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Japan has real routes for skilled trades (Specified Skilled Worker) and professionals, but the trainee system is being replaced on 1 April 2027, most routes need an employer or school first, and Specified Skilled Worker (i) generally does not allow family to join. Many figures (fees, caps, student rules) were not confirmed from official pages so far.
Japan has real routes for skilled trades (Specified Skilled Worker) and professionals, but the trainee system is being replaced on 1 April 2027, most routes need an employer or school first, and Specified Skilled Worker (i) generally does not allow family to join. Many figures (fees, caps, student rules) were not confirmed from official pages so far. Page last reviewed in full: 2026-11-07. Most recent source check: 2026-11-07. A recent source check does not mean every requirement on the page was re-read on that date. Preview: the facts have not been independently verified. Not a guarantee of eligibility.
Japan · Student or trainee
Student route: school-led Certificate of Eligibility, stay up to 4 years 3 months, part-time work capped at 28 hours a week
Certificate of Eligibility steps, stay limit and part-time work rules are confirmed from the official student portal. Admission level, Japanese level, fees, processing time and scholarship terms were not verified.
One tap. Nothing is sent anywhere, and there is no sign-up.
Which passport do you hold?Requirements are written from official sources and are still under verification. Route labels read Preview — under verification until independent checking is finished, and anything not yet checked is marked NOT VERIFIED.
Study in Japan; entry requirements NOT VERIFIED. Work needs separate permission and is capped.
Mark each requirement you believe you meet. The marks are your own note, kept only on this page and not saved. They do not confirm that you meet a requirement, and they are not a decision by any authority.
Source: Study in Japan official site — Part-time work (checked 2026-11-07; Government or public body) · Study in Japan official site — Immigration and student visas (checked 2026-11-07; Government or public body)
Fees and amounts from official sources and our own estimates. Items are listed separately. Preview figures are not independently verified, and anything not stated is shown as not published.
Tap a line to see what it is and where the figure comes from. Untick anything you do not pay and the total below follows.
Costs are shown in as the cited source states them, with the unit the source gives. We do not convert currencies. A line with no stated unit or date is marked as such and is not an exact official charge.
No single total: the lines are in different currencies
Start to arrival, for someone beginning today with nothing done.
Not published by the authority
The student procedures page gives no fees or processing time; none stated here.
Food, housing, budget, transport, banking and more. Each topic opens on its own. Facts carry a check date and a source link where we hold one.
Coverage. 12 of 12 topics have at least one sourced fact. Not yet covered with a sourced fact: none. A topic with only unknowns is not counted as researched.
For immediate danger only. Non-emergency contacts and questions are in the topics below, not here.
Police National
110 for crimes and traffic accidents.
Source: Immigration Services Agency of Japan — Guidebook chapter 10, Emergencies and Disasters (checked 2026-11-07; Government or public body)
Ambulance and fire National
119; say whether it is medical or fire.
Source: Immigration Services Agency of Japan — Guidebook chapter 10, Emergencies and Disasters (checked 2026-11-07; Government or public body)
Coast Guard National
118.
Source: Immigration Services Agency of Japan — Guidebook chapter 10, Emergencies and Disasters (checked 2026-11-07; Government or public body)
Disaster message dial National
171 from landline or mobile to record or play messages.
Source: Immigration Services Agency of Japan — Guidebook chapter 10, Emergencies and Disasters (checked 2026-11-07; Government or public body)
Disaster preparation National
Check the hazard map for shelters, keep at least three days of food and water (seven if possible), and secure furniture.
Source: Immigration Services Agency of Japan — Guidebook chapter 10, Emergencies and Disasters (checked 2026-11-07; Government or public body)
Earthquake and tsunami National
Protect your head, turn off gas and heaters when shaking stops, and on strong or long shaking near the coast go to high ground at once without waiting for a warning.
Source: Immigration Services Agency of Japan — Guidebook chapter 10, Emergencies and Disasters (checked 2026-11-07; Government or public body)
Evacuation alert levels National
Level 3: elderly people, children and others needing help evacuate; Level 4: everyone evacuates; Level 5: protect your life immediately.
Source: Immigration Services Agency of Japan — Guidebook chapter 10, Emergencies and Disasters (checked 2026-11-07; Government or public body)
Consumer Hotline 188 National
Connects to a nearby consumer affairs centre for any consumer trouble; the page gives Japanese only and no hours.
Source: Consumer Affairs Agency — Local cooperation (Consumer Hotline 188, Consumer Hotline for Tourists) (checked 2026-11-07; Government or public body)
Consumer Hotline for Tourists National
03-5449-0906, Monday to Friday 10:00 to 16:00 (closed weekends, holidays and 29 December to 3 January), in English, Chinese, Korean, Thai, Vietnamese and Japanese; covers consumer trouble faced by overseas visitors and has no enforcement power.
Source: Consumer Affairs Agency — Local cooperation (Consumer Hotline 188, Consumer Hotline for Tourists) (checked 2026-11-07; Government or public body)
Budget assumptions. No budget figures were sourced from official pages, so none are given. Money is shown in the currency the source publishes it in, never converted or added across currencies.
Packaged-food allergens: 2026 amendment and transition Requirement National
Cashew was added to Japan's mandatory packaged-food allergen list on 1 April 2026, so the eight items in the CAA English table (shrimp, crab, walnut, wheat, buckwheat, egg, milk, peanut) become nine with cashew; the amendment notice itself does not restate the full list. A transition period for cashew labels runs through 31 March 2028, so products containing cashew may still lack its declaration while businesses change labels. Pistachio was added to the recommended (not mandatory) category. This statement concerns packaged-food labels, not restaurant guarantees.
9 mandatory allergen items in the amended rule; cashew label transition through 31 March 2028 (as of 2026-04-01)
Source: Consumer Affairs Agency — Cashew allergen addition notice, 1 April 2026 (checked 2026-11-08; document dated 2026-04-01; Government or public body) · Gunma Prefecture — Cashew labelling amendment and transition (checked 2026-11-08; document dated 2026-04-02; Government or public body) · Consumer Affairs Agency — Names of specified ingredients (allergens), English table (undated; predates the cashew amendment) (checked 2026-11-07; Government or public body)
Planning prompts, not a statement of local law. Check the city, property type and your circumstances against the recorded guidance. No rent or deposit price is estimated here. Ticking a box records your own check for this page visit; it does not verify compliance and is not saved with your plan.
Confirm the address, person authorised to let it, occupancy conditions, contract duration and what is included. Ask which local rules apply to this property and tenancy type.
Secured housing for SSW — National; applies to: Specified Skilled Worker (i)
Listed among preparations before work starts.
Source: Immigration Services Agency of Japan — Specified Skilled Worker (leaflet, undated) (checked 2026-11-07; Government or public body)
Private rental is the most common way to rent — National; individual applicability not specified in this record
Anyone can rent by paying rent under the lease; terms vary by property and the guidebook tells tenants to read the lease carefully because Japanese leases differ from other countries.
Source: Immigration Services Agency — Living and Working Guidebook, chapter 11 Housing (pp. 123-126) (checked 2026-11-07; Government or public body)
Public housing — National; applies to: Low-income residents
Run by prefectures and municipalities at affordable rents for low-income residents; minimum-income rules vary by area and foreign nationals may face extra conditions such as more than one year of residence. Apply to the managing prefecture or municipality.
