Moving to Japan
from the UK
2026 Removals, Visas, Shipping & Living Guide
International Removals Guide
Moving to Japan
From the neon-lit streets of Tokyo to the timeless traditions of Kyoto, Japan is one of the world’s most fascinating destinations and an increasingly popular choice for Britons seeking a fresh start abroad. In this international moving guide, we explore Japan’s rich culture and history, what it takes to secure residency or citizenship, and how the cost of living compares to the UK. So read on and make sure your move to Japan is planned for all the right reasons.
Your 2026 Guide for Moving to Japan
Japan is a popular destination for people relocating for work, family, study and lifestyle reasons. It offers a high standard of living, clean and efficient cities, excellent infrastructure and a strong sense of order that many people find appealing. At the same time, moving to Japan is very different from moving elsewhere in Europe, or indeed the world. The language barrier can be significant, paperwork can be very formal, and cultural expectations around housing, work and daily life may take time to adjust to.
Whether you’re planning to move to Japan for a new job, join a partner, to study, or simply start a new chapter abroad, it is worth understanding the realities before you begin. In this guide, we cover what to expect, the main routes for moving to Japan from the UK, important practicalities like renting, banking and healthcare, and a few key steps to help you prepare for your international removal.
Discover Japan
before you Move
Japan Statistics
- Currency - Yen
- Languages - Japanese
- Population - approx. 123 million
- No. of British Ex-Pats in Japan - 21,139
- Popular Cities -Tokyo, Yokohama, Nagasaki, Kawasaki, Hiroshima & Sapparo
| Cost of Living | Japan | United Kingdom |
|---|---|---|
| Family Cost of Living | £2,046 | £4,215 |
| Family Rent | £623 | £1878 |
| Food Expenses | £289 | £424 |
| GDP per Capita | £24,020 | £39,370 |
| Transport Expenses | £98.70 | £132 |
| Life Expectancy | 84 | 81.2 |
| Quality of Life | 89 | 91 |
Costs pulled from LivingCost.org (April, 2026)
The cost of living in Japan depends heavily on where you live. Tokyo is well known as one of the most expensive cities in the country, while many regional cities are more affordable. In some areas, rent can compare favourably with the UK, but imported goods, larger homes and international schooling can raise costs significantly.
As a general rule, public transport in Japan is excellent, however it’s not always cheap! Utilities can vary by season and initial housing costs can be substantial. However, many people find that day-to-day living can be manageable outside the most expensive districts, especially if they adapt to local habits and shop locally.Â
Typical Cost Differences to think about:
- Rent in central Tokyo is usually much higher than in smaller Japanese cities
- Public transport is reliable and widely used, reducing the need for a car in major urban areas
- Food costs can be reasonable if you buy local produce and eat seasonally
- Imported products and larger Western-style accommodation are often more expensive
- Upfront moving and housing costs can be significant when setting up your life in Japan
Important Things to Know when Moving to Japan
• Renting/Buying in Japan
When you first move to Japan, it is usually best to rent before thinking about buying. This gives you time to learn the area, understand local transport links and get used to how housing works, not mention getting a feel for the country itself. Renting in Japan can be very different compared to the UK. Tenants may be asked for a deposit, agency feeds, guarantor fees and sometimes even key money, which is a non-refundable payment to the landlord.
Some landlords can also be cautious about renting to foreign nationals, especially if there are concerns around language or guarantor arrangements. That said, there are many agencies and relocation services that regularly help international residents, particularly major cities. It is worth budgeting for the full move-in cost rather than focusing only on the monthly rent.
If you plan to buy a property in Japan, remember that owning property does not automatically give you the right to live there long term. Immigration status and property ownership are separate matters, so visa and residency planning should come first.
• Bank Account
Opening a Japanese bank account is one of the key practical steps after arrival. You may need a local bank account to receive wages, pay rent, arrange utilities and mange everyday transactions. The process can vary depending on the bank and your visa status, but in most cases you will need your passport, residence card, proof of address and sometimes proof of employment or student status.
Japan is still more cash-friendly than the UK has become, although digital payments are becoming more common. Having a working local bank account makes daily life far easier, especially once you begin signing contracts or setting up monthly payments.
• Healthcare
Japan has a very strong healthcare system and most residents are expected to join either the national health insurance system or an employer-based scheme. Once registered you usually pay a portion of your treatment costs directly, with the rest covered by the insurance system. This ensures no overly large medical bills like the United States, but in the same token with minimal costs it stops those seeking healthcare for free.
The healthcare quality in Japan is generally very high, and access is good in cities and developed area. However, if you’ve just arrived, still arranging your residency, or want wider flexibility, then private health insurance may still be worth considering. It can also be useful for people what want English-speaking support or additional cover beyond the standard system.
• Language and Daily Life
One of the biggest differences for people moving to Japan is the language. While it is possible to live in some parts of Japan with limited Japanese, daily life becomes much easier if you learn at least the basics. This is especially true when dealing with local government offices, housing contracts, healthcare providers and deliveries.
