How to Settle in (Move to) Japan 2025

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How to Settle in Japan?
Why Choose Japan for Settlement?

These are questions frequently asked by those wishing to settle in Japan. Japan not only has one of the most developed economies in Asia but also offers a safe living environment and comprehensive social welfare, providing foreigners with opportunities for stability and long-term life.

General Introduction to Settling in Japan

The question “how to settle in Japan?” is increasingly common among Vietnamese people, especially those interested in working, studying, and building a long-term life in this country. According to the 2024 data from the Japan Immigration Bureau, around 520,000 Vietnamese live in Japan, accounting for nearly 20% of the total foreign population. Among them, over 82,000 have been granted permanent residence visas, an increase of more than 30% compared to 2020. This clearly reflects the trend of stable settlement among the Vietnamese community.

The most common forms of settlement today include: permanent residence visas, naturalization, settlement through marriage, and specified skilled worker visas. Understanding each type of settlement will help you choose the appropriate path, answer the question “how to settle in Japan?”, and plan your long-term future.

Read more: The Ideal Time to Travel to Japan

Japan Permanent Residence Visa: Opportunities and Requirements

The Permanent Resident Visa (永住ビザ – Eijū Visa) is the highest-level visa for foreigners wishing to live long-term in Japan without periodic renewal. It is a popular solution to the question “how to settle in Japan?” due to its stable benefits and wide applicability.

Benefits of Permanent Residence Visa

Permanent residents enjoy many rights similar to Japanese citizens, including:

Unlimited residency without the need to renew the visa.
Freedom to change jobs, industries, or place of residence without reapplying to the Immigration Bureau.
Sponsoring spouse and children for family reunification in Japan.
Rights to buy property, take out bank loans, and register businesses like locals.
Full access to health insurance, pension, and social welfare.
Easy entry and exit from Japan without requiring a new visa.

Requirements for Permanent Residence

To obtain a permanent residence visa, foreigners must meet the following criteria:

Legally reside in Japan for at least 10 consecutive years, including at least 5 years with work or long-term residence status.
Stable income, proving the ability to support themselves and their family.
Comply with the law, with no criminal record or immigration violations.
Pay taxes, social insurance, and fulfill civic obligations during their stay.
Maintain good conduct and character, positively evaluated by local authorities.

Special Cases for Fast-Track Approval

Certain cases may qualify for expedited permanent residence:

Spouses or children of Japanese citizens or permanent residents, requiring only 3–5 years of residence.
Individuals with outstanding contributions to Japanese society, such as researchers, highly skilled engineers, or investors.
Highly Skilled Professionals can apply for permanent residence after only 1–3 years.

Required Documents and Application Process

Documents for permanent residence include:

Application form from the Japan Immigration Bureau.
Passport, residence card, and 3×4 photo.
Proof of income, tax payments, and insurance for the last three years.
Guarantee letter from a Japanese individual or organization.
Processing fee: approximately 8,000 yen.

Processing time: typically 4–8 months. Incomplete documents or financial issues may extend this period.

Read more: Japan Independent Travel Experience 2025

Settlement Through Marriage and Family

Settlement via marriage or family sponsorship is a popular choice among Vietnamese nationals with relatives who are Japanese citizens or permanent residents. This allows foreigners to live, work, and stabilize their lives legally in Japan.

Eligibility

To qualify, applicants must:

Be legally married to a Japanese citizen or permanent resident.
Prove that the marriage is genuine with clear evidence.
Avoid sham marriages aimed at immigration.
Have sponsors with stable income and financial capacity to support the family.

Benefits of the Visa

Visa holders can:

Work full-time without restrictions on occupation.
Participate in national health insurance and pension programs.
Access education and live legally and stably in Japan.
After a period of legal cohabitation, apply for permanent residence for long-term settlement.

Settlement Through Specified Skilled Worker Visa and Labor Export

In recent years, Japan has been facing a severe labor shortage in more than 12 production and service sectors. To address this issue, the Japanese government has implemented the Specified Skilled Worker Visa (Tokutei Ginou) program to attract skilled foreign labor.

