan, it is crucial to create a practical budget. Your daily expenses can fluctuate significantly based on your lifestyle choices, whether you live alone or move to Japan with your children.
According to the 2023 Household Survey Results by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications Statistics Bureau, the average monthly living cost for single-person and privately rented houses in 2023 amounted to around 189,250 yen.
This data summarizes various expenses, including housing, food, utilities, furniture, clothing, insurance, transportation, education, entertainment, and other miscellaneous costs.
The report highlighted that housing expenses accounted for 53,690 yen, while food expenses totaled 39,202 yen. Utility expenses were reported at 11,814 yen, furniture and supplies at 5,236 yen, clothing, and footwear at 4,675 yen, insurance and medical expenses at 6,209 yen, transportation and communication expenses at 24,618 yen, education and entertainment expenses at 18,943 yen and other miscellaneous expenses at 24,863 yen.
Look for housing in Japan in advance
Depending on your situation, your company or school may assist you in finding accommodation, especially if it's part of your employment or study package. However, if not, you'd better do your research and finalize your housing plans early. Websites such as Suumo, Homes, and Real Estate Japan are great resources for finding a place to stay, whether for a short or extended period.
Keep in mind that you may need to budget for key money, a deposit, and potentially a realtor fee on top of your monthly rent in case of a long-term lease.
If you want to find accommodation exempt from key money, brokerage fees, guarantor, and guarantee fees, Urban Renaissance (UR) rental housing would be a great choice. However, you must reside in Japan to rent a UR apartment.
Consider your belongings and how to ship them to Japan
Thinking about your baggage and how to send it to Japan will help to save time and cost, of course. You should take into account the cultural differences in furniture and appliances to decide which items you want to bring with you and which ones you should leave behind. If you plan to send items to Japan, research the available shipping options.
If you want to bring your pets with you, keep in mind that bringing pets into Japan may require some time and that you must follow specific procedures. Japan has strict rules for importing pets. The required documents for your pet may vary depending on its origin, type, and purpose of travel.
Choose a moving company before going to Japan
Before leaving, the first thing to do is choose the right moving company. Be sure to check that the company will deliver to Japan. You will then need to set up an appointment or fill out a detailed online form to receive a cost estimate.
The estimate takes into account several factors, including:
- The origin and destination addresses which determine how far the company has to travel;
- The number of items/boxes to be shipped;
- The volume and weight of the shipped items/boxes;
- Type(s) of transportation (truck, train, plane, ship);
- The type of services (terms and conditions, insurance);
- Prices and payment plans (in some cases, discounts may be applied);
- The moving period: depending on the season, prices may be higher;
- Options: boxes, packing materials, packing assistance, etc.
Declaration of value and damage insurance
You will need to fill out a declaration of value for each of your assets and inform the company of any delicate or fragile items to be dealt with. Without this declaration, it is impossible to estimate your assets.
The moving company will provide you with damage insurance. Its cost will depend on the overall value of your belongings.
Move your goods to Japan
Once the quote is received and the date and time for the collection of your belongings have been agreed upon, the time for the move.
The moving company may have to recalculate the costs. In this case, they will provide a slip to be signed before moving and loading your goods. This document guarantees that you agree to all terms and conditions. You pay either in full, at the time of loading your goods, or with a deposit (the rest will be paid after delivery at the destination). In any case, a payment plan must be established before moving your goods to Japan.
Checklist once in Japan
After entering Japan with a long-term visa, there are several important tasks and considerations to address:
Register your residence
Within 14 days of arrival, you must register your residence at the local municipal office (ward office or city hall) where you will reside. This process involves completing a form and providing your passport and residence card.
Enroll in the Health Insurance
Enroll in the National Health Insurance (NHI) or obtain private health insurance to ensure you're covered for medical expenses during your stay in Japan.
Your company may provide health insurance coverage, such as the National Health Insurance (NHI) for employees. Your school may also provide you with information on various types of insurance plans, both casualty and personal liability, to cover expenses resulting from unexpected accidents that are not covered by NHI.
You'll need to enroll in the appropriate insurance scheme if not provided.
Opening a bank account
Opening a Japanese bank account will help a lot in managing your finances. You'll typically need your residence card and a registered address in Japan to do so.
Obtain a Japanese phone number and Internet
While not mandatory, having a Japanese phone number and internet connection can benefit communication and daily life. Consider signing up for a mobile phone plan and internet service through providers like NTT Docomo, SoftBank, or au.
