Guidance

Living in Japan

Information for British citizens moving to or living in Japan, including guidance on residency, healthcare and driving.

From:
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
Published
28 May 2013
Last updated
7 May 2024 — See all updates

This guide sets out essential information for British citizens moving to or living in Japan. Read about how our Embassy in Tokyo can help. 

This information is provided as a guide only. You should get definitive information from the Japanese authorities. The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) is not liable for any inaccuracies in this information. 

Support for British Nationals Abroad: A Guide sets out how British nationals can stay safe abroad  and how the FCDO can help if you do get into difficulty.

Read general guidance on moving or retiring abroad.

To stay up to date:  follow the British Embassy Tokyo on Facebook and X

Before you go

See our travel advice for Japan and sign up to it for up-to-date information on entry requirements, local laws and customs, safety and emergencies.  Please check the Overseas Business Risk Guide for Japan as well.

Visas and residency

Check the entry requirements for Japan in our travel advice.

If you are intending to stay over 90 days, you will need to obtain a visa from your nearest Japanese Embassy/Consulate prior to your travel to Japan. British citizens may be able to extend their 90 day visa once in Japan. You should enquire at your nearest Japanese immigration office.

The Foreign Residents Support Center (FRESC) is a one-stop consultation centre which hosts the offices of eight public organisations which includes the Immigration Services Agency of Japan, the Japan Legal Support Center, the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) Visa Information desk, Tokyo Labour Bureau Consultation and Support Office for Foreigners. The Ministry of Justice also produces a Guidebook to Living and Working in Japan.

Passports and travel

You can apply for or renew your British passport from Japan.

Check the Japan travel advice for passport validity requirements.

Emergencies

  • Dial 110 for the police and dial 119 for ambulance or fire brigade.

  • Dial 110 to speak to the police to report a missing child or adult.

If you have been the victim of a rape or sexual assault in Japan, read the guidance on Information for victims of rape and sexual assault in Japan.

See also:

If you’ve been a victim of a crime, arrested, or are affected by a crisis, contact the British Embassy Tokyo.

Read the guidance on international parental child abduction if your child may be at risk of this.

Natural Disasters

Japan is prone to many natural disasters, including earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions and typhoons. It is essential you prepare well and know how to react when one occurs, and follow the instructions given by the local government.

Sign up for alerts from our travel advice page and social media which will be updated with any developments in a crisis.

Also sign up to Japanese government emergency alerts; the JNTO’s (Japan National Tourism Organisation) Safety Tips for Travellers has information on what to do in an emergency, as well as links to weather and geological data, and links to emergency apps to download to your phone.

Prepare yourself and your home for hazards and emergencies. Make sure you know the different Japanese government alert levels, have an emergency kit at home and know where your nearest evacuation centre is.

Healthcare in Japan

There is no reciprocal healthcare agreement with Japan.

You must register for healthcare as a resident in Japan, usually through your local authority.

If you are employed, usually your employer will provide you with private healthcare instead.

NOTE: UK Travel insurance providers will not generally cover your healthcare costs if you live overseas.

Read the Mental Health Guidance if applicable.

Medicine

If you are on a prescription for any medication, you should ensure you have a supply of it or be able to obtain it when in Japan. Certain medicines may not be available in Japan (including major brands readily available in the UK), and you may be prohibited from taking them into the country. You should consult your GP before travelling to Japan to find out about any alternative medication.

Read the guidance if you need to travel with medicines

Working in Japan

If you are planning to move to Japan and work, you will need a visa before your arrival in Japan.

Read the Japanese government’s guidance on working in Japan as a foreign  national and how to get a visa.

If you’re looking for advice on general working conditions and standards in Japan, you can find help via the counselling services and hotlines in select prefectures as operated by the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare. There are also local NPO organisations, such as POSSE, providing free labour legal advice in English. Check with your city or prefecture if such NPOs exist in your area or contact FRESC.

Studying in Japan

If you plan to study in Japan, you must meet all visa requirements before you travel. Check with your nearest Japanese Embassy/Consulate for the requirements.

Contact the relevant education provider in Japan to check what fees you have to pay.

Tax

The UK has a double taxation agreement with Japan so that you do not pay tax on the same income in both countries. Ask the relevant tax authority your questions about double taxation relief. 

You should get professional advice on paying tax in Japan. Find an English-speaking lawyer in Japan

Read guidance on:

Benefits

Check which UK benefits you can claim while abroad and how to claim them.

Many income-related benefits such as Pension Credit and Housing Benefit cannot be paid if you’re abroad for more than 4 weeks.