Source: Immigration Services Agency — Living and Working Guidebook, chapter 11 Housing (pp. 123-126) (checked 2026-11-07; Government or public body)
UR Rental Housing — National; applies to: Applicants to UR housing
The Urban Renaissance Agency sets a minimum monthly income; foreign nationals must reside continuously and hold a qualifying status such as Mid to Long-Term Resident (including Permanent Resident).
Source: Immigration Services Agency — Living and Working Guidebook, chapter 11 Housing (pp. 123-126) (checked 2026-11-07; Government or public body)
Security deposit guideline — National; applies to: Rental contracts nationwide; varies by region
Held by the landlord against unpaid rent or repairs and returned minus costs; the guide gives about 2 months' rent as a guideline (some areas use a larger guarantee money, often about 6 months).
2 months' rent (guideline) (as of 2026-11-07)
Source: Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism — Apartment Search Guidebook (English, undated) (checked 2026-11-07; Government or public body)
Key money — National; applies to: Kanto region especially
Non-refundable payment to the landlord at signing; usually 1 or 2 months' rent, common in the Kanto region, and some rentals no longer require it.
2 months' rent (upper usual figure) (as of 2026-11-07)
Source: Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism — Apartment Search Guidebook (English, undated) (checked 2026-11-07; Government or public body)
Agency fee cap — National; individual applicability not specified in this record
The real estate agent's fee is capped at one month's rent.
1 month's rent (cap) (as of 2026-11-07)
Source: Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism — Apartment Search Guidebook (English, undated) (checked 2026-11-07; Government or public body)
Rent guarantee company fee (figure 1) — National; applies to: Where a guarantee company is used
One page of the guide puts the fee at about 35% to 50% of one month's rent for a 2-year guarantee; the guarantee is not insurance and you repay any rent the company pays.
Source: Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism — Apartment Search Guidebook (English, undated) (checked 2026-11-07; Government or public body)
Rent guarantee company fee (figure 2) — National; applies to: Where a guarantee company is used
Another page of the same guide says about half a month's rent for a 2-year guarantee. The two figures are alternatives and are not added together.
Source: Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism — Apartment Search Guidebook (English, undated) (checked 2026-11-07; Government or public body)
Personal guarantor — National; applies to: Contracts that require a guarantor
A guarantor pays unpaid rent or repairs if you cannot; they need income above a set level plus proof of earnings and a seal registration certificate.
Source: Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism — Apartment Search Guidebook (English, undated) (checked 2026-11-07; Government or public body)
Initial payments rule of thumb — National; individual applicability not specified in this record
Deposit, key money, agency fee, damage insurance, first month's rent and a common service fee together are about 4 to 7 months' rent depending on region; guarantee company fee is extra.
7 months' rent (upper end of range 4 to 7) (as of 2026-11-07)
Source: Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism — Apartment Search Guidebook (English, undated) (checked 2026-11-07; Government or public body)
Lease length and renewal — National; individual applicability not specified in this record
Contracts are normally 2 years; a renewal fee may apply if the contract says so, and under a regular lease the landlord generally cannot refuse renewal without due cause.
Source: Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism — Apartment Search Guidebook (English, undated) (checked 2026-11-07; Government or public body)
Housing consultation: Kanagawa — National; individual applicability not specified in this record
Sumasen Kanagawa Foreigner Living Support Center, 045-228-1752. Other guide contacts include the CLAIR multilingual living information page.
Source: Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism — Apartment Search Guidebook (English, undated) (checked 2026-11-07; Government or public body)
International students' rent, national average — National; applies to: Privately financed international students
Average monthly rent in the same survey.
JPY 41,000 student per month (as of 2023 survey)
Source: Study in Japan — Living costs and expenses (JASSO 2023 survey) (checked 2026-11-07; Government or public body)
Ask for the deposit, rent in advance, refund conditions and a payment receipt in writing. Verify the recipient independently. Check the applicable local deposit scheme or limits; no local amount is inferred here.
Security deposit guideline — National; applies to: Rental contracts nationwide; varies by region
Held by the landlord against unpaid rent or repairs and returned minus costs; the guide gives about 2 months' rent as a guideline (some areas use a larger guarantee money, often about 6 months).
2 months' rent (guideline) (as of 2026-11-07)
Source: Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism — Apartment Search Guidebook (English, undated) (checked 2026-11-07; Government or public body)
Key money — National; applies to: Kanto region especially
Non-refundable payment to the landlord at signing; usually 1 or 2 months' rent, common in the Kanto region, and some rentals no longer require it.
2 months' rent (upper usual figure) (as of 2026-11-07)
Source: Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism — Apartment Search Guidebook (English, undated) (checked 2026-11-07; Government or public body)
Initial payments rule of thumb — National; individual applicability not specified in this record
Deposit, key money, agency fee, damage insurance, first month's rent and a common service fee together are about 4 to 7 months' rent depending on region; guarantee company fee is extra.
7 months' rent (upper end of range 4 to 7) (as of 2026-11-07)
Source: Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism — Apartment Search Guidebook (English, undated) (checked 2026-11-07; Government or public body)
Agree who arranges and pays for utilities. Record the property condition, inventory and meter readings where relevant, and retain the agreed handover record.
Electricity and gas sales problems — National; individual applicability not specified in this record
The guidebook points to a METI consultation website for electricity and gas contract problems and says it does not mediate disputes.
Source: Immigration Services Agency — Living and Working Guidebook, chapter 12 Daily rules and customs (pp. 127-141) (checked 2026-11-07; Government or public body)
Confirm whether the address can be used for your required local registration, which housing documents you need, and the applicable deadline with the authority. Check employer or student accommodation conditions separately.
Public housing — National; applies to: Low-income residents
Run by prefectures and municipalities at affordable rents for low-income residents; minimum-income rules vary by area and foreign nationals may face extra conditions such as more than one year of residence. Apply to the managing prefecture or municipality.
Source: Immigration Services Agency — Living and Working Guidebook, chapter 11 Housing (pp. 123-126) (checked 2026-11-07; Government or public body)
Personal guarantor — National; applies to: Contracts that require a guarantor
A guarantor pays unpaid rent or repairs if you cannot; they need income above a set level plus proof of earnings and a seal registration certificate.
Source: Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism — Apartment Search Guidebook (English, undated) (checked 2026-11-07; Government or public body)
Moving-in notification — National; individual applicability not specified in this record
Required after residence is determined or on moving to a new address.
14 days (as of 2026-11-07)
Source: Immigration Services Agency of Japan — Guidebook, 7th edition (Immigration Services Agency) (checked 2026-11-07; Government or public body)
Moving address — National; individual applicability not specified in this record
Moving between municipalities needs a moving-out notice before leaving and moving-in notice within 14 days; moves inside one municipality need a change notice within 14 days.
14 days (as of 2026-11-07)
Source: Immigration Services Agency — Living and Working Guidebook, chapter 2 Procedures at Municipal Offices (pp. 15-22) (checked 2026-11-07; Government or public body)
Pension lump-sum withdrawal on leaving — National; individual applicability not specified in this record
Non-Japanese leaving Japan with at least six months of contributions and under 10 years of qualifying periods may apply within 2 years of losing their registered address; calculated on up to 60 months.
2 years to apply (as of 2026-11-07)
Source: Immigration Services Agency — Living and Working Guidebook, chapter 7 Pension and Welfare (pp. 74-88) (checked 2026-11-07; Government or public body)
Keep the advert, contract, receipts and messages. Find the local tenancy authority, consumer body or official fraud-reporting channel that handles your particular issue before paying further disputed charges.