Moving to Japan: additional tips
How to plan a relocation to Japan once you are already settled? There may come a time when you will need to move your belongings to another location on Japanese soil. There may be several reasons for this. Let's say you got a job in another city/region of Japan, your ten-square-meter apartment has become too big for you, and you want to rent something bigger, or your current home seems too big and expensive, and you are looking for a more affordable property. You may even have the opportunity to move closer to your place of study or work, or you simply want a change of scenery.
What type of accommodation to choose in Japan?
Sharehouse, short-term rental
Almost no starting fee
It is very easy to move in and out of a sharehouse or short-term rental apartment in Japan. Usually, you would rent a single room or a bed in a dormitory. The rest is shared with the other tenants (bathroom, kitchen, living room, etc.).
Sharehouses do not require a starting fee. No need for a guarantor, a deposit (if not a very small one), or a long-term commitment. You can pay monthly or indicate your rental period. Make sure you check the terms of payment. Some rental agencies require that you give one month's notice before you move out of a single room or an apartment.
A quick inspection
You won't have to check much when leaving your dorm or single room. The lessor should normally find the premises in good condition, as per the initial visit.
Do not forget to inform your city hall
You cannot just relocate from your home to another place in Japan without informing the local municipality. Firstly, go to the city hall of the area you are leaving, fill out a relocation certificate (tenshutsu todoke), and the city hall will register your departure. You will need to return your health card to the city hall because the new municipality will issue you a new one. Then, go to the city hall of your new area. They will register your arrival and write your new address on your zairyu card (resident card).
Long-term lease
A standard lease in Japan is valid on average 2 years. That's why it is forbidden for foreigners on a short-term stay.
- Inform your landlord
Make sure to respect the notice period. Usually, a one-month notice is required before the desired departure date, but your landlord may impose a longer notice. Check your contract carefully to make sure you take the right steps at the right time.
- Schedule an inspection appointment
Once your landlord has been notified, you should arrange for an inspection visit. You will be responsible for any cleaning costs. If the landlord finds any damage (floor, walls, furniture, bathroom, etc.), he will charge you for it.
- Get your stuff sorted
What are you keeping? What are you selling? What should you throw away? Sort out your belongings. For things that will follow you to your new home in Japan, contact local moving companies and compare their offers. For things you are planning to sell, think about recycling stores, thrift shops, and solidarity markets. You can also post classified ads on social media and sales websites.
- Set up a post-mail follow-up
This is known as "tenkyo todoke". It is the Japanese notification system for changing the address. When moving houses, your mail will be forwarded to the address of your choice (a friend's address, for example). However, this service only works if your new address is in Japan.
- Sort out waste
In Japan, waste disposal is no joke. Make sure you respect the sorting instructions (which are probably indicated in your building entrance). Do not throw away small appliances with household waste. For large appliances (television, dining table, etc.), you will have to make an appointment with your municipality's collection organization. You will find its name on the website of your city hall and in the documents you received when you registered.
- End your current contracts
Contact the companies that provide you with a service (gas, water, electricity, Internet, etc.) so that they freeze your meter. They will send you the last bill. If you are leaving the country, remember to terminate your telephone subscription and all other subscriptions, such as magazines and newspapers.
- Pay the last bills
Just as you pay the last gas, water, and electricity bills, you will also have to pay pending taxes, especially the tourist and the property taxes.
- Inform your city hall
As for short-term stays, you must inform your municipality of your move. You fill out a certificate of relocation (tenshuku todoke) and the city hall will register your departure. You will have to return your health card, because your new city hall will give you a new one.
- Moving expenses
Plan your budget well ahead of time before embarking on a relocation to Japan. Even if you're moving to the countryside, you will still need to pay for moving expenses, such as for cleaning the apartment you're leaving. Cleaning costs can amount to a month's rent, or more, depending on the outcome of the inspection. Not to mention the cost of a moving company.
In Japan, everything starts again in spring. April marks the beginning of the school and university year, the fiscal year, the recruitment campaigns, and the moving-in period. To optimize your search for accommodation in Japan, you should plan well in advance. In the winter, you'll find more available accommodation options.
Can I survive with little Japanese?
Don't stress if you're not fluent in Japanese! Many foreigners in Japan manage just fine with basic Japanese knowledge. To make communication easier, you can try language classes, language apps, or translation apps. Additionally, there are support systems in many companies and schools for those who don't speak Japanese.
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