Even simple phrases can make a difference when settling in. It also will help you socially! Japan can be difficult to break into at first, but showing respect for local contracts and customs and making an effort with the language is usually appreciated.
• Work Culture and Lifestyle
If you are moving to Japan from the UK purely for employment, it is worth understanding that workplace culture may differ significantly from the UK. Formality, hierarchy, and group harmony are taken very seriously in Japan. Expectations vary by employer and industry, but adapting to local professional norms will help you settle faster.
Outside of work, people are drawn to Japan for its convenience, cleanliness, food culture and public safety. It can be an extremely rewarding place to live, especially for people appreciate structure and reliability.
How can I move to Japan quickly?
If you want to move to Japan from the UK, the route you take will depend on the reason for your move. UK citizens can usually visit Japan for short stays without a visa, but if you plan to live, work or study there long term, you will need the correct visa before relocating.
The most common routes to living and working in Japan include work visas, spouse visas, student visas, business-related visas and other residence categories linked to specific activities. In many cases, long-term visas involve sponsorship by an employer, school or family member in Japan. A certificate of Eligibility is often part of the process and can help support your visa application before you travel.
It is also very important to understand that Japan does not generally offer a simple retirement visa in the way some other countries do. If you are planning a longer-term move, you should check carefully which immigration route genuinely applies to your situation before booking and making arrangements.
For anyone organising an international removal to Japan from the UK, it’s sensible to make sure your visa and entry paperwork are progressing properly before shipping your household goods. Good timing matter, especially for larger and international moves. You don’t want to be left in a foreign country without any clothes or personal belongings!
Becoming a
Japanese Citizen
Whilst Sean Connery certainly went to extremes in You Only Live Twice to become a Japanese citizen, in real life it’s much easier. For some people, moving to Japan is the first step towards eventually becoming a permanent long-term resident or even a citizen. Japanese citizenship is possible, but the process is usually strict and not something most people achieve quickly. In general, naturalisation requires a period of legal residence, evidence of stability, good conduct, and a clear intention to settle in Japan long term.
One important point is that Japan is known for having stricter rules around citizenship than many Western countries, and dual nationality can be a complex issue. However, as it’s much harder to get into Japan, you can be rest assured that the standard of life and safety are second to none. For the majority of people moving to Japan from the UK, the immediate priority should be securing the correct visa, arranging legal residency and becoming established in everyday life rather than focusing on citizenship at the very beginning.
Planning Your Move to Japan in 6 Steps
1. Research Removals Companies
If you are moving to Japn from the UK, choosing the right removals company is one of the most important decisions you will make. Look for a company with experience in International removals, customs paperwork and international household moves. Ask what is included in the quotation, whether export wrapping and packing are available, and what support they provide with documents and delivery planning. Also check your mover’s history, and check whether they are members of a reputable industry recognised organisation like the BAR, IAM or part of the Euromovers group. However, most of all, get in touch with us!
2. Check Your Visa Position
Before arranging a full overseas move, make sure your visa or residency route is clear. This should come before major shipping commitments.
3. Prepare an Inventory
List everything you plan to take. A proper inventory helps with pricing, customs and general planning.
4. Review Customs and Import Rules
Check what documents will be required and whether any of your belongings need special treatment or should not be shipped.
5. Organise Temporary Accommodation if Needed
If your long-term property is not ready straight away, short-term accommodation can make arrival much easier.
6. Plan Your First Month in Japan
Think ahead about what you will need immediately after arrival, including housing, transport, healthcare, banking and communications.
FAQs About Moving to Japan from UK
Can I move to Japan from UK permanently?
It is possible to move to Japan from UK on a long-term basis, but you will need the correct visa or residency route. Your options depend on your reason for moving, such as work, family or study.
How much does it cost to move to Japan from UK?
The cost depends on the size of your shipment, where in the UK you are moving from, your destination in Japan and whether you need packing, storage or specialist services.
Is shipping furniture to Japan worth it?
That depends on the value of the items, the volume being moved and your long-term plans. For some people, shipping household goods makes sense. For others, especially smaller moves, replacing items after arrival may be more practical.
Do I need a removals company for moving to Japan from UK?
If you are taking more than a few suitcases, using an international removals company is usually the safest and most efficient option. An experienced mover can also help with inventory planning and customs guidance.
Is Japan expensive to live in?
It depends on where you live. Tokyo can be expensive, particularly for rent, while other cities may be more affordable. Setup costs can also be high in the early stages of a move.
Move to Japan
with Euromovers
If you are arranging a move to Japan, working with an experienced international removals company can make a huge difference. Long-distance overseas relocations involve more planning than a standard domestic move, and the right support can help reduce stress at every stage.
At Euromovers, we help customers plan international removals with clarity and confidence. Whether you are moving to Japan from UK for work, family, study or a fresh start abroad, we can help with the packing, transport and logistics of your household move.
If you are looking for trusted support with removals to Japan, Euromovers is here to help.
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