Moving to Japan

Moving Guide

Visa & Residence

Navigating the Japanese visa and residence permit system is a critical first step. The requirements and processes can vary significantly depending on your nationality. For example, citizens from certain countries (like those within the European Union) may have different entry requirements or visa-free short-stay options compared to non-EU citizens.

Typical routes for long-term stays include:

• Work Visas: These are usually sponsored by an employer in Japan and are tied to a specific job or profession.
• Family Visas: For spouses or children of Japanese nationals or long-term residents.
• Study Visas: For individuals enrolled in an accredited Japanese educational institution.
• Specific Skills Visas / Highly Skilled Professional Visas: Designed for individuals with particular skills or qualifications that are in demand.
• Residence Permits: Once you arrive in Japan with a valid visa, you will typically receive a Residence Card (Zairyu Card) which serves as your identification and proof of residence status.

It is absolutely essential to verify the most current and specific requirements for your situation directly with the official Japanese embassy or consulate in your home country, or the Immigration Services Agency of Japan website. Requirements can change, and individual circumstances play a significant role.

Housing & Rental

Finding housing in Japan, especially in major cities, can be a unique experience. The process often differs from what you might be accustomed to in Western countries.

• How to Find Housing: Most people use real estate agents (不動産屋 - fudōsan-ya). Online portals can offer initial listings, but direct engagement with an agent is usually necessary to view properties and complete the rental process. Some companies offer relocation support services that include housing assistance.
• Typical Rental Process:
  • Initial Search & Viewing: Agents will show you available properties based on your criteria.
  • Application: Once you find a suitable place, you submit an application, which often includes providing personal details, employment information, and sometimes a guarantor.
  • Guarantor System: Many landlords require a guarantor (連帯保証人 - rentai hoshōnin), who is legally responsible for your rent if you default. If you don't have a personal guarantor in Japan, you may need to use a guarantor company, which charges a fee.
  • Contract Signing: After approval, you sign the lease agreement. This is usually a two-year contract, though shorter terms are sometimes available for serviced apartments.
• Deposits & Fees: Be prepared for significant upfront costs. These typically include:
  • Shikikin (敷金 - Security Deposit): Usually 1-2 months' rent, refundable (minus cleaning/repair costs) upon moving out.
  • Reikin (礼金 - Key Money): Often 1-2 months' rent, a non-refundable "thank you" payment to the landlord.
  • Agent Commission (仲介手数料 - chūkai tesūryō): Typically one month's rent plus consumption tax.
  • First Month's Rent: Due upon signing.
  • Fire Insurance: Mandatory.
• Temporary vs. Long-Term: For your initial arrival, many expats opt for temporary housing solutions like serviced apartments, guesthouses, or short-term rentals. This allows you time to settle in, explore different neighborhoods, and complete the more involved process of securing a long-term lease.

What Affects the Cost of Your Move

The total cost of your relocation to Japan will be influenced by several key factors. Understanding these can help you budget effectively, but for precise figures, a personalized quote is always recommended.

• Volume of Goods: This is arguably the biggest factor. The more items you ship, the higher the cost. Shipping a full container is more expensive than a shared container (LCL - Less than Container Load) or air freight for a few boxes.
• Distance: The origin country's distance from Japan directly impacts shipping costs.
• Season of Move: Peak moving seasons (often summer months or end/beginning of fiscal years) can sometimes lead to higher demand and potentially higher prices for shipping and related services.
• Access at Origin and Destination:
  • Origin: Ease of access for the moving truck (e.g., street parking availability, stairs, elevator access).
  • Destination: Similar considerations in Japan, where streets can be narrow and apartments may have smaller elevators or no elevator at all. Remote locations may also incur additional delivery charges.
• Mode of Transport:
  • Sea Freight: Generally the most economical for large volumes, but takes the longest.
  • Air Freight: Fastest but most expensive, usually reserved for essential items or smaller shipments.
• Extra Services:
  • Packing and Unpacking: Full-service packing and unpacking will add to the cost compared to self-packing.
  • Storage: If you need temporary storage at either end of your move.
  • Specialty Item Handling: Moving pianos, artwork, or other delicate/oversized items requires specialized packing and handling.
  • Insurance: Highly recommended to protect your belongings during transit.
  • Customs Clearance: While typically included in full-service moves, understanding the process and potential duties is important.

For an accurate estimate tailored to your specific needs, always request a free, no-obligation quote.

Timeline & Packing Tips

A well-organized timeline is crucial for a smooth relocation to Japan. Start planning at least 4-8 weeks in advance.

8 Weeks Before Moving

• Declutter and Downsize: Go through all your belongings. Decide what to keep, sell, donate, or discard. This significantly reduces shipping costs.
• Research Visas & Immigration: Confirm requirements and begin the application process if you haven't already.
• Obtain Quotes: Contact relocation123.com for moving quotes and discuss services needed.
• Budget: Create a detailed budget for moving costs, initial living expenses, and potential upfront rental fees.