Electricity and gas sales problems — National; individual applicability not specified in this record
The guidebook points to a METI consultation website for electricity and gas contract problems and says it does not mediate disputes.
Source: Immigration Services Agency — Living and Working Guidebook, chapter 12 Daily rules and customs (pp. 127-141) (checked 2026-11-07; Government or public body)
Secured housing for SSW Requirement National
Listed among preparations before work starts.
Applies to: Specified Skilled Worker (i)
Source: Immigration Services Agency of Japan — Specified Skilled Worker (leaflet, undated) (checked 2026-11-07; Government or public body)
Moving-in notification Requirement National
Filed after residence is determined.
14 days after settling (as of 2026-11-07)
Source: Immigration Services Agency of Japan — Guidebook, 7th edition (Immigration Services Agency) (checked 2026-11-07; Government or public body)
Private rental is the most common way to rent Editorial National
Anyone can rent by paying rent under the lease; terms vary by property and the guidebook tells tenants to read the lease carefully because Japanese leases differ from other countries.
Source: Immigration Services Agency — Living and Working Guidebook, chapter 11 Housing (pp. 123-126) (checked 2026-11-07; Government or public body)
Public housing Requirement National
Run by prefectures and municipalities at affordable rents for low-income residents; minimum-income rules vary by area and foreign nationals may face extra conditions such as more than one year of residence. Apply to the managing prefecture or municipality.
Applies to: Low-income residents
Source: Immigration Services Agency — Living and Working Guidebook, chapter 11 Housing (pp. 123-126) (checked 2026-11-07; Government or public body)
UR Rental Housing Requirement National
The Urban Renaissance Agency sets a minimum monthly income; foreign nationals must reside continuously and hold a qualifying status such as Mid to Long-Term Resident (including Permanent Resident).
Applies to: Applicants to UR housing
Source: Immigration Services Agency — Living and Working Guidebook, chapter 11 Housing (pp. 123-126) (checked 2026-11-07; Government or public body)
Garbage and noise rules Editorial National
Garbage must be sorted with set pick-up days and oversized items such as bicycles may carry a fee; noise from TV, music, parties or night-time washing machines can bother neighbours.
Source: Immigration Services Agency — Living and Working Guidebook, chapter 12 Daily rules and customs (pp. 127-141) (checked 2026-11-07; Government or public body)
Electricity and gas sales problems Editorial National
The guidebook points to a METI consultation website for electricity and gas contract problems and says it does not mediate disputes.
Source: Immigration Services Agency — Living and Working Guidebook, chapter 12 Daily rules and customs (pp. 127-141) (checked 2026-11-07; Government or public body)
Security deposit guideline Estimate National
Held by the landlord against unpaid rent or repairs and returned minus costs; the guide gives about 2 months' rent as a guideline (some areas use a larger guarantee money, often about 6 months).
2 months' rent (guideline) (as of 2026-11-07)
Applies to: Rental contracts nationwide; varies by region
Source: Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism — Apartment Search Guidebook (English, undated) (checked 2026-11-07; Government or public body)
Key money Estimate National
Non-refundable payment to the landlord at signing; usually 1 or 2 months' rent, common in the Kanto region, and some rentals no longer require it.
2 months' rent (upper usual figure) (as of 2026-11-07)
Applies to: Kanto region especially
Source: Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism — Apartment Search Guidebook (English, undated) (checked 2026-11-07; Government or public body)
Agency fee cap Requirement National
The real estate agent's fee is capped at one month's rent.
1 month's rent (cap) (as of 2026-11-07)
Source: Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism — Apartment Search Guidebook (English, undated) (checked 2026-11-07; Government or public body)
Rent guarantee company fee (figure 1) Estimate National
One page of the guide puts the fee at about 35% to 50% of one month's rent for a 2-year guarantee; the guarantee is not insurance and you repay any rent the company pays.
Applies to: Where a guarantee company is used
Source: Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism — Apartment Search Guidebook (English, undated) (checked 2026-11-07; Government or public body)
Rent guarantee company fee (figure 2) Estimate National
Another page of the same guide says about half a month's rent for a 2-year guarantee. The two figures are alternatives and are not added together.
Applies to: Where a guarantee company is used
Source: Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism — Apartment Search Guidebook (English, undated) (checked 2026-11-07; Government or public body)
Personal guarantor Requirement National
A guarantor pays unpaid rent or repairs if you cannot; they need income above a set level plus proof of earnings and a seal registration certificate.
Applies to: Contracts that require a guarantor
Source: Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism — Apartment Search Guidebook (English, undated) (checked 2026-11-07; Government or public body)
Initial payments rule of thumb Estimate National
Deposit, key money, agency fee, damage insurance, first month's rent and a common service fee together are about 4 to 7 months' rent depending on region; guarantee company fee is extra.
7 months' rent (upper end of range 4 to 7) (as of 2026-11-07)
Source: Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism — Apartment Search Guidebook (English, undated) (checked 2026-11-07; Government or public body)
Lease length and renewal Requirement National
Contracts are normally 2 years; a renewal fee may apply if the contract says so, and under a regular lease the landlord generally cannot refuse renewal without due cause.
Source: Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism — Apartment Search Guidebook (English, undated) (checked 2026-11-07; Government or public body)
Housing consultation: Kanagawa Editorial National
Sumasen Kanagawa Foreigner Living Support Center, 045-228-1752. Other guide contacts include the CLAIR multilingual living information page.
Source: Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism — Apartment Search Guidebook (English, undated) (checked 2026-11-07; Government or public body)
Consumption tax, standard rate Requirement National
Applies to goods and services, including foreigners' hotel stays and restaurant meals.
10 percent of price (as of 2026-11-07)
Source: Immigration Services Agency — Living and Working Guidebook, chapter 8 Taxes (pp. 94-103), Indonesian-language edition (checked 2026-11-07; Government or public body)
Consumption tax on food and drink Requirement National
Reduced rate for food and drink, excluding alcohol and eating out.
8 percent of price (as of 2026-11-07)
Source: Immigration Services Agency — Living and Working Guidebook, chapter 8 Taxes (pp. 94-103), Indonesian-language edition (checked 2026-11-07; Government or public body)
Household consumption expenditure, 2025 Estimate National
Average monthly consumption expenditure of two-or-more-person households nationwide.
JPY 314,001 household per month (as of 2025 yearly average)
Applies to: Two-or-more-person households; not single people and not foreign workers specifically
Source: Statistics Bureau of Japan — Family Income and Expenditure Survey, 2025 yearly average (checked 2026-11-07; Government or public body)
International students' monthly living cost, national average Estimate National
Estimated monthly living costs of privately financed international students, excluding study and research costs (JASSO 2023 survey).
JPY 105,000 student per month (as of 2023 survey)
Applies to: Privately financed international students
Source: Study in Japan — Living costs and expenses (JASSO 2023 survey) (checked 2026-11-07; Government or public body)
International students' rent, national average Estimate National
Average monthly rent in the same survey.
JPY 41,000 student per month (as of 2023 survey)
Applies to: Privately financed international students
Source: Study in Japan — Living costs and expenses (JASSO 2023 survey) (checked 2026-11-07; Government or public body)
Ways to drive legally Requirement National
One of: a Japanese licence; an international driving permit in the 1949 Geneva Convention format; or a licence from Switzerland, Germany, France, Belgium, Monaco or Taiwan with a certified Japanese translation. India is not named in the guidebook list.
