Emigration to Japan: how can Ukrainians move in 2025?

Japan is one of the most attractive countries to live and work in, but its migration system is quite complex. Ukrainians who plan to move to Japan in 2025 need to follow a specific algorithm. Learn more about possible ways to emigrate, visa requirements, legalization rules upon arrival, and employment opportunities

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The Land of the Rising Sun is a leader in the rankings of the most desirable places to live. Japan is one of the most developed countries in Asia and the world. This is due to its high standard of living, developed economy, good social sphere, and significant career prospects for professionals.

However, it is quite difficult to move to Japan. Contrary to the global trend of globalization, the country remains quite closed to foreigners and does not support immigration. The step-by-step algorithm for moving to Japan is described below.

You can learn more about the cost of living in Japan and the largest budget items by following the link.

Are you planning to move to another country?

Contact Visit Ukraine lawyers! Our specialists will answer all your questions and provide you with the necessary support in migration matters.

Moving to Japan: stages of preparation

The first stage. Determining the purpose of emigration and applying for a visa

The first step is to determine the purpose of your move, as this determines the type of visa you need to legally stay in Japan. The article will provide information on the types of visas available to Ukrainians, the procedure for obtaining them, and the list of required documents. Submitting documents for a work or long-term visa also involves obtaining a Certificate of Eligibility.

The second stage. Preparing for the move

After obtaining a visa, it is important to prepare for the move. It is extremely difficult to find a good apartment for rent in Japan, as you need a guarantor (shikikin - security deposit, reikin - entrance fee).

Japan has strict rules regarding social behavior and work ethics, so it is worth preparing for local traditions in advance.

Japan has a mandatory insurance system, but you must have an international policy before entering. You can get insurance online from reliable agents on the Visit Ukraine portal.

The third stage. Legalization of status

Upon arrival at the airport, you will receive a Residence Card. This is the main document that confirms a foreigner's status in Japan.

Within 14 days after arrival, you must register your place of residence with the local administration and obtain a “My Number” - a Japanese tax identification code.

Without a bank account, it is difficult to receive a salary or pay bills. Health insurance (National Health Insurance—NHI) is also mandatory.

Some visas already include the right to work. However, if your visa does not fall into this category, you need to apply for a Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted Under the Status of Residence Previously Granted at the Immigration Bureau. Those who arrived on a short-term visa and those with dependent status without a work permit are not allowed to work.

The fourth stage. Obtaining a work and residence permit

If the visa provides for an employment status, you need to obtain a Special Permission for Employment before starting work. For those who plan to stay in Japan for a long period, it is possible to obtain permanent residence after 10 years of residence (or after 3-5 years for highly qualified specialists).

Moving to Japan is a complicated process that requires knowledge of migration legislation and the peculiarities of the visa regime. Visit Ukraine lawyers will help you with all the necessary documents, on-site registration and adaptation in Japan. Contact our experts to make your move go smoothly!

Visa to Japan for Ukrainians: types and procedure for obtaining

You need a visa to enter the country, as there is no visa-free regime between Ukraine and Japan.

You can apply for any type of visa and get professional advice from Visit Ukraine lawyers. They will help you choose the best way to emigrate and prepare all the necessary documents.

Tourist visa to Japan

Japan does not issue classic tourist visas, but their analog is a free short-term business visa, which is issued for a period of 30, 90 or 180 days. The procedure for obtaining this visa is much simpler than the Schengen visa, and the list of documents is minimal.

This type of visa is available for persons who:

- Participate in business meetings, conferences or short-term business trips;

- Cooperate with local authorities;

- Attend sporting events or cultural events;

- Want to travel to Japan to meet relatives, friends or acquaintances;

- Traveling for tourism purposes at the invitation of a tour operator.

Important! A short-term visa does not give the right to work in Japan, as it does not provide for profitable activities.

What documents are required to obtain a visa?

1. Foreign passport (original and copy of all pages). The passport must have at least 4 blank pages, and its validity must be at least 6 months after the end of the trip;

2. A copy of all pages of the internal passport;

3. A completed application form (2 copies available on the embassy's website);

4. Two 4.5×4.5 cm photographs taken no later than 6 months prior to application;

5. Certificate from the place of work (on the official letterhead of the company indicating the position, salary, signatures of the head and accountant);

6. Original airline tickets to Japan and back, as well as for the route within the country;

7. Confirmation of accommodation reservation for the entire period of stay (hotel, hostel or apartment).

Previously, Ukrainians needed a guarantor from the Japanese side to obtain a visa, but this requirement was canceled in 2019. Now you can apply for a visa without an invitation by submitting all documents directly to the Japanese Embassy or through a visa agency.