6 Weeks Before Moving

• Book Your Move: Confirm your moving company and dates.
• Passport & Documents: Ensure passports are valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay. Gather all essential documents (birth certificates, marriage certificates, academic records, medical records, professional licenses, etc.) and make multiple copies, both physical and digital.
• Medical Check-ups & Prescriptions: Get any necessary medical check-ups. Obtain sufficient supplies of prescription medications and a doctor's note, as some medications may be restricted in Japan.
• School Enrollment: If moving with children, research and apply to schools in Japan.

4 Weeks Before Moving

• Notify Utilities & Services: Contact your current utility providers (electricity, gas, water, internet, phone) to arrange disconnection dates.
• Mail Forwarding: Set up mail forwarding to a temporary or new address.
• Bank Accounts: Research opening a Japanese bank account. Inform your current bank of your move abroad.
• Pet Relocation: If bringing pets, finalize all veterinary appointments, vaccinations, and import paperwork. This is a complex process with strict regulations.
• Start Packing (Non-Essentials): Begin packing items you won't need immediately. Label boxes clearly with contents and destination room.

2 Weeks Before Moving

• Confirm Travel Arrangements: Finalize flights and initial accommodation in Japan.
• Pack Essentials Bag: Prepare a separate bag with essentials for your flight and first few days in Japan (documents, medications, toiletries, change of clothes, chargers, valuables).
• Electronics: Back up all important data on computers and phones.
• Vehicle Shipping (if applicable): Finalize arrangements for shipping or selling your car.

1 Week Before Moving

• Final Packing: Finish packing all remaining items.
• Clean Out Fridge/Pantry: Use up perishable food items.
• Confirm with Movers: Reconfirm moving date, time, and access details.
• Collect Important Documents: Keep all critical documents (passports, visas, flight tickets, moving contracts) in your carry-on bag.

Moving Day

• Supervise Movers: Be present to answer questions and ensure everything is loaded.
• Final Walk-Through: Do a final check of your old home to ensure nothing is left behind.

For a tailored moving plan and a free quote, please visit relocation123.com.

Visas, immigration & documents

Moving to this country often involves visas, residence permits, document translation/legalization and customs paperwork. Our verified partners handle the move itself; for visa or immigration help, send the request below and we'll point you the right way.

• Residence permit / visa (work, study, family)
• Document translation & apostille
• Customs clearance for personal effects
• Travel & goods insurance

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Customs & Import Rules

Moving to Japan: Your Essential Customs & Import Guide

Relocating to Japan is an exciting journey, and understanding customs regulations for your belongings is key to a smooth arrival. This guide provides a clear overview of what you need to know to import your household goods and personal effects.

If you're relocating as a new resident

As a new foreign resident moving to Japan with an Employment, Investor, Self-Employment, or Spouse & Resident Permit visa, you can import your used household goods and personal effects duty-free. Ensure all your documents are prepared and submitted correctly to avoid delays or duties on new items.

What you'll need

• Customs Form C-5360 (or C-5360-B for non-Japanese citizens).
• A detailed packing list or inventory in English or Japanese.
• Copies of your passport:
  • Picture and information page.
  • Japan working visa page (valid for over one year).
  • Visa from your country of origin if your nationality differs from the origin country.
  • Your most recent entry stamp into Japan (date should match C-5360 and be within 6 months of shipment arrival).
  • Departure stamp from the country where the shipment originated.
• Copy of your residence card (front and back).

Good to know

• You can obtain the C-5360 form on your flight to Japan (request two copies) or upon arrival at the airport.
• Hand both completed C-5360 forms to a customs officer upon arrival; one will be stamped and returned to you.
• If your visa isn't yet available, an original letter from your company in Japan may be accepted in its place for each shipment (confirm with Customs in advance).
• Failure to submit the C-5360 upon arrival will require an original petition letter to Customs, and all brand-new items (including food) will be taxable.

Returning Japanese citizens

If you are a Japanese citizen returning to Japan, you can import your used household goods and personal effects duty-free, provided they have been in your use and possession and are for your continued use in your new residence. Customs may physically inspect your shipment.

What you'll need

• Customs Form C-5360.
• A detailed packing list or inventory in English or Japanese.
• Copies of your passport:
  • Picture and information page.
  • Visa from the country where the shipment originated (valid for over one year).
  • Your most recent entry stamp into Japan (date should match C-5360 and be within 6 months of shipment arrival).
  • Departure stamp from Japan to the country where the shipment originated.
  • Entry stamp into the country where the shipment originated.
  • Departure stamp from the country where the shipment originated to Japan.

