17 Practical Ways to Move to Japan in 2025!

Dreaming of the land of the rising sun and want to get paid to move to Japan? You’ve come to the right place! 

Being in Japan is not just about discipline and precision – though I’ve always admired this part of the Japanese culture. 

Other than the  9 to 5  in a traditional company, you’ll enjoy after-work drinks and explore different areas of Japan. 

Other highlights include connecting with people over karaoke and indulging in amazing sushi – oh, the sushi! 

Now let’s work on making your dream to live in Japan a reality and look at 17 ways you can get paid to move to Japan along with other nitty-gritty details! 

How To Get Paid To Move To Japan

1. Teaching English In Japan

2. Funding from the National Government

3. Paid Relocation Programs

4. Working Holiday Program In Japan

5. Professional Research Opportunities In Japan

6. University Professor Positions In Japan

7. Internship Working Program In Japan

• Companies That Pay You To Work In Japan

8. Work For Dely

9. Work For Interac

10. Work For Synspective
11. Work For Japan Educational Information Center (JEIC)

12. Work For Socious

13. Work For Westgate

14. Work For Vulcanus Program
15. Work For Megalis Inc.

16. Work For Money Forward

17. Work For Aeon & ECC Language Schools

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Some of the links here are affiliate links, and I may earn if you click on them AT NO EXTRA cost to you. I hope you find the information here useful! Thanks.

How To Get Paid To Move To Japan

1. Teaching English In Japan

One of the most popular ways to get paid to move to Japan is by teaching English as a second language. 

If you have the qualifications, you can apply for government-sponsored initiatives like the JET Program.  

The program places English taught in Japanese public schools. You can indeed have a safe and steady career in Japan through such programs.

It is a long process, but so worth it when you get through it. 

A cool part is that you can be posted anywhere in Japan, even in rural places, so you definitely learn a different way of living and culture there. 

Grab your little journal and polaroid camera because you’ll definitely want to document them! 

Another option is you can  teach online. Teaching English online is something I’ve done, and I find it rewarding as well as easier to manage.

2. Funding from the National Government

When you think of Japan, Tokyo will likely pop up in your mind as well. 

The city, the lights, the colorful lifestyle, and the Tokyo Drift (Fast & Furious) song by Teriyaki Boyz that I personally can’t get out of my head after all these years. 

So yes, Tokyo is very cool.

But they are facing an overcrowding issue as everybody and their mother wants to be in Tokyo.

The Japanese government is trying to ease this overcrowding issue and has introduced some funding schemes that can benefit and continue to encourage people to move to these outskirts areas. 

They also hope to urbanize more rural areas through these programs. 

You could get a grant for up to  1 million yen (USD $7,069)  if you move to rural areas, and you can continue to “tele-work” in Tokyo remotely.

At the same time, if you set up a new information business in the countryside, you could be eligible for grants up to 3 million yen (USD $21,197).

If you get an energy-certified home, you could get a further 1 million yen (USD $7,069). 

The amount is given in the form of points which you can exchange for home appliances. Sustainability and free stuff? Win-win! 

3. Paid Relocation Programs

How to move to Japan with no money? Well, you could try this paid relocation program.

Mishima, which spans the three islands of Takeshima, Loujima, and Kuroshima, has developed the Mishima Japan incentive. 

They provide a lump sum payout of 300,000 yen (USD $2,126.62) and 85,000 yen (USD $602.65) per month for three years. 

Being in a countryside area, you could also choose to receive a calf instead of the monthly payout for your Mishima Japan relocation.

Mishima is home to some of the best attractions in Japan, like the Mishima Skywalk, where you can see Mt. Fuji from a gigantic suspension bridge. 

There’s also the Mishima Taisha, one of the oldest Shinto shrines in Japan. 

You’ve got to check out the large and ancient camphor tree. The tree is thought to be over 1,200 years old!  