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Employment visa to Japan

Japan opens up wide opportunities for foreign professionals by providing various types of work visas. Ukrainian citizens can legally work in Japan if they meet certain requirements and have an official offer from a Japanese company. A work visa can be valid for 3 months to 5 years, depending on its type.

Japan has also launched a digital nomad visa program, but unfortunately, Ukraine is not on the list of eligible countries.

To apply for a work visa, an applicant must meet the following requirements:

1. Have an official job offer from a Japanese employer;

2. Have a valid foreign passport (valid for at least 3 months after the planned entry);

3. No criminal record;

4. Have an invitation letter from the company;

5. Have sufficient financial resources to live in Japan;

6. Meet the health requirements;

7. Possess the necessary professional skills and qualifications.

Documents required to apply for a work visa:

- Certificate of Eligibility (COE) - issued by a Japanese company and confirming the legality of employment;

- A completed visa application form (the form can be downloaded from the Embassy's website);

- Two color photographs (4×3 cm, taken no later than 6 months prior to submission);

- A copy of the foreign passport with the expiration date;

- An official job offer from a Japanese employer;

- CV (resume) and diploma of education;

- A self-addressed stamped envelope worth 392 yen.

The cost also depends on whether you are going for a single or multiple entry. The cost for a single entry is 3,000 yen, and for multiple entries - 6,000 yen.

Skilled worker visa (SSW)

Japan plans to attract 500,000 foreign workers by 2026 under the Specialized Skills Program. Employees must have appropriate professional training and knowledge of the Japanese language.

The main professions covered by SSW are: nursing, construction, shipbuilding, aviation, forestry, farming and fishing, industrial production, automotive repair, food and hospitality industry

Tier 1 Specialized Skills Visa (SSV1)

This type of visa allows you to work in Japan in such fields as shipbuilding, construction, and agriculture. It is necessary to pass a Japanese language exam and a technical test. The permitted period of stay is 1 year with the possibility of extension up to 5 years. Relatives cannot accompany the employee on this visa.

Tier 2 Specialized Skills Visa (SSV2)

For employees who are already working in Japan under SSV1 and have improved their skills. There are no restrictions on the length of stay - the visa can be extended an unlimited number of times. The employee receives a permit for family reunification.

You can learn more about the peculiarities of employment and the labor market in Japan by following the link.

Student visa to Japan

Ukrainians enrolled in Japanese educational institutions under programs lasting 90 days or more must apply for a student visa. It allows you to study legally in the country and can be extended if necessary. An application for extension should be submitted no later than three months before the expiration of the current visa.

The first step is to obtain a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) issued by the Ministry of Justice of Japan. It is issued by the educational institution where the student will be studying. After enrollment, you need to inform the university about the need to obtain a COE. When the certificate is issued, it will be sent to the student by mail.

To apply for a student visa, you will need the following documents:

- Completed application form (2 copies, in English);

- Photos (35×45 mm);

- Foreign passport (original + copies of all pages with stamps);

- Internal passport (original + copies of all pages with stamps);

- Confirmation of enrollment in an educational institution (issued by the university);

- Bank statement confirming the availability of funds for the year of residence;

- COE certificate issued by the educational institution.

Family visa to Japan

A family visa to Japan is issued on the basis of family ties with a citizen of this country. Only spouses or minor children can apply for it. The visa is valid for 6 months, 1 year, 3 years or 5 years.

A package of documents to be submitted to the Immigration Service Department of the Ministry of Justice of Japan to obtain a Certificate of Residence Status:

- A completed visa application;

- Proof of kinship (spouses' passports, birth certificates for children);

- Documents confirming the family's income and financial stability;

- A letter of guarantee from a Japanese citizen.

Visa requirements for Ukrainians have been relaxed

Starting from June 24, 2024, Japan has simplified visa requirements for Ukrainian citizens, opening up more opportunities to visit the country. The innovations apply to three main categories of applicants:

1. Employees of Ukrainian companies participating in joint projects with Japan will be able to obtain multiple-entry business visas without the requirement to have a previous history of travel to the country;

2. Relatives of evacuated Ukrainians are now eligible for multiple-entry visas for short-term stays, which will allow them to visit relatives or friends in Japan;

3. Individuals with high incomes and their families will have access to multiple-entry visas valid for up to 5 years with a maximum stay of 90 days per visit.

Government support program for Ukrainians in Japan

On December 1, 2023, the Japanese government introduced a new program to assist foreigners who are forced to flee their homes due to military conflicts but do not meet the criteria for refugee status. The program is focused primarily on Ukrainian citizens.

Participants will have the same rights as refugees, will be able to learn Japanese, participate in social adaptation programs and receive financial support in accordance with local laws. The Immigration Services Agency emphasized that the Japanese government is committed to providing maximum assistance to IDPs to ensure their integration and comfortable living in the country.