Good to know

• You can obtain the C-5360 form on your flight to Japan (request two copies) or upon arrival at the airport.
• Hand both completed C-5360 forms to a customs officer upon arrival; one will be stamped and returned to you.
• Failure to submit the C-5360 upon arrival will require an original petition letter to Customs, and all brand-new items (including food) will be taxable.

Diplomatic moves

Diplomats benefit from simplified customs clearance procedures. If the specific diplomatic form is unavailable, the process follows the same guidelines as for foreign residents.

What you'll need

• Copy of your diplomatic passport (picture and information).
• Simplified customs clearance request form for diplomats issued by the Foreign Ministry (if available).
• Import declaration form.

Good to know

• Consult your embassy regarding specific allowances for alcohol importation.

Moving after marriage (Wedding Trousseaux)

If you are importing items related to your marriage, specific documentation is required.

What you'll need

• Marriage certificate (if available).
• Descriptive inventory.
• Customs Form C-5360.

Inherited belongings

Inherited items may be subject to customs duty if they were not in the owner's previous use and possession while living abroad.

Good to know

• Customs duty may apply if the items were not previously owned and used by the shipper.

Bringing special items

Vehicles

Importing vehicles like cars, motorcycles, or camping cars requires significant preparation and modification.

What you'll need

• Original vehicle registration certificate from the country of origin, proving your usage of the vehicle.
• Bill of sale, receipt, or invoice.
• Original Customs Form C-5360.
• Passport copy with a working visa for Japan.
• Long-term visa and/or residence card from the origin country, proving legal long-term residence (at least 1 year).
• A letter of assurance not to resell the vehicle within 2 years.
• Declaration of customs duty exemption (Customs Form T No.1280).

Good to know

• Vehicles must be modified to meet Japanese exhaust emission and safety regulations.
• Electric bikes are import-restricted. If self-propelled or not compliant with Japanese regulations, they cannot be used on public roads and may be classified as motorcycles, requiring general cargo import declaration.

Pets

Pets cannot be imported as part of your household goods shipment and have specific, strict regulations.

What you'll need

• Certificate of vaccination against rabies.
• Health certificate.
• Microchip implantation certificate.
• Passport copy and visa.

Good to know

• Regulations vary by pet type. Consult official Japanese government animal quarantine service websites for the latest information.

Restricted & prohibited items

Certain items are strictly controlled or forbidden from entering Japan.

Prohibited items

• Pornography, narcotics, straw, explosives, counterfeit products, guns.
• Firearms and swords (blades longer than 15 cm), with the exception of Japanese antique swords under specific regulations.
• Meat products, including beef jerky, sausage, and ham.

Restricted items

• Taxidermy may require special permits or be prohibited.
• Wood packaging material must comply with ISPM-15 international standards for phytosanitary measures. Non-compliant wood will be inspected and may require disinfestation, incineration, or re-shipping at the consignee's expense.

Good to know

• Customs are strict with food imports, especially by air shipment. Food items in your shipment will incur inspection and extra handling fees.
• For items covered by CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species), check the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry website for import guidelines.

Alcohol & tobacco

There are duty-free allowances for alcohol and tobacco for individuals aged 20 years or more.

What you'll need

• Liquors list (for alcohol).
• Receipt (if available, for tobacco).
• Customs Form C-5360.

Good to know

• Alcohol: Duty-free allowance is up to 3 bottles (760 ml each) per person. Duties apply beyond this limit (e.g., Whisky/Brandy: 600 yen/litre, Gin/Liquor: 400 yen/litre, Wine: 200 yen/litre).
• Tobacco: Duty-free allowance is up to 200 cigarettes and up to 200 e-cigarettes (total 400) per person.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Customs Form C-5360?
It's the "Declaration of Personal Effects and Unaccompanied Articles" form required for importing household goods. C-5360 is for Japanese citizens, and C-5360-B is for non-Japanese citizens.

Can I get the C-5360 form before I arrive in Japan?
You can typically request two copies of the C-5360 form from flight attendants on your flight to Japan, or obtain it at the airport upon arrival.

What happens if I forget to submit the C-5360 form upon arrival?
You will need to submit an original petition letter to Customs, and all brand-new items, including food, will become taxable.

Are new items subject to customs duty?
Yes, new items, presents, souvenirs, machines, appliances, and equipment are generally liable for customs duty. However, new items with a total market value not exceeding JPY 200,000 are duty-free.

Are works of art and antiques always duty-free?
They can be duty-free if they are part of used household goods, are over 100 years old (with government certification), have been owned and used for over 12 months, and are not for resale.

What are the Advance Filing Rules for maritime cargo?
These rules require shipping companies or NVOCCs to electronically submit cargo information to Japanese Customs at least 24 hours before a vessel departs its loading port. Penalties apply for non-compliance.

For personalized assistance with your move to Japan and specific customs inquiries, please contact relocation123.com.

Get help with your move →