Source: Immigration Services Agency — Living and Working Guidebook, chapter 9 Traffic (pp. 98-109) (checked 2026-11-07; Government or public body)
International permit and foreign-licence validity Requirement National
The guidebook states a maximum of one year.
1 year maximum (as of 2026-11-07)
Source: Immigration Services Agency — Living and Working Guidebook, chapter 9 Traffic (pp. 98-109) (checked 2026-11-07; Government or public body)
Converting a foreign licence Requirement National
Applicants at a Driver's License Center who show enough knowledge and skill are exempt from those exams, but must have lived in the issuing country at least three more months after being licensed there; otherwise the aptitude, skills and knowledge exams apply (a designated driving school course exempts the skills exam).
Source: Immigration Services Agency — Living and Working Guidebook, chapter 9 Traffic (pp. 98-109) (checked 2026-11-07; Government or public body)
International licence must be the original paper permit Requirement National
A phone display is not accepted and only vehicle types stamped in the permit are covered.
Source: National Police Agency — Q&A on international driver's licences (undated) (checked 2026-11-07; Government or public body)
Bicycle rules Requirement National
Ride on the left; lights at night; helmet; no phone use; liability insurance is required in some areas such as Tokyo and Osaka.
Source: Immigration Services Agency — Living and Working Guidebook, chapter 9 Traffic (pp. 98-109) (checked 2026-11-07; Government or public body) · Immigration Services Agency — Living and Working Guidebook, chapter 12 Daily rules and customs (pp. 127-141) (checked 2026-11-07; Government or public body)
Child seat Requirement National
Children under 6 must use a child seat in a car.
6 years of age (under) (as of 2026-11-07)
Source: Immigration Services Agency — Living and Working Guidebook, chapter 9 Traffic (pp. 98-109) (checked 2026-11-07; Government or public body)
Licence conversion: eligibility and venue Requirement National
Partial exemption from the written and driving tests is possible if the foreign licence covers the vehicles; at least three months of residence in the issuing country must be proven with passport stamps. Apply in person at the prefectural police licence centre; proxy applications are not accepted; people not registered as residents generally cannot apply.
Source: National Police Agency — Holders of foreign driving licences (conversion) (checked 2026-11-07; Government or public body)
Licence conversion: documents Requirement National
Application with health questionnaire, one photo (3.0 x 2.4 cm, within six months), residence certificate, identity document, the foreign licence (an international permit is not accepted), a Japanese translation from an approved party, passport stamps proving the stay, and a fee to confirm locally.
Source: National Police Agency — Holders of foreign driving licences (conversion) (checked 2026-11-07; Government or public body)
International permit validity Requirement National
Valid one year from issue; for driving in Japan the permit or foreign licence is usable for the shorter of one year from landing or remaining validity.
1 year from issue (as of 2026-11-07)
Source: National Police Agency — Holders of foreign driving licences (conversion) (checked 2026-11-07; Government or public body)
Tokyo Metro adult fare, 1 to 6 km Estimate National
Ticket fare 180 yen, IC card fare 178 yen (adult).
JPY 180 adult ticket, 1 to 6 km (as of 2026-11-07)
Applies to: Tokyo Metro lines only; the page states no effective date
Source: Tokyo Metro — Regular ticket and IC card fares (undated) (checked 2026-11-07; Other publisher)
Tokyo Metro adult fare, 28 to 40 km Estimate National
Ticket fare 330 yen, IC card fare 324 yen (adult); intermediate bands are 210, 260 and 300 yen.
JPY 330 adult ticket, 28 to 40 km (as of 2026-11-07)
Applies to: Tokyo Metro lines only
Source: Tokyo Metro — Regular ticket and IC card fares (undated) (checked 2026-11-07; Other publisher)
Bank account for SSW Requirement National
Listed as a preparation item.
Applies to: Specified Skilled Worker (i)
Source: Immigration Services Agency of Japan — Specified Skilled Worker (leaflet, undated) (checked 2026-11-07; Government or public body)
Opening an account Requirement National
Needs ID such as a Residence Card plus a seal or signature; report address or status changes promptly. A My Number is also stated as required.
Source: Immigration Services Agency — Living and Working Guidebook, chapter 12 Daily rules and customs (pp. 127-141) (checked 2026-11-07; Government or public body) · Immigration Services Agency — Living and Working Guidebook, chapter 2 Procedures at Municipal Offices (pp. 15-22) (checked 2026-11-07; Government or public body)
Selling or transferring an account is a crime Requirement National
Penalty up to one year in prison or a fine of up to one million yen.
JPY 1,000,000 maximum fine (as of 2026-11-07)
Source: Immigration Services Agency — Living and Working Guidebook, chapter 12 Daily rules and customs (pp. 127-141) (checked 2026-11-07; Government or public body)
Paying wages Requirement National
Wages must generally be paid in cash, but bank transfer is allowed if the worker agrees.
Source: Immigration Services Agency — Living and Working Guidebook, chapter 3 Employment/Working (pp. 23-43) (checked 2026-11-07; Government or public body)
Japan Post multilingual call centre Editorial National
0570-023170 (hours not stated in the guidebook).
Source: Immigration Services Agency — Living and Working Guidebook, chapter 12 Daily rules and customs (pp. 127-141) (checked 2026-11-07; Government or public body)
Mobile contracts need identity verification Requirement National
Contracts require identity checks; transferring a contracted phone without the operator's consent is prohibited, and the guide warns that brokers may misuse contracts for crimes.
Source: Immigration Services Agency — Living and Working Guidebook, chapter 12 Daily rules and customs (pp. 127-141) (checked 2026-11-07; Government or public body)
Public insurance is mandatory Requirement National
Employees' Health Insurance covers regular employees and qualifying part-time workers; National Health Insurance covers registered residents under 75 not in employee insurance, with exceptions (stay under three months, Temporary Visitor, some social security agreements). Residents 75 or older join the elderly system.
Source: Immigration Services Agency — Living and Working Guidebook, chapter 6 Medical Services (pp. 65-73) (checked 2026-11-07; Government or public body)
Copayment, ages 6 to 69 Requirement National
30% under both Employees' and National Health Insurance; 20% under age 6; ages 70 to 74 pay 20% (30% at pre-retirement income); 75 or older pay 10% (30% or 20% by income).
30 percent of medical expenses (as of 2026-11-07)
Applies to: Ages 6 to 69 for the 30% figure
Source: Immigration Services Agency — Living and Working Guidebook, chapter 6 Medical Services (pp. 65-73) (checked 2026-11-07; Government or public body)
Long-term care insurance Requirement National
Applies to residents over 40 who will live in Japan more than three months; premiums depend on prior-year income, age and area. Ages 40 to 64 pay through medical insurance.
Applies to: Aged 40 or over
Source: Immigration Services Agency — Living and Working Guidebook, chapter 7 Pension and Welfare (pp. 74-88) (checked 2026-11-07; Government or public body)
Moving-in notification Requirement National
Required after residence is determined or on moving to a new address.
14 days (as of 2026-11-07)
Source: Immigration Services Agency of Japan — Guidebook, 7th edition (Immigration Services Agency) (checked 2026-11-07; Government or public body)
Change notifications Requirement National
Changes to accepting organisation, affiliation or spouse relationship generally need notice.
14 days (as of 2026-11-07)
Source: Immigration Services Agency of Japan — Guidebook, 7th edition (Immigration Services Agency) (checked 2026-11-07; Government or public body)
Carry your residence card Requirement National
People aged 16 and over must carry it at all times; cards are issued to residents staying over three months.