4. Working Holiday Program In Japan

If you’re between the ages of 18 and 3 and wondering “how to move to Japan without a job,” this is an excellent way for you to explore living in Japan. 

You can participate in the Working Holiday Program, then you can get paid and move to Japan.

The program allows you to travel and study in Japan while on a working holiday visa, where you can then work for up to 1 year.  

A working holiday visa is a fantastic way to work in Japan and experience the culture. 

There are also plenty of opportunities in different sectors like F&B and hospitality. 

5. Professional Research Opportunities In Japan

For all your big-brain people, here’s another answer for how to get paid to go to Japan. 

There are a few scholarships that can help you move to Japan and work as a paid researcher. 

For example. The Japan Foundation for United Nations University offers scholarships for Ph.D. students in Sustainable Science.

If you’re from the EU, Minerva Program could be your ticket to Japan. 

With this program, you can select a research topic and carry out your study for up to 6 months in Japan. 

This academic path will not only help widen your knowledge, but you also get to explore different ways of doing things in another culture.

6. University Professor Positions In Japan

Do you like working with older students (I mean, not kids) and are fluent in Japanese? 

If so, you could explore teaching English and other subjects at the university level in Japan.

There are a number of universities in Japan that are looking for qualified teachers.

To qualify for a teaching position at a university in Japan, you’ll need a doctorate or a number of publications in your field. 

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7. Internship Working Program In Japan

Another good way to go about is to consider a paid Internship working program.

As long as you have the qualifications or skills that are in demand, you are likely to be hired as an intern. 

Due to the lower qualifications and experience level needed, this is a good solution when you wonder what is the easiest job to get in Japan.

Internships are usually for a short period of time. 

However, you get to start to make connections and establish the skills that could land you a permanent job in many sectors in Japan.  

Companies That Pay You To Work In Japan

8. Work For Dely

Dely is a tech company that is known to hire English speakers. 

In fact, many tech companies in Japan hire English-speaking software engineers without you having to know how to speak Japanese.

Mainly, Dely hires engineers with excellent pay and provides relocation assistance to people who want to migrate to Japan. 

9. Work For Interac

Interac is one of the most extensive recruitment campaigns to find people who wish to work as paid teachers in Japan.

They also offer positions as language assistants, in addition to the option of teaching Japanese pupils.

Due to the competitive nature of securing a job in major cities, you might be located in a rural location at first. 

Which to me is great because it will open your eyes to new cultures which you might not see while traveling. 

Just be that you can drive, for an easy commute. This is because although the city has an excellent transportation system, it’s not the same in rural areas. 

10. Work For Synspective

Synspective is a cool space start-up that provides business solutions with data from satellites. 

They hire primarily engineering roles, so if you are an engineer and you love space, this is a perfect combo for you.

They offer paid relocation and incentives when they hire foreigners who can provide valuable input to their mission. 

11. Work For Japan Educational Information Center (JEIC)

If you can speak the Japanese language, the Japan Educational Information Center (JEIC)  has opportunities for you.

JEIC is a small structured organization that provides a more relaxed and flexible schedule to provide the work-life balance that Japanese people much need!

Oh, in case you didn’t know, Japanese work culture is more work and less play. 

They have extended working hours and unused vacation days. 

The Japanese government is actually taking steps to improve this as people have often overworked themselves to an unhealthy level. 

But you don’t have to worry about that here.

So a good work-life balance is on the table, plus highly likely you will work with kids. If interacting with children brings you joy, this could be a great fit for you.

12. Work For Socious

Socious is a talent marketplace connecting purpose-driven people with your dream jobs. This is a great place for you to get paid and move to Japan.

You can find a job that resonates with your values on Socious, and at the same time, you might even find a placement with Socious itself.

Imagine being in a position to help others find the perfect jobs – sounds so fulfilling to me! 

13. Work For Westgate

Still looking for a way to teach at a university level in Japan without having a master’s degree or equivalent?

