Japan

Japan is an island nation in East Asia, located in the Pacific Ocean, known as the “Land of the Rising Sun.” It has a population of 122.9 million, and its capital is Tokyo. The official language is Japanese, and the currency is the Japanese yen (JPY). Politically, Japan is a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary form of government. The country is the world’s third-largest economy and a leader in robotics, automotive manufacturing, and the gaming industry. Life in Japan attracts foreigners with its unparalleled safety, cutting-edge technology, and one of the world’s highest life expectancies. About 3.8 million foreigners live here, mainly from China, Vietnam, and South Korea.

Further in this article: visa requirements, types of residence permits, salaries and living costs, pros and cons, popular cities, and the relocation process.

Entry into Japan: Visa Requirements and Residence Permits

To enter Japan for a long-term stay, you need a visa and a residence permit. The process begins with obtaining a Certificate of Eligibility (CoE), which is issued by an employer or sponsor in Japan. With the CoE, the applicant applies for a visa at the Japanese embassy in their home country. Traveling to Japan for tourist purposes is possible without a visa for up to 90 days for citizens of many countries, but Ukrainians must check the current requirements through the consulate.

Main types of visas to Japan:

• work visa (linked to a specific employer);
• student visa (based on an admission letter);
• spouse or dependent visa;
• visa for highly skilled professionals.

Upon arrival, the visa is converted into a residence card (zairyu card)—an official ID that must always be carried. Within 14 days of moving in, you must register your address with the local administration.

Cost of Living in Japan: Salaries and Expenses

The cost of living in Japan is high, but so are the expenses. The average monthly gross salary is 318,300 yen, and unemployment is only 2.6%. In-demand specialists in IT, engineering, medicine, and finance earn significantly more. English teachers and healthcare workers are also in steady demand in the labor market.

Healthcare and education are among the country’s strengths. Universal health insurance is mandatory for all residents: patients pay only 30% of the cost of treatment, with the state covering the remainder. Public schools are free and maintain high academic standards. Tuition at public universities is approximately 535,000 yen per year, while at private universities it ranges from 800,000 to 2,000,000 yen. Many universities offer programs in English and MEXT scholarships for international students.

Pros and Cons of Living in Japan

Japan offers a number of significant advantages for Ukrainians:

• one of the lowest crime rates in the world;
• advanced public transportation—the high-speed “Shinkansen” and punctual subways;
• high-quality food at reasonable prices—ramen, rice, seafood;
• well-developed infrastructure, convenient stores (7-Eleven, Lawson) at every turn;
• a rich language and culture—festivals, temples, traditional arts.

Among the significant downsides is the high cost of living, especially in Tokyo. There is virtually no work-life balance: a workday exceeding 12 hours is the norm rather than the exception here. Natural disasters, such as earthquakes, typhoons, and tsunamis, are a constant threat. Housing in cities is very compact: apartments are small, and large furniture may simply not fit through the door. The difficulty of integration due to the language barrier and cultural differences (indirect communication style, the concept of tatemae/honne) requires patience and a willingness to learn.

Cost of living in Japan: rent, food, and transportation

Moving to Japan requires a significant initial budget. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the center of a major city is 474 EUR; outside the center, it is 324 EUR. A three-bedroom apartment costs 1,100 EUR in the center and 622 EUR on the outskirts. Initial rental costs often amount to 4–6 months’ rent: a refundable security deposit (shikikin), a non-refundable key deposit (reikin), an agency fee, and the first month’s rent.

Food prices:

• milk (1 L) — 1.23 EUR;
• bread — 1.22 EUR;
• eggs (12) — 1.75 EUR;
• chicken (1 kg) — 5.41 EUR;
• potatoes (1 kg) — 2.36 EUR.

Lunch at a café costs 5.40 EUR; lunch for two — 32 EUR. A single metro ride costs 1.19 EUR; a monthly pass — 45 EUR. Public transportation runs with extreme punctuality: trains and buses run on schedule without delays.

An approximate monthly budget for one person in a major city ranges from 1,300 to 2,100 EUR; for a family of four, from 4,300 to 6,400 EUR (including rent).

How to move to Japan: steps and legalization

Emigrating to Japan consists of several stages. First, you need to find an employer, educational institution, or other sponsor who will issue a Certificate of Eligibility (CoE). With this document, you apply for a visa at the embassy. Upon arrival, you must obtain a residence card, register your address, and enroll in mandatory health insurance.

You will also need to open a bank account (you will need your passport, Zairyu Card, and proof of address) and get a Japanese phone number.

Permanent residency in Japan is available after a long period of legal residence in the country. You can move to Japan permanently provided you have stable employment, comply with the laws, and integrate into society. For highly skilled professionals, the time required to obtain permanent status may be shortened.

Popular Cities to Live in Japan

Tokyo — the political and economic capital with the highest salaries and the largest expat community. It is home to major corporations, tech companies, and the financial sector. The cost of living is the highest in the country.

Osaka is considered the second economic hub, known for its commercial traditions, vibrant street culture, and significantly more affordable prices. Locals are considered the friendliest in Japan.

There is also Kyoto—the former imperial capital with temples, gardens, and traditional architecture. It ranks among the best cities for quality of life and attracts those who value a balance between culture and tranquility.

Other attractive cities include Fukuoka (startups, logistics), Yokohama (affordable housing, proximity to Tokyo), and Sapporo (nature, winter sports, lower rent).