16 years of age and over (as of 2026-11-07)
Source: Immigration Services Agency — Living and Working Guidebook, chapter 1 Procedures for Entry/Residence (pp. 1-14) (checked 2026-11-07; Government or public body)
Lost residence card Requirement National
Apply for reissue within 14 days of discovering the loss.
14 days (as of 2026-11-07)
Source: Immigration Services Agency — Living and Working Guidebook, chapter 1 Procedures for Entry/Residence (pp. 1-14) (checked 2026-11-07; Government or public body)
Extending your stay Requirement National
Apply at a Regional Immigration Services Office before the stay expires; if the stay lapses without extension, status is revoked and the card is invalid.
Source: Immigration Services Agency — Living and Working Guidebook, chapter 1 Procedures for Entry/Residence (pp. 1-14) (checked 2026-11-07; Government or public body) · Immigration Services Agency — Living and Working Guidebook, chapter 2 Procedures at Municipal Offices (pp. 15-22) (checked 2026-11-07; Government or public body)
Moving address Requirement National
Moving between municipalities needs a moving-out notice before leaving and moving-in notice within 14 days; moves inside one municipality need a change notice within 14 days.
14 days (as of 2026-11-07)
Source: Immigration Services Agency — Living and Working Guidebook, chapter 2 Procedures at Municipal Offices (pp. 15-22) (checked 2026-11-07; Government or public body)
My Number notification Requirement National
After the moving-in notice the municipality notifies a 12-digit Individual Number with a My Number card application form.
Source: Immigration Services Agency — Living and Working Guidebook, chapter 2 Procedures at Municipal Offices (pp. 15-22) (checked 2026-11-07; Government or public body)
My Number card Requirement National
First application is free; used for ID, online tax filing and as a health insurance card; validity ends when the stay period ends and must be extended after stay renewal.
Source: Immigration Services Agency — Living and Working Guidebook, chapter 2 Procedures at Municipal Offices (pp. 15-22) (checked 2026-11-07; Government or public body)
Public pension Requirement National
Registered residents aged 20 to 59 are obliged to enrol in public pension; employees are enrolled via the employer, others at the municipal office.
Applies to: Registered residents aged 20 to 59
Source: Immigration Services Agency — Living and Working Guidebook, chapter 7 Pension and Welfare (pp. 74-88) (checked 2026-11-07; Government or public body)
Pension lump-sum withdrawal on leaving Requirement National
Non-Japanese leaving Japan with at least six months of contributions and under 10 years of qualifying periods may apply within 2 years of losing their registered address; calculated on up to 60 months.
2 years to apply (as of 2026-11-07)
Source: Immigration Services Agency — Living and Working Guidebook, chapter 7 Pension and Welfare (pp. 74-88) (checked 2026-11-07; Government or public body)
Tax residency Requirement National
A resident (domicile or over one year in Japan) is taxed on worldwide income; non-permanent residents and non-residents are taxed on narrower income as the chapter states; no brackets are given.
Source: Immigration Services Agency — Living and Working Guidebook, chapter 8 Taxes (pp. 94-103), Indonesian-language edition (checked 2026-11-07; Government or public body)
Tax return window Requirement National
Filing runs 16 February to 15 March of the following year for those who must file (for example salary plus other income over 200,000 yen); employees are normally adjusted at the year's last salary payment.
JPY 200,000 other income threshold (as of 2026-11-07)
Source: Immigration Services Agency — Living and Working Guidebook, chapter 8 Taxes (pp. 94-103), Indonesian-language edition (checked 2026-11-07; Government or public body)
Resident tax Requirement National
Local tax based on where you live on 1 January, collected from salary or by notice; leaving on or after 2 January still owes that year's tax.
Source: Immigration Services Agency — Living and Working Guidebook, chapter 8 Taxes (pp. 94-103), Indonesian-language edition (checked 2026-11-07; Government or public body)
Non-resident withholding rates Requirement National
Non-residents without a permanent establishment are withheld at a flat rate on most listed income types; the progressive rate table was not on the official pages checked.
20.42 percent withholding on most listed income (as of 2026-11-07)
Applies to: Non-residents for tax purposes
Source: National Tax Agency — Tax on the income of an individual (non-resident withholding) (checked 2026-11-07; Government or public body)
Income tax rates, tax year 2025 (residents) Requirement National
Progressive: 5% up to 1,949,000 yen taxable income; 10% from 1,950,000 (less 97,500 yen); 20% from 3,300,000 (less 427,500); 23% from 6,950,000 (less 636,000); 33% from 9,000,000 (less 1,536,000); 40% from 18,000,000 (less 2,796,000); 45% from 40,000,000 (less 4,796,000). Tax is the taxable income times the rate minus the stated amount.
45 percent top marginal rate at 40,000,000 yen taxable income (as of tax year 2025)
Applies to: Residents for income tax purposes
Source: National Tax Agency — Guide to income tax returns, tax year 2025 (English PDF) (checked 2026-11-07; Government or public body)
Special reconstruction income tax Requirement National
Added on top: 2.1% of the base income tax amount, for each year from 2013 through 2037.
2.1 percent of base income tax (as of tax year 2025)
Source: National Tax Agency — Guide to income tax returns, tax year 2025 (English PDF) (checked 2026-11-07; Government or public body)
ISA information centre Editorial National
Telephone 0570-013904 for status criteria questions.
Source: Immigration Services Agency of Japan — Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services (checked 2026-11-07; Government or public body)
Living and working guidebook Editorial National
Twelve chapters covering procedures, municipal procedures, work, childbirth and parenting, education, medical care, pension and welfare, tax, transport, emergencies, housing and daily rules; offered in many languages including English and Hindi, with easy Japanese.
Source: Immigration Services Agency — Portal site for supporting the lives of foreigners (Japanese text) (checked 2026-11-07; Government or public body)
Consultation lines Editorial National
ISA main line 045-370-9755; Foreign Residents Support Centre (FRESC) 0570-011000. Opening hours are not stated on the portal page.
Source: Immigration Services Agency — Portal site for supporting the lives of foreigners (Japanese text) (checked 2026-11-07; Government or public body)
Japanese language learning Editorial National
Language schools, local community classes (often free and run by volunteers), online study, the A1 to C2 Reference Framework and the Nihongo Check self-assessment are described.
Source: Immigration Services Agency — Living and Working Guidebook, chapter 5 Education (pp. 54-64) (checked 2026-11-07; Government or public body)
Alerts Editorial National
The Safety tips app sends earthquake, tsunami, heavy rain, eruption, cyclone and heatstroke alerts; JMA risk map updates every ten minutes.
Source: Immigration Services Agency of Japan — Guidebook chapter 10, Emergencies and Disasters (checked 2026-11-07; Government or public body)
Winter Editorial National
Cold northwesterly winds bring heavy snow to the Sea of Japan side while the Pacific side is usually sunny; inland Hokkaido can fall to about minus 20 degrees Celsius.
Source: Japan Meteorological Agency — Climate of Japan (tourist page) (checked 2026-11-07; Government or public body)
Rainy season and summer heat Editorial National
A Baiu rainy season runs in early summer; late summer is hot, with western Japan often reaching 35 degrees Celsius or more.
Source: Japan Meteorological Agency — Climate of Japan (tourist page) (checked 2026-11-07; Government or public body)
Typhoons and autumn rain Editorial National
Tropical cyclones near Okinawa and Amami peak in August; September is often very wet.
