There are a number of reasons to move to Japan.Maybe you are a fan of comic books and animation.Maybe you want to walk through cherry blossoms or taste sushi.Whatever your motivation, you can achieve your dream by researching your visa options, assembling the necessary documents, and preparing to move.Let this new chapter of your life begin when you settle in Japan.
Step 1: Choose a visa.
Take into account how long you intend to stay in Japan and what you will be doing there.Are you a student?Are you going to pursue art?Are you going to teach English?Are you married to a Japanese citizen?The different factors will help determine which visa is right for you.There is a list of working and long-term visa schemes available.You can learn more about the schemes by clicking on the link.
Step 2: If you plan to work, apply for a working visa.
One of the most common ways to work in Japan is to teach English.English-speaking foreigners are hired by many education companies in Japan.You would apply for a visa as an instructor.You don't need a degree in English to get a job if you have a four-year college degree.Employment options will be limited if you don't have a bachelor's degree.
Step 3: You should apply for a general visa if you are a student.
Some aspects of Japanese culture, such as martial arts, could be studied.You can find more information about visa regulations on the website of the Japanese embassy.
Step 4: If you are the spouse or child of a Japanese national, apply for a visa.
A specified visa can be used for the spouse of a permanent resident or long-term resident.You can find more information at the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan.
Step 5: You should consider a tourist visa.
Some people apply for a tourist visa to stay for 90 days, and then try to get a long-term residency visa after they arrive.There is a chance that this won't get renewed.If you come from an eligible country, you could get a working holiday visa.You can stay for six months on a working holiday visa.Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Republic of Korea, France, Germany, The United Kingdom, Ireland, Denmark, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Norway, Portugal, and Poland are eligible for a working holiday visa to Japan.
Step 6: You should get a passport if you don't have one already.
You can go to your passport agency.Where your nearest passport agency is can be found online.You need to research what documents you need.Form DS-11, proof of U.S. citizenship, a government issued photo ID, and fee payment are required if you are in the US.It can take up to 8 weeks to process a passport request.For a fee, you can get expedited service if you leave before then.
Step 7: A visa application form is needed.
Depending on the type of visa you are applying for, you will need to fill out a different form.The website of your home country's Japanese embassy can provide more information about how to get a visa.
Step 8: You can submit a photo of yourself.
Nationals of Russia will have to submit two pictures.Make sure your pictures comply with the requirements.Photo-taking services are offered by passport offices.
Step 9: A Certificate of Eligibility is required.
The certificate must show that you will have enough money to live in Japan for at least a year.
Step 10: To live in a city, you have to choose.
Cities in Japan have more employment opportunities for expatriates than the countryside.If you have a choice, you can research your options.Tokyo, Yokohama, Kyoto, and Osaka are popular locations for expatriates.The world's largest metropolitan economy is in Tokyo.It's a very expensive city.It is home to many investment banks.If you love the excitement of big cities and have a good salary, this could be the place for you.Yokohama is a center for bio-tech, pharmaceutical, IT, and electronics.It is cheaper than Tokyo and is home to many foreigners.Research institutions and universities can be found in Kyoto and Osaka.Kyoto is a beautiful and historic city that has a big tourism industry.Nagoya is smaller than Tokyo and has a shogun's castle.The port city is a hub for manufacturing, engineering, and automotive business.
Step 11: You can find temporary lodging.
Don't worry about finding a long-term home.Once you are in Japan, you can find better, long-term housing by arranging temporary accommodations.Many of the sponsoring companies will help you arrange temporary housing if you teach English at a conversation school.If you are moving to Tokyo, consider living in a share house.A good way to make friends is by living in a share house.You will have your own bedroom in a share house, but you will also share kitchen, shower rooms, and bathroom with other people.
Step 12: Japanese is a language you can learn.
If you have some knowledge of Japanese, you will be able to navigate, work, and make friends when you arrive.You can check out an online course at your local community college.Begin with essential phrases.Konnichiwa means hello.Is Ogenki desu ka?How are you?Arigato means thank you.Excuse me is what sumimasen means.
Step 13: You have your belongings.
If you are moving from very far away, make sure to pack only what you need.You can buy household items in Japan.Hire a shipping company if you want to bring your furniture with you.If you have nice furniture, shipping it might be worth it.Make sure your belongings are delivered by a large international company.
Step 14: In Japan, you can get your phone working.
In Japan, there is a scarcity of wi-fi, so you may want to purchase a small portable device.You will need a Japanese phone and data contract if you are going to be living in Japan for a long time.Setting up a bank account is one of the tasks that will require a Japanese phone number.
Step 15: A Japanese bank account is needed.
Foreign banks will allow you to take out money in Japan, but they will charge large overseas fees.It makes sense to open a Japanese bank account if you will be in Japan for a long time.You won't be able to open a bank account in Japan until you arrive.You should bring with you your passport, residence card, visa, Japanese address, and Japanese phone number.
Step 16: You can register at the local city office.
You have to register your address at the ward office in Tokyo in your first two weeks in Japan.They will guide you through the process if you present your residence card inside.
Step 17: Make friends by reaching out and talking.
It can be hard for foreigners to blend into Japanese society, but you can make friends with some effort.Try to get people you work with to go to karaoke.You can join a sports group.Parties and social gatherings can be found in Tokyo and many other big cities.A swimming pool and events can be found at the Tokyo American Club.Attend a party and get the phone numbers of people you enjoyed talking to. With persistence, you will build a social circle and enjoy your new life in Japan.