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![Immigration]()
Immigration
Jager's Advice:
Navigating the visa and residence card application process in Japan involves meticulous preparation and attention to detail. To facilitate this process, we enlisted the services of IMS Legal Professional Corporation
A firm specializing in Japanese visa applications. While their website is primarily in Japanese, they have multilingual staff proficient in various languages, ensuring effective communication for international clients.
Early Preparation !!! Begin the application process well in advance of your intended departure date to accommodate any unforeseen delays.
Professional Assistance: Engaging a reputable firm like IMS can provide valuable guidance and ensure compliance with all procedural requirements.
Useful link in the process of immigration
To reside in Japan, you'll need to obtain an appropriate visa and, upon arrival, secure a Residence Card (Zairyū Card). Here's a step-by-step guide to the process:
1. Determine the Appropriate Visa Type:
Japan offers various visa categories based on the purpose of stay, such as work, study, or family-related reasons. Identify the visa that aligns with your intentions.
2. Obtain a Certificate of Eligibility (CoE):
For most long-term visas, a CoE is required:
Sponsor Application: A sponsor in Japan (e.g., employer or educational institution) applies for the CoE on your behalf at a Regional Immigration Services Bureau.
Processing Time: The CoE issuance can take several weeks to months, depending on the visa type.
3. Apply for the Visa:
Once you have the CoE:
Gather Required Documents: These typically include:
Completed visa application form.
Valid passport.
Passport-sized photographs.
Original CoE.
Proof of residency (e.g., driver's license, utility bill).
Submit Application: Apply at the Japanese embassy or consulate in your country. Some locations may require applications to be submitted through accredited travel agencies.
Processing Time: Generally, it takes about five business days to issue a visa, but it can vary. Applying approximately 1.5 months before your intended departure is advisable.
4. Enter Japan and Obtain the Residence Card:
Upon arrival:
Major Airports: If you arrive through airports like Narita, Haneda, or Kansai, you'll receive your Residence Card during the immigration process.
Other Entry Points: If entering through other ports, your passport will be stamped, and you'll be instructed on when and where to obtain your Residence Card.
5. Register Your Address:
Within 14 days of deciding on your residence:
Visit Municipal Office: Bring your Residence Card to the local municipal office to register your address.
National Health Insurance: Consider enrolling in Japan's National Health Insurance program during this visit.
6. Carry Your Residence Card:
Always have your Residence Card with you, as it's a legal requirement in Japan.
By following these steps, you can successfully obtain the necessary visa and Residence Card to legally reside in Japan.
Sources
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![Moving Services]()
Moving Services
Jager’s Advice:
Moving from your home country to Japan is a big task! You’ll need to decide what to bring and how to ship it. Some items can be sent by air, while others go by ocean freight.
For example, if you're shipping from Chicago to Japan:
Air shipping takes approximately 7–8 days.
Ocean shipping takes a minimum of 40 days.
Costs will vary based on volume and contents, so it's best to get quotes from different service providers.
Pre-Move Preparation:
Declutter Before You Pack – Donate, sell, or dispose of items you won’t bring. It will save you time and money.
Check Import Restrictions – Some goods are prohibited or require special permission to enter Japan.
Choosing a Moving Company:
The two largest logistics service providers for international moves to Japan are:
Simply change the country name on their website to find relevant information for your region.
Customs & Delivery Timeline:
Final customs clearance in Japan must be completed after you arrive.
In addition to transportation time, expect an extra 5–10 days before your items are delivered to your new home.
Furniture Assembly Tips:
Even though Nippon Express and Yamato are reliable, there have been cases where movers couldn’t assemble furniture properly, even with or without English instructions. If you have complex furniture, try to remember the original structure in case you need to assemble it yourself.
Useful Links:
Customs Regulations (Prohibited & Restricted Items):
Japanese Customs Prohibited and Restricted ItemsTake your time, stay organized, and soon you’ll be settling into your new home in Japan!