Source: Japan Meteorological Agency — Climate of Japan (tourist page) (checked 2026-11-07; Government or public body)
Family under SSW (i) Requirement National
Family members generally may not accompany.
Applies to: Specified Skilled Worker (i)
Source: Immigration Services Agency of Japan — Specified Skilled Worker (leaflet, undated) (checked 2026-11-07; Government or public body)
School system Editorial National
Six years elementary, three junior high, three high school, four college; elementary and junior high are compulsory for Japanese nationals.
Source: Immigration Services Agency — Living and Working Guidebook, chapter 5 Education (pp. 54-64) (checked 2026-11-07; Government or public body)
Foreign children and public schools Requirement National
Foreign children can be accepted; tell the municipal office, then visit the appointed school with the Enrollment Permit for International Students. The page sets no compulsory age for foreign children.
Applies to: Foreign children
Source: Immigration Services Agency — Living and Working Guidebook, chapter 5 Education (pp. 54-64) (checked 2026-11-07; Government or public body)
Public school costs Requirement National
Tuition and textbooks are free at public elementary and junior high schools for foreign children; support for school supplies and lunches for low-income parents depends on the municipality.
Source: Immigration Services Agency — Living and Working Guidebook, chapter 5 Education (pp. 54-64) (checked 2026-11-07; Government or public body)
Birth in Japan Requirement National
To stay beyond 60 days after birth apply for a status of residence within 30 days of birth.
30 days from birth to apply (as of 2026-11-07)
Source: Immigration Services Agency — Living and Working Guidebook, chapter 1 Procedures for Entry/Residence (pp. 1-14) (checked 2026-11-07; Government or public body)
Source-linked guidance, its scope and remaining questions.
Additional guidance for Japan. Source-linked means a reference is recorded, not that every claim has been independently verified. Check the scope and dates before relying on it.
Scope: Personal medicine import — bounded addition; remaining scope is listed explicitly.
Import Confirmation and separate controls
MHLW says medicines above its personal-use exceptions require Import Confirmation before departure, shown to customs. Its general prescription-drug exception is up to one month, but prohibited or separately controlled substances do not become permitted through that exception. Check the exact ingredient and procedure with MHLW before travel.
Where: National
Applies to: Travellers carrying medicines for their own use
Source: MHLW — medicines for personal use into Japan (checked 2026-11-08; Government or public body; page read; fact not independently verified)
Scope: Social-security coordination — bounded addition; remaining scope is listed explicitly.
Agreement coverage is country-specific
Japan Pension Service explains that agreements can allocate compulsory coverage to avoid double contributions and combine coverage periods for benefit qualification. These arrangements concern countries with an agreement with Japan. Check the applicable agreement and its application procedure with Japan Pension Service and the other country’s competent institution; nationality alone does not establish an exemption.
Where: National; agreement-specific
Applies to: People whose work or pension coverage spans Japan and an agreement country
Source: Japan Pension Service — international social security agreements (checked 2026-11-08; Government or public body; page read; fact not independently verified)
Scope: Local school enrolment for foreign-national children in Tokyo, with the document procedure of Shinjuku City only. This is not a national admission rule or an immigration entitlement.
Tokyo and Shinjuku public-school enrolment for foreign-national children
Tokyo Metropolitan Government explains that foreign-national children may enrol in public elementary and junior high schools, and that the procedure runs through the municipality office. Shinjuku City accepts requests for compulsory-school-age foreign-national children and asks for the residence card or special permanent resident certificate of both the child and the applying parent or guardian. Its statement on compulsory-education exemption excludes children who also hold Japanese nationality. These are Tokyo and Shinjuku procedures, not a blanket national admission rule or any immigration or residence entitlement. Consult the municipal education office about an individual case.
Where: Tokyo Metropolitan Government guidance; document procedure specific to Shinjuku City
Applies to: Foreign-national children and their parent or guardian; Shinjuku text excludes children who also hold Japanese nationality
Source: Tokyo Metropolitan Government — school types, tuition and enrolment procedures (checked 2026-11-08; Government or public body; page partly read; fact not independently verified) · Shinjuku City — elementary and junior high school information for foreign residents (checked 2026-11-08; document dated 2026-09-15; Government or public body; page partly read; fact not independently verified)
Scope: One local Japanese-language learning option in Shinjuku City, Tokyo. Language-learning support only; not a nationwide entitlement.
Shinjuku Nihongo Hiroba volunteer Japanese lessons
Shinjuku City lists volunteer-led Nihongo Hiroba Japanese-language lessons at Shinjuku Multicultural Plaza. The page says no reservation or registration is required. Eligibility is age 15 or older, excluding junior high school students, with priority for Shinjuku residents. This is a local language-learning opportunity, not a nationwide entitlement, visa support, legal advice or an accredited qualification. Check current session availability with the named public facility.
Where: Shinjuku City, Tokyo; Shinjuku Multicultural Plaza
Applies to: Age 15 or older, excluding junior high school students; priority for Shinjuku residents
Source: Shinjuku City — Nihongo Hiroba Japanese-language lessons (checked 2026-11-08; Government or public body; page partly read; fact not independently verified)
Scope: National Japan Customs guidance for relocation household effects. Not a commercial-goods exemption or permission to import restricted goods.
Duty-free household effects when relocating to Japan
Japan Customs describes accompanied or unaccompanied personal effects and professional equipment for home relocation. Its FAQ states that articles of qualifying passengers (those abroad for more than one year, or planning to stay in Japan for more than one year) imported within six months of entry are duty-free. Unaccompanied articles need two copies of the declaration at entry; keep the customs-certified copy and present it with the passport when the cargo arrives. Automobiles follow a separate procedure. This is not a commercial-goods exemption or permission to import restricted goods.
Where: Japan, national customs
Applies to: People importing household effects for relocation who meet the stay conditions stated in the FAQ
Source: Japan Customs FAQ 7301 — household effects for home relocation (checked 2026-11-08; Government or public body; page read; fact not independently verified)
Some guidance is incomplete or has not been confirmed. Missing information does not mean a rule, service or route is unavailable. Check the relevant authority for your circumstances.
We do not yet publish an eligibility checker for this track. The route pages above carry the full requirement list from the official source.
From the issuing authority
Find the authority behind your next step. Choose a purpose in the planner to prioritise relevant links.
All recorded links: 58 match the current filters. Language observations cover exact page content only, not staff support, translations, linked forms or accessibility compliance. Unrecorded languages stay unknown.
Showing 30 of 58 recorded destination-government or public-university links. Each link is counted once, even when it serves several purposes. The total covers this country across purposes; it does not promise 30 links for every profile. Recorded sources are not all independently rechecked or confirmed working services. A link does not establish your eligibility.
Immigration Services Agency of Japan (Ministry of Justice)
Agency home page
General services; requirements vary by situation.
Page language: not recorded.
Publisher accessibility statement: not recorded for this page.
No direct language observation recorded for this exact page.
Government publisher. Publisher website.
No source-record check date recorded. Directory observation: 2026-11-08.
Access record: direct. Official service or guidance entry point. Directory observation does not independently validate eligibility, fees or every linked rule.
Immigration Services Agency of Japan
Read Designated Activities (page body could not be read) with the issuing authority.
General services; requirements vary by situation.
Page language: not recorded.
Publisher accessibility statement: not recorded for this page.
No direct language observation recorded for this exact page.