Westgate is more lenient regarding certs qualifications while offering a great curriculum, a ton of benefits with good pay!

Typically, they provide contracts that last up to five months for people who are in Japan.

14. Join Vulcanus Program

The Vulcanus Program is a fully funded program offering industrial placements for engineering or science students.

You must be from European countries or nations associated with the Single Market Program (SMP).

The program is from September to August of every year. 

All your costs are covered in this program so you don’t have to worry about your cost of travel to and from Japan, living expenses, and accommodation for the entire stay. 

Isn’t it great?!

15. Work For Megalis Inc.

Megalis Inc. global video effects studio was founded in 2017 in Japan. They’re a large corporation with creativity at its front.

They’re always scouting for talent in their Tokyo office and even all around the world. 

If you’ve got a creative side, drop them an email to pitch your talent – be it in video effects, translations, or writing.

16. Work For Money Forward

Money Forward is a fintech company providing automated money-related software services to all individuals and businesses.

It’s an expanding company, and they’re constantly on the lookout for product managers, engineers for their services, and microservices leaders.

If you are looking for an opportunity to be part of a growing company that can offer many benefits, including relocation to Japan, this might be it for you. 

17. Work For Aeon & ECC Language Schools

AEON and ECC are well-known English language education institutions in Japan that hire foreigners for teaching roles.

They are both major league players in the language schools within the game. In fact, ECC has over 180 campuses throughout Japan. 

And because they’re all about teaching English, they recruit English-speaking teachers from all corners of the world. 

So, if you’re an English-speaking teacher, these schools might just be your ticket to Japan. 

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Visa Requirements For Moving To Japan

Alright, so now you kinda have a brief idea on how you could get paid to move to Japan from USA, or any part of the world, and you’re getting all giddy, but hold on. 

Before anything else, get all your travel documents in line. 

Some basic steps you can take when applying for a visa:

• Decide on the visa type you require – Visit the Embassy or Consulate General of Japan nearest to you personally to gather all the information you need for your intended purpose of stay or through the Japan eVisa website (if it is applicable to your country).
• Collect all the required documentation – You’ll need a valid passport, a visa application form, a recent photo, and proof of financial stability for starters. Then check any other documents required for the particular type of visa you’re applying for.
• Submit your application – Submit your visa application to the Embassy or Consulate General of Japan in your country. You will need to pay an application fee. 
• Attend an interview – You could be required to attend an interview depending on the type of visa you’re applying for at the Embassy or Consulate General of Japan in your country.
• Getting your visa – Upon the complete process of your visa application, you will be notified of the outcome. *Fingers crossed!*
  

Pros And Cons Of Moving To Japan

Pros:

• Public transport – Japan has an excellent public transportation system that is on time, efficient, and capable of taking you practically anywhere.
• Advanced technology – High-speed fiber optic internet and other communication systems in Japan make it simple to stay in touch with loved ones back home.
• Food – Japanese cuisine is delicious and healthy, and you’d be surprised by the variety of food you can get.
• Activities –  There are endless amounts of activities to do in Japan, from traditional experiences like onsen to modern attractions like the Tokyo night lights. 
• Nature –  Japan is a stunning country with a ton of breathtaking natural attractions to explore, like the stunning Mt. Fuji.
• Jobs –  There are many high-paying career options in Japan.

• Personal safety – Japan is considered a very safe place to live and ranks  9th most peaceful out of 163 countries in the most recent Global Peace Index study. But, of course, doesn’t hurt to carry a safety whistle with you!
• Healthcare –  Everyone is treated equitably in the healthcare system in Japan, and treatment is both excellent and inexpensive.
• Shopping and convenience stores –  You can find all the essentials and anything you might need as Japan has amazing shopping malls, and even their convenience stores are well-stocked.
• Cleanliness –  One of the world’s cleanest countries is Japan.