Permanent residence permit in Japan

To obtain a residence permit in Japan, it is important to meet the country's requirements and prepare the necessary documents. Highly qualified specialists with unique skills and experience have a better chance of successful immigration. Knowledge of English is an advantage, and knowledge of Japanese significantly increases the chances of obtaining a residence permit.

To obtain permanent resident status in Japan, you must have lived in the country for at least 10 years and meet certain criteria:

1. Integrity: no serious offenses, fines, debts, as well as positive recommendations from the place of work or study;

2. Financial independence: an official annual income of at least 3,000,000 yen (approximately 25,000 USD). Persons with a lower income are considered economically dependent and cannot obtain permanent residence;

3. Loyalty to the country: timely payment of taxes, no criminal record, no debts and no mental illnesses.

The required documents for obtaining a residence permit include:

- A completed application form;

- Foreign and domestic passports;

- Permission to enter Japan;

- Medical certificate;

- Bank statement or employment contract;

- Housing lease or purchase agreement;

- 4 color photos.

Additionally, documents on marriage, birth of children, proof of kinship, and educational diplomas may be required.

Healthcare system in Japan

Japan is known for its high life expectancy, which is largely due to its effective healthcare system. Highly qualified doctors work in the country, and clinics are equipped with the most modern technologies. However, due to the shortage of medical personnel, free or reduced-price treatment is almost unavailable, so insurance medicine plays a key role in ensuring access to quality treatment.

The state controls the cost of medical services and pharmaceuticals, so prices in private and public hospitals remain the same. Despite this, 80% of medical facilities are private.

Japanese medicine is aimed at transferring patients to outpatient treatment as soon as possible, which is made possible by modern therapies and the high efficiency of medicines.

Almost all residents of the country are covered by the compulsory health insurance system (NHI - National Health Insurance). The policy can be provided by an employer or municipal authorities at the place of residence. Private insurance is less popular due to high government quality standards.

Japanese hospitals are equipped with advanced technologies, even in remote areas. However, the high demand for medical services and the shortage of doctors cause long waiting lists.

If you are planning to move to Japan, you should take care of health insurance in advance. You can get advice on obtaining a policy for Ukrainians abroad at Visit Ukraine.

Possible ways to obtain Japanese citizenship

Obtaining Japanese citizenship is a complex and lengthy process that requires compliance with a number of conditions. The main ways for Ukrainians to acquire citizenship include naturalization, marriage to a Japanese citizen, and adoption.

Naturalization

To become a Japanese citizen through naturalization, you must reside in the country continuously for at least 5 years with permanent resident status. However, in case of marriage to a Japanese citizen, this period can be reduced to 3 years.

The mandatory requirements include a sufficient level of Japanese language proficiency, a stable income, and no criminal record both in Japan and in other countries. It should also be borne in mind that Japan does not allow dual citizenship, so the applicant must give up his or her previous passport.

Citizenship by marriage

Ukrainians married to a Japanese citizen can apply for citizenship after 3 years of official family relations.

The spouses must live together in Japan. The requirements for language and culture knowledge are somewhat reduced, but knowledge of the basics of Japanese is still required.

Adoption

A child adopted by a Japanese citizen automatically acquires Japanese citizenship.

Documents required for Japanese citizenship

The applicant must submit the following documents to the Ministry of Justice of Japan:

- A valid passport;

- Birth certificate;

- Marriage documents (if any);

- Documents confirming legal residence in Japan;

- Citizenship application.

After submitting the documents, a thorough background check, interview, and language and history tests are conducted. The procedure can take several years, as Japan sets high standards for future citizens.

If naturalization seems too complicated, you can consider obtaining a residence permit, which allows you to work or study legally. After 3 years, the temporary residence permit can be replaced with a permanent one, which will allow you to reside in the country without restrictions.

Thus, emigration to Japan from Ukraine requires compliance with a clear algorithm of actions, from submitting documents to legalizing your stay. All these actions require careful analysis and preparation, which is not always possible for ordinary citizens without appropriate qualifications to complete.

Therefore, we advise you to contact the migration lawyers on the Visit Ukraine platform, who will help you with emigration to Japan, take care of the process of submitting documents to various structures and obtaining appropriate decisions.

Visit Ukraine lawyers provide professional advice to Ukrainians on any migration issues. To get a professional consultation, choose a specialist profile, country, and a convenient format of cooperation. Contact our managers via Telegram or WhatsApp - they will help you choose the best option for your situation. Contact our specialists to make your migration to Japan go quickly and without any problems.

We remind you! The Blue Card provides a great opportunity to develop your career, live and work in Europe. It opens the door to high earnings, stability and the possibility of integration into European society. Read more about the procedure for obtaining this document.

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