【Immigrate & Relocate to Japan】Visa + Logistics Tips

As one of the most popular travel destinations for Hong Kong residents, Japan has naturally become a top choice for those considering immigration—especially among younger generations. But what are the immigration requirements, and through which pathways can Hongkongers obtain Japanese residency or citizenship?

Japan offers a wide range of visa types to suit different purposes, from work and study to family reunification. In addition to visa guidance, international relocation logistics—such as moving personal belongings and furniture—are an essential part of the process. FreightAmigo has compiled key information on Japanese visa categories, along with practical tips to help you plan your move with confidence.

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Immigrating to Japan – Work Visa

One option for immigrating to Japan is to apply for a work visa, specifically the “Designated Activities Visa” (就労ビザ), which is considered a beginner’s choice. This visa covers 14 industries, including education, arts, business, law and accounting, healthcare, research, and more. The most commonly applied for industry is the “Technical/Humanities/International Services” industry, which offers various opportunities for hiring foreigners with relevant qualifications and Japanese language proficiency (at least level N2), such as in overseas trade, IT, translation, finance, and accounting.

5 Ways Immigrating to Japan 

Work Visa – Application Requirements

To apply for a work visa, one must first be hired

The basic requirements for a work visa are to engage in management, education, arts, business, law and accounting, healthcare, research, nursing, or technical skills (such as a chef or pilot), obtain a Certificate of Eligibility (COE), be hired

Work Visa- Length of Stay

The validity period of Japan’s technical, humanities, and international business visas is determined by the Japanese Ministry of Justice based on the applicant and their company’s situation and can last up to five years, three years, one year, six months, or three months. Typically, these visas have a validity period of at least one year, but if the Japanese government deems it necessary to frequently evaluate the