Cons:

• Communication –  Being unable to speak Japanese might make it difficult to immerse yourself in the culture and may limit your employment options. Japanese is a complex language to master. Apps like Duolingo and Babbel can help you pick up a language fast.
• Cost of living – Japan as a whole is an expensive country. 
• Jam-packed places – Big cities in Japan have a very high population, and public places here during peak hours can be super cramped. 
• Stress – Finding a healthy work-life balance can be challenging in Japan because of the country’s work ethic revolving around very long work hours and intense pressure. 
• Natural disasters – Japan frequently experiences natural disasters like typhoons, tsunamis, and earthquakes.
• Limited living space – If you are claustrophobic, finding spacious apartments or houses in Japan would be difficult, especially in big cities. Generally, Japan’s living space is much smaller compared to other countries.
• Cold weather – Depending on where you live, Japan can get very cold in the winter with a lot of snow.

Becoming A Permanent Resident Of Japan

After living here and everything goes well, you might start wondering if you could become a permanent resident at some point. 

There are some things that you should pay attention to:

• After you submit your application, you can expect to receive permanent residence in about a year as long as you don’t break any laws. You must comply with the law and act in a way that does not draw negative attention from the public. 
• Hold a stable job and have a consistent income. You have to prove your ability to sustain yourself financially and socially in order to get your PR. This means you’ll be expected to show that you have enough money to support yourself while being able to make friends and establish a life here. 
• There isn’t a set amount you need to have in the bank, but it’s safe to assume that you need at least 3 million JPY (USD $21,407.10) annually. 
• If you don’t have access to that much money at any given time, you can also present proof of your ability to sustain yourself, such as a valid work contract or other legal documents that can help with your application. 
• Pay your taxes and clear any debts. Along with your application, you’ll need to provide your Tax Certificate and any other debt documents (if you have any).
• Make sure that these “debts” are paid, as your application can be rejected if you do not comply properly.   

Okay, now let’s go through how to become eligible for PR.

There are essentially three different ways to become eligible for permanent residency in Japan.

1. Living in Japan for over 10 years

You can apply to become a PR if you have resided in Japan for more than 10 years with any type of visa.

It has to be 10 years straight; you cannot take a break for a year in between and return.  

However, this is not a strict condition.  I’ve heard stories of people who got it at 8 or 9 years.

So, there seems to be some flexibility with immigration, but it’s typically advised to wait 10 years before applying, with proof of employment for 5 consecutive years. 

2. Working as a “highly-skilled professional” 

You can apply for this PR If you work in a highly skilled job like an engineer and you’re accumulating enough points in this system called Point Evaluation Mechanism. 

This point-based system offers special treatment for highly-skilled immigrants. 

You can apply for PR after 3 years of living in Japan and accumulating 70 points or more, or after 1 year of residing and accumulating 80 points or more, assuming that you comply with all the requirements as mentioned in the beginning. 

3. Married to a Japanese citizen or a permanent resident

You can apply for PR after 3 years of marriage and 1 year of living in Japan.

Dual Citizenship In Japan

Having dual citizenship can be very interesting, yes? 

I’ve got multiple citizenships cos I want to give myself and my family + future children the benefits that come from different nations.

But unfortunately, the Japanese government does not allow dual citizenship. 

You need to revoke your native citizenship to become a Japanese citizen. 

And it works both ways – Japanese who naturalize in another country may lose their Japanese citizenship. 

Relocating Household Items & Pets To Japan

Most of your household items can be brought into the country without any issues. It will help you to have an itemized list both in English and Japanese.

One way to save money without paying tax for your belongings to bring into the country is by making sure that you can prove ownership 6 months ahead before your relocation date; the earlier, the better.

If you have a pet and worry about leaving them behind, worry not; your dog or cat can come with you, but they must undergo a 7-day quarantine first.

However, if you lack any support documentation, like a titer test result or your pet’s microchip number, for instance, the quarantine may extend longer. 