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![Real Estate]()
Real Estate
Jager's Advice:
Navigating the real estate landscape in Japan can be quite the adventure! You might have heard that properties here are often compact, like shoeboxes. While that's true in some urban areas, the size and style of homes vary significantly depending on the region. The links below focus primarily on the Tokyo area.
Recently, there's been a growing trend among foreigners to purchase Akiya—vacant, fixer-upper houses in the countryside—and renovate them. This can be an exciting opportunity to create a personalized space while experiencing rural Japan. However, it's essential to be mindful of Japan's seismic activity. I recommend avoiding properties built before 1981, as building regulations were updated that year to enhance earthquake resistance.
Useful Links:
E-Housing: Led by a foreign CEO, they understand the unique needs of international clients.
Ken Corporation: Specializing in high-end properties in Tokyo.
Rental Guide:
Purchase Guide:
Akiya Listings:
At Home Akiya: A comprehensive database of vacant homes. Note: The site is in Japanese; you might use a browser translation function or reach out to me for further assistance.
Akiya Mart: Browse thousands of Akiya and real estate listings in English.
Akiya Japan: A powerful search tool for English speakers to independently browse Akiya and popular real estate listings in Japan.
Embarking on a real estate journey in Japan is thrilling. With careful planning and the right resources, you'll find a place that feels like home.
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![Pet Relocation]()
Pet Relocation
Jager's Advice:
I traveled from O'Hare Airport to Haneda Airport—a 12-hour journey! Depending on your pet's species and size, relocation methods can vary. It's crucial to plan well in advance, as the necessary paperwork and quarantine procedures can take up to 180 days. Start your preparations early to ensure a smooth transition!
In my case, we discovered a missing document just a few days before the departure date, which forced us to reschedule the flight by a month! To avoid such issues, it’s essential to double- and triple-check with both your veterinarian and airline to ensure all necessary documentation is complete and accurate.
Useful Links:
Notification System for the Importation of Animals
Guide to Importing Dogs and Cats from Non-Designated Regions
Pet Travel from the United States to Japan
Veterinary Recommendation:
I visited Arlington Heights Animal Hospital in Arlington Heights, IL. This area has a significant Japanese community, and the staff is well-versed in the procedures required for relocating pets to Japan. You can find more information on their website: Arlington Heights Animal Hospital
Note: Ensure that your pet meets all import requirements, such as microchip implantation, rabies vaccinations, and obtaining the necessary health certificates. For detailed information, refer to the resources provided above.
Jager’s advice:
My dad prepared a spacious crate for me, as I traveled in the cargo area. Inside the crate, I had a water bottle and a small toy for comfort. It's important to train your pet to use the water bottle before the trip to ensure they stay hydrated during the flight.
Don't forget to arrange your pet's travel with the airline in advance. We flew with Japan Airlines (JAL), and upon arrival, seeing me safe and sound in my crate brought my dad immense relief.
Useful Links:
Japan Airlines Pet Travel Information:
For JAL, you can reach their reservation center at 1-800-525-3663.
Preparing Pets for Air Travel: Offers comprehensive advice on crate requirements, labeling, and feeding instructions to ensure your pet's safety and comfort during the journey.
Health Documentation: Prepare all necessary health certificates, vaccination records, and quarantine documents as required by the destination country. Consult with your veterinarian and relevant authorities to ensure compliance with all regulations.
Finally, from the airport to your destination, you can hire a large taxi with an English-speaking driver for an additional JPY 5,000. Here is the website. They are available at both Narita Airport and Haneda Airport. We traveled with a large crate and multiple cases, and the taxi was spacious enough to accommodate everything. The company will also provide instructions on how to locate your taxi at the airport! Upon making the reservation, we informed them that we would be bringing our pet and the crate size.
And one more, if you have a dog, you need to register your dog(s) at your local city office.（This is by law to prevent Rabies.) In return, they will provide you with an identification tag for your dog, a vaccination notice, and a small seal to display on your property to indicate that you have a dog(s). As for other pet,