Government publisher. Publisher website.
Source record checked: 2026-11-07.
Access record: not recorded. Recorded in this country guide; not independently rechecked for this directory. Confirm current conditions on the authority’s page.
Immigration Services Agency of Japan
Read Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services with the issuing authority.
General services; requirements vary by situation.
Page language: not recorded.
Publisher accessibility statement: not recorded for this page.
No direct language observation recorded for this exact page.
Government publisher. Publisher website.
Source record checked: 2026-11-07.
Access record: not recorded. Recorded in this country guide; not independently rechecked for this directory. Confirm current conditions on the authority’s page.
Immigration Services Agency of Japan
Read Guidebook, 7th edition (Immigration Services Agency) with the issuing authority.
General services; requirements vary by situation.
Page language: not recorded.
Publisher accessibility statement: not recorded for this page.
No direct language observation recorded for this exact page.
Government publisher. Publisher website.
Source record checked: 2026-11-07.
Access record: not recorded. Recorded in this country guide; not independently rechecked for this directory. Confirm current conditions on the authority’s page.
Japan Customs FAQ 7301
Read household effects for home relocation with the issuing authority.
General services; requirements vary by situation.
Page language: not recorded.
Publisher accessibility statement: not recorded for this page.
No direct language observation recorded for this exact page.
Government publisher. Publisher website.
Source record checked: 2026-11-08.
Access record: direct. Recorded in this country guide; not independently rechecked for this directory. Confirm current conditions on the authority’s page.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan
Official eVISA portal
Relevant to: Visitor.
Page language: not recorded.
Publisher accessibility statement: not recorded for this page.
No direct language observation recorded for this exact page.
Government publisher. Publisher website.
No source-record check date recorded. Directory observation: 2026-11-08.
Access record: direct. Official service or guidance entry point. Directory observation does not independently validate eligibility, fees or every linked rule.
Japan Pension Service
Read international social security agreements with the issuing authority.
General services; requirements vary by situation.
Page language: not recorded.
Publisher accessibility statement: not recorded for this page.
No direct language observation recorded for this exact page.
Government publisher. Publisher website.
Source record checked: 2026-11-08.
Access record: direct. Recorded in this country guide; not independently rechecked for this directory. Confirm current conditions on the authority’s page.
MHLW
Read medicines for personal use into Japan with the issuing authority.
General services; requirements vary by situation.
Page language: not recorded.
Publisher accessibility statement: not recorded for this page.
No direct language observation recorded for this exact page.
Government publisher. Publisher website.
Source record checked: 2026-11-08.
Access record: direct. Recorded in this country guide; not independently rechecked for this directory. Confirm current conditions on the authority’s page.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Read JAPAN eVISA system with the issuing authority.
General services; requirements vary by situation.
Page language: not recorded.
Publisher accessibility statement: not recorded for this page.
No direct language observation recorded for this exact page.
Government publisher. Publisher website.
Source record checked: 2026-11-07.
Access record: not recorded. Recorded in this country guide; not independently rechecked for this directory. Confirm current conditions on the authority’s page.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Read Visa relaxation for nationals of India (14 Nov 2017) with the issuing authority.
General services; requirements vary by situation.
Page language: not recorded.
Publisher accessibility statement: not recorded for this page.
No direct language observation recorded for this exact page.
Government publisher. Publisher website.
Source record checked: 2026-11-07. Document date: 2017-11-14.
Access record: not recorded. Recorded in this country guide; not independently rechecked for this directory. Confirm current conditions on the authority’s page.
Immigration Services Agency of Japan (Ministry of Justice)
Online application guide
General services; requirements vary by situation.
Page language: not recorded.
Publisher accessibility statement: not recorded for this page.
No direct language observation recorded for this exact page.
Government publisher. Publisher website.
No source-record check date recorded. Directory observation: 2026-11-08.
Access record: index only. Official destination-government URL and page title observed; full service text was not readable in this review. Confirm the current process with the issuing authority.
Immigration Services Agency of Japan (Ministry of Justice)
Index of residence procedures
General services; requirements vary by situation.
Page language: not recorded.
Publisher accessibility statement: not recorded for this page.
No direct language observation recorded for this exact page.
Government publisher. Publisher website.
No source-record check date recorded. Directory observation: 2026-11-08.
Access record: direct. Official service or guidance entry point. Directory observation does not independently validate eligibility, fees or every linked rule.
Shinjuku City
Read Nihongo Hiroba Japanese-language lessons with the issuing authority.
General services; requirements vary by situation.
Page language: not recorded.
Publisher accessibility statement: not recorded for this page.
No direct language observation recorded for this exact page.
Government publisher. Publisher website.
Source record checked: 2026-11-08.
Access record: index only. Recorded in this country guide; not independently rechecked for this directory. Confirm current conditions on the authority’s page.
Immigration Services Agency of Japan
Read Outline of Employment for Skill Development Program (revised July 2026) with the issuing authority.
General services; requirements vary by situation.
Page language: not recorded.
Publisher accessibility statement: not recorded for this page.
No direct language observation recorded for this exact page.
Government publisher. Publisher website.
Source record checked: 2026-11-07.
Access record: not recorded. Recorded in this country guide; not independently rechecked for this directory. Confirm current conditions on the authority’s page.
Immigration Services Agency of Japan
Read Specified Skilled Worker (leaflet, undated) with the issuing authority.
General services; requirements vary by situation.
Page language: not recorded.
Publisher accessibility statement: not recorded for this page.
No direct language observation recorded for this exact page.
Government publisher. Publisher website.
Source record checked: 2026-11-07.
Access record: not recorded. Recorded in this country guide; not independently rechecked for this directory. Confirm current conditions on the authority’s page.
Specified Skilled Worker official portal
Read Information on tests (2026 schedules) with the issuing authority.
Relevant to: Skilled tradesperson.
Page language: not recorded.
Publisher accessibility statement: not recorded for this page.
No direct language observation recorded for this exact page.
Government publisher. Publisher website.
Source record checked: 2026-11-07.
Access record: not recorded. Recorded in this country guide; not independently rechecked for this directory. Confirm current conditions on the authority’s page.
Specified Skilled Worker official portal
Read SSW (ii) construction field with the issuing authority.
Relevant to: Skilled tradesperson.
Page language: not recorded.
Publisher accessibility statement: not recorded for this page.
No direct language observation recorded for this exact page.
Government publisher. Publisher website.
Source record checked: 2026-11-07.
Access record: not recorded. Recorded in this country guide; not independently rechecked for this directory. Confirm current conditions on the authority’s page.
Specified Skilled Worker official portal
Read Steps to working in Japan with the issuing authority.
Relevant to: Skilled tradesperson.
Page language: not recorded.
Publisher accessibility statement: not recorded for this page.
No direct language observation recorded for this exact page.
Government publisher. Publisher website.
Source record checked: 2026-11-07.
Access record: not recorded. Recorded in this country guide; not independently rechecked for this directory. Confirm current conditions on the authority’s page.
Specified Skilled Worker official portal
Read What is the SSW status of residence? with the issuing authority.
Relevant to: Skilled tradesperson.
Page language: not recorded.
Publisher accessibility statement: not recorded for this page.
No direct language observation recorded for this exact page.
Government publisher. Publisher website.
Source record checked: 2026-11-07.
Access record: not recorded. Recorded in this country guide; not independently rechecked for this directory. Confirm current conditions on the authority’s page.
Immigration Services Agency
Read Living and Working Guidebook, chapter 5 Education (pp. 54-64) with the issuing authority.
General services; requirements vary by situation.
Page language: not recorded.
Publisher accessibility statement: not recorded for this page.
No direct language observation recorded for this exact page.
Government publisher. Publisher website.
Source record checked: 2026-11-07.
Access record: not recorded. Recorded in this country guide; not independently rechecked for this directory. Confirm current conditions on the authority’s page.
Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO)
Education system overview
Relevant to: Student or trainee.
Page language: not recorded.
Publisher accessibility statement: not recorded for this page.
No direct language observation recorded for this exact page.
Government publisher. Publisher website.
No source-record check date recorded. Directory observation: 2026-11-08.
Access record: index only. Official destination-government URL and page title observed; full service text was not readable in this review. Confirm the current process with the issuing authority.
Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO)
Agency home page
Relevant to: Student or trainee.
Page language: not recorded.
Publisher accessibility statement: not recorded for this page.
No direct language observation recorded for this exact page.
Government publisher. Publisher website.
No source-record check date recorded. Directory observation: 2026-11-08.
Access record: direct. Official service or guidance entry point. Directory observation does not independently validate eligibility, fees or every linked rule.
Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO)
Scholarship page
Relevant to: Student or trainee.
Page language: not recorded.
Publisher accessibility statement: not recorded for this page.
No direct language observation recorded for this exact page.
Government publisher. Publisher website.
No source-record check date recorded. Directory observation: 2026-11-08.
Access record: index only. Official destination-government URL and page title observed; full service text was not readable in this review. Confirm the current process with the issuing authority.
Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO)
Agency study page
Relevant to: Student or trainee.
Page language: not recorded.
Publisher accessibility statement: not recorded for this page.
No direct language observation recorded for this exact page.
Government publisher. Publisher website.
No source-record check date recorded. Directory observation: 2026-11-08.
Access record: index only. Official destination-government URL and page title observed; full service text was not readable in this review. Confirm the current process with the issuing authority.
Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology
Ministry home page
Relevant to: Student or trainee.
Page language: not recorded.
Publisher accessibility statement: not recorded for this page.
No direct language observation recorded for this exact page.
Government publisher. Publisher website.
No source-record check date recorded. Directory observation: 2026-11-08.
Access record: direct. Official service or guidance entry point. Directory observation does not independently validate eligibility, fees or every linked rule.
Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO)
Scholarship guide
Relevant to: Student or trainee.
Page language: not recorded.
Publisher accessibility statement: not recorded for this page.
No direct language observation recorded for this exact page.
Government publisher. Publisher website.
No source-record check date recorded. Directory observation: 2026-11-08.
Access record: index only. Official destination-government URL and page title observed; full service text was not readable in this review. Confirm the current process with the issuing authority.
Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO)
School search
Relevant to: Student or trainee.
Page language: not recorded.
Publisher accessibility statement: not recorded for this page.
No direct language observation recorded for this exact page.
Government publisher. Publisher website.
No source-record check date recorded. Directory observation: 2026-11-08.
Access record: index only. Official destination-government URL and page title observed; full service text was not readable in this review. Confirm the current process with the issuing authority.
Shinjuku City
Read elementary and junior high school information for foreign residents with the issuing authority.
General services; requirements vary by situation.
Page language: not recorded.
Publisher accessibility statement: not recorded for this page.
No direct language observation recorded for this exact page.
Government publisher. Publisher website.
Source record checked: 2026-11-08. Document date: 2026-09-15.
Access record: index only. Recorded in this country guide; not independently rechecked for this directory. Confirm current conditions on the authority’s page.
Study in Japan
Read Academic fees with the issuing authority.
Relevant to: Student or trainee.
Page language: not recorded.
Publisher accessibility statement: not recorded for this page.
No direct language observation recorded for this exact page.
Government publisher. Publisher website.
Source record checked: 2026-11-07.
Access record: not recorded. Recorded in this country guide; not independently rechecked for this directory. Confirm current conditions on the authority’s page.
Study in Japan
Read Living costs and expenses (JASSO 2023 survey) with the issuing authority.
General services; requirements vary by situation.
Page language: not recorded.
Publisher accessibility statement: not recorded for this page.
No direct language observation recorded for this exact page.
Government publisher. Publisher website.
Source record checked: 2026-11-07.
Access record: not recorded. Recorded in this country guide; not independently rechecked for this directory. Confirm current conditions on the authority’s page.
Peer discussions can help with everyday questions, but they are not government services or verified immigration advice. These links do not count toward the official directory. Platform advertising may appear; community rules do not guarantee safety or enforcement.
Independent community · not an authority
Planning a move to Japan and first-hand practical questions; read wiki before asking basics.
Independent peer experience, not official immigration rules or professional advice. Platform may display ads; no ad-free or scam-free guarantee. Published rules do not prove enforcement. No membership/popularity ranking inferred. Read current rules, keep sensitive identifiers private, and verify actionable claims with official sources. Newcomer scope; do not confuse with residents-only communities. Older2022rules post contains obsolete COVID instruction, so link current main page/rules instead.
Observed 2026-11-08; a snapshot, not live activity monitoring.
Primary feed (cache2weeks old) shows entries marked21minutes,2hours and1day old plus an October2026entry-question thread. Snapshot-relative, not real-time verification.
Visible rules require research/civility and prohibit AI comments, with limited translation-only allowance for posts; standalone topics can be redirected to entry threads.
Primary community page displays creation date 2016-08-20; no membership count or rank recorded.
Read current community rules before postingRegular employees, executives, and part-time or temporary workers who meet the hours or income criteria in the guidebook; the guide says everyone living in Japan is obliged to enrol in public medical insurance regardless of origin.
Immigration Services Agency — Living and Working Guidebook, chapter 6 Medical Services (pp. 65-73) (checked 2026-11-07)
Registered residents under 75 who are not in Employees' Health Insurance; exceptions include stays under three months, Temporary Visitor status and some social security agreements. Residents aged 75 or older join the elderly system instead.
Immigration Services Agency — Living and Working Guidebook, chapter 6 Medical Services (pp. 65-73) (checked 2026-11-07) · Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare — National Health Insurance for foreign residents (checked 2026-11-07)
Listed in an ISA leaflet with partly garbled text; details NOT VERIFIED.
Immigration Services Agency of Japan — Specified Skilled Worker (leaflet, undated) (checked 2026-11-07)
Secured housing and municipal resident registration are listed as preparation items.
Immigration Services Agency of Japan — Specified Skilled Worker (leaflet, undated) (checked 2026-11-07)
14 days
File within 14 days after residence is determined.
Immigration Services Agency of Japan — Guidebook, 7th edition (Immigration Services Agency) (checked 2026-11-07)
Display the visa issuance notice online; PDFs, screenshots and printouts are not accepted.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs — JAPAN eVISA system (checked 2026-11-07)
A bank account is among preparation items for SSW workers.
Immigration Services Agency of Japan — Specified Skilled Worker (leaflet, undated) (checked 2026-11-07)
Workers must not have paid a security deposit or signed a penalty contract.
Immigration Services Agency of Japan — Specified Skilled Worker (leaflet, undated) (checked 2026-11-07)
Student route: school-led Certificate of Eligibility, stay up to 4 years 3 months, part-time work capped at 28 hours a week
Per sources (unverified): Specified Skilled Worker is open in 19 fields (food service closed to new applications); the trainee system is replaced from 1 April 2027
Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services and the Highly Skilled Professional points route