Vaccines

Japanese Encephalitis is one important vaccination to get before you move to Japan. 

This disease, which is usually found in rural areas, is spread by mosquito bites. 

It’s a good idea to get vaccinated if you’re planning to travel around Japan and other Asian countries.

How about the Covid-19 vaccine? 

Well, after 29 April 2023, you are no longer required to present a valid vaccination certificate or a Covid-19 negative test certificate.

Popular Areas In Japan For Expats

Here is a list of Japan’s best places to live: 

1. Tokyo  
As the capital of Japan, Tokyo has a large expat population in Central Tokyo.

Can Americans move to Japan, specifically Tokyo? Well, yes, but be prepared to pay a high living cost. Ditto for other nationalities. 

But, if you’re prepared to live outside the city center, you could save some money.

Tokyo also has a reputation as Japan’s fashion hub that offers varieties of shopping options as well as a huge range of entertainment and cultural activities. 

2. Kyoto
A former capital city that is known for its rich cultural and natural beauty. Kyoto is famous for its festivals, especially the cherry blossoms festival during the spring.  

Be aware that this city has a high cost of living, especially in the popular district areas.

3. Osaka
This city is famous for its awesome food scene, and some might call it a culinary capital. 

The cost of living here is about 30% cheaper, but there are fewer job opportunities compared to Tokyo.

Osaka is a fantastic place for music, theater, and comedy. Most locals are friendly and welcoming, but not many speak fluent English.  

4. Okinawa
If you’re thinking of switching to a more laid-back island-living, this place might just be for you. 

Okinawa is sunny year-round and the perfect city if you want to be in Japan for tropical weather.

They’ve got a high standard of living, low crime rate, comprehensive healthcare system, remarkable culture, amazing cuisine, and yes, it is affordable to live here.

5. Sapporo
Sapporo, located in northern Japan, became world famous in 1972 when the Olympic Winter Games were held here. 

Today, the city is well known for its beer and ramen and yearly snow festival, which attracts 2 million visitors yearly.

Sapporo also has a lower cost of living. It’s estimated to be as much as 33% lower than living in Tokyo!

6. Nagoya
Nagoya is a shipping and manufacturing hub. There are a lot of job opportunities here.

Nagoya is an ideal option for people looking for a cheaper cost of living as it is less costly than major cities like Tokyo and Osaka. 

This city is home to numerous historical sites, such as Atsuta Shrine and Nagoya Castle.

7. Yokohama
As the second largest city in Japan, there are many job opportunities in Yokohama. 

It’s a manufacturing center, so there are huge companies here and a large expat community. 

If you’ve got a family with kids, Yokohama is an excellent option because it has many English-speaking universities and international schools. 

FAQs On Get Paid To Move To Japan

Do Foreigners Get Paid More In Japan?

Do foreigners get paid more in Japan? No, we only make around 70% of the average salary in Japan. Foreign workers make about 2.5 million yen (USD $22,600).

Can I Move To Japan Without A Job?

Wondering, “can I move to Japan without a job”? Living in Japan without a job is possible, but it’s not easy and requires careful planning.  You must be able to financially support yourself as there are no special programs by The Japanese government if you want to live here without a job. 

How Much Money Do You Need To Move To Japan?

So, how much money do you need to move to Japan? Well,  at least 500,000 JPY (USD $3,542) a month for cheap housing and other living expenditures without transportation. It’s best you have about 700,000 to 800,000 JPY (USD $4,959 to $5,667) to be safe. 

There you have it – 17 ways you can get paid to move to Japan along with everything else you need to know! 

Now that you know more about moving to Japan, hopefully, you’re fully inspired to take the leap! What say you, ready to get paid to move to Japan? 

There is a whole eclectic mix of traditions and modernity, coupled with fantastic locations in Japan waiting for you!

If you found this article helpful in any way, do drop a comment and let me know 🙂 Oh, and share it with your friends who might be interested in taking this exciting leap!

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