Vietnamese workers currently account for a significant portion of the total foreign workforce under this visa category. This highlights the substantial demand and opportunities for Vietnamese workers who wish to work and settle long-term in Japan.

Types of Specified Skilled Worker Visas

Type 1 (SSW-1): Allows 5 years of work in 12 sectors such as construction, food processing, mechanical work, and nursing.
Type 2 (SSW-2): Unlimited extension and family sponsorship, opening the pathway to permanent residence.

Requirements for Long-Term Settlement

Skilled workers can apply for long-term settlement if they:

Work legally for at least 5 years with a good performance record.
Have stable income to cover living expenses and pay taxes and insurance.
Comply with laws and employment contracts during their stay.

Read more: Japanese Student Visa

Naturalization in Japan: Benefits, Requirements, and Procedures

Naturalization is the final step in the settlement journey, allowing foreigners to become legal Japanese citizens. It is the most complete answer to the question “how to settle in Japan?”

Benefits of Naturalization

Upon becoming a Japanese citizen, you can:

Obtain a Japanese passport, one of the most powerful passports globally, allowing visa-free travel to over 190 countries.
Exercise voting rights, run for office, and work in government agencies.
Access full welfare programs, health insurance, pensions, and education like locals.
Start businesses or invest without legal restrictions.

Requirements for Naturalization

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

Legally reside in Japan for at least 5 consecutive years.
Stable income and finances, independent of social assistance.
Good conduct, compliance with the law, and no criminal record.
Renounce original nationality, as Japan does not allow dual citizenship.
Basic knowledge of Japanese language, culture, and law sufficient to complete interviews in Japan and procedures.

Procedures and Processing

The naturalization process includes:

Preparing documents at the local Legal Affairs Bureau.
Attending interviews and verifying financial, residential, and personal records.
Processing time: 8–12 months, depending on the case.
Upon approval, attend the naturalization ceremony and receive the Japanese citizenship certificate.

Costs Related to Settling in Japan

Applicants should prepare clear and stable finances to ensure a smooth initial period. Proper budgeting helps avoid difficulties when first arriving.

Visa and application fees: 3,000 – 8,000 yen per submission.
Average living expenses: 100,000 – 150,000 yen/month in major cities.
Rent: 50,000 – 90,000 yen/month (1-room apartment).
Health and social insurance: 10,000 – 20,000 yen/month.
Translation, Japanese courses, and notarization: 20,000 – 50,000 yen.

According to iVISA, it is recommended to have at least 3–6 months of living expenses as a financial buffer for the initial stage.

Read more: Autumn in Japan

Frequently Asked Questions About Settling in Japan

Can I Hold Dual Citizenship in Japan?

No. Upon naturalization, you must renounce your original citizenship. However, you may maintain permanent residence if you do not wish to change nationality.

Difference Between Permanent Residence and Citizenship?

Permanent residence allows long-term living and working without worrying about visa expiration. Citizenship grants full rights and obligations as a Japanese citizen but requires renunciation of original nationality. Choosing between permanent residence and citizenship depends on your long-term plans.

Can I Sponsor Family Members to Come to Japan?

Yes, you can sponsor your spouse and children to live in Japan if you are a Japanese citizen or permanent resident. Sponsors must meet financial and housing requirements to ensure family stability.

Does Settlement Affect Social Insurance?

No. Legal settlement does not affect social insurance benefits. Permanent residents participate fully in health insurance, pensions, and welfare programs, providing peace of mind for long-term living.

Have you truly figured out how to settle in Japan? If not, consider visiting Japan first to experience life and culture. Then, you can gradually follow your settlement plan more smoothly. Don’t hesitate – contact iVISA today for support with obtaining a Japanese visa!

iVISA Property & Citizenship

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Hotline: 0937 999 610
Email: info.ivisatravel@gmail.com