To find out about what benefits you may be entitled to in Japan, you should contact your local ward or city office.

See the information on benefits you might be able to get while being abroad and how to claim them.

You need to tell the relevant government offices that deal with your benefits, pension and tax that you are moving or retiring abroad.

Pensions

If you retire in Japan, you can claim your UK State Pension or new UK State Pension. Contact the International Pension Centre for further information.

Japan has a three-tier pension system and participation in the national pension system, also known as a “Basic Pension”, is mandatory for most who work in Japan.

Life certificates for UK State Pensions

If you get a ‘life certificate’ from the UK Pension Service, you must respond as soon as possible. Your payments may be suspended if you do not.

Money and banking

Most companies pay salaries direct to employees’ Japanese bank accounts. In order to open a bank account, you would need a residential status that allows you to stay over six months and normally, a Japanese resident card and registered address in Japan would be required. You also cannot open an account from overseas, as you will usually need to present yourself and residence card to the bank in person.  For more specific details, please contact your bank of choice directly.

The Japanese Bankers Association has a list of banks that are members of the association, all Japanese major banks are listed there.

Most foreign credit cards work at ATMs in the post office or Seven Eleven convenience stores for withdrawing cash.

Accommodation and buying property

See buying a property abroad.

There are no legal restrictions for foreigners renting or buying a property in Japan. However, the process and requirements can be complicated. If you are planning on buying a property, please make sure to reach out for legal advice.

If a property is privately owned, you can be refused renting or buying accommodation based on your race, sexuality or nationality.

Driving in Japan

Read the guidance on:

If you’re asked for a letter authenticating, certifying or validating your UK driver’s licence, you should contact your UK issuing office (eg the DVLA)

If your stay in Japan will be for a year or less, apply for an IDP before you leave the UK. If you intend to stay in Japan for longer than one year, you should apply for a Japanese driving licence. If you already have a UK driving license, you can convert this to a Japanese driving license without needing to take a test. For more information and details of offices where you can convert your UK driving license to a Japanese license, visit the Japanese Automobile Federation website. If you do not have a UK driving license, you will need to attend a local driving school to take lessons and tests towards getting a Japanese driving license.

Disabled drivers

If you have a UK Blue Badge and live in Japan, you must return it to the original UK issuing authority.

You could apply for a special parking permit from the local police. In order to do so, you will need to obtain a physical disability certificate or mental disability health and welfare certificate. You should consult the city hall/ward office you are registered as a resident with to obtain the certificates.

Voting

Foreign nationals are not allowed to vote both at local and national level in Japan.

You may be able to vote in some UK elections. You can:

Births, deaths, marriage and civil partnership

Births

If your child is born in Japan you should register the birth with the local authorities.  You can then, if you want to, register with the UK authorities and apply for a UK birth certificate.

If your child has British nationality, you do not need to register the birth with the UK authorities to apply for a British passport.

Deaths

If someone dies in Japan read our guidance on:

Marriage and civil partnerships

Find out how you can get married or get a civil partnership abroad

For other services the Embassy in Tokyo provides, please visit the Embassy’s website.

Pets

If you are planning to bring your pet with you to Japan, please visit the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food for details and information on how to bring your pet with you.

Service animals are subject to the same quarantine procedures.

For questions regarding the importation of pets and service animals, please contact the Animal Quarantine Service at your port of entry.

Returning to the UK

Read the guidance on returning to the UK permanently which includes information on bringing family members, tax and access to services.

Other useful information

Disclaimer

This information is provided as a general guide and is based upon information provided to the embassy by the relevant local authorities and may be subject to change at any time with little or no notice. The FCDO and the British embassy will not be liable for any inaccuracies in this information. British nationals wishing to obtain any further information must contact the relevant local authority.

Published 28 May 2013
Last updated 7 May 2024 + show all updates

  1. Coronavirus information has been removed. Other slight updates including to 'Healthcare' section and added FRESC links.

  2. Guidance reviewed and updated

  3. Added LGBTQ+, Returning to the UK and Other Useful Information

  4. Natural disaster leaflet updated

  5. Coronavirus section added with a link to guidance on vaccines.

  6. Added Coronavirus information to Natural disaster preparedness section

  7. COVID-19 related information updated

  8. Added new section 'Natural disaster preparedness 101'

  9. Added info about FRESC

  10. Visa & Immigration information updated

  11. Information for a victim of domestic violence and abuse added

  12. Health, Benefits and Legal Support & Employment sections updated

  13. Updated information for students on Covid-19 Coronavirus section.

  14. Legal Support & Employment section updated

  15. Visa information updated

  16. Updated in response to Covid-19

  17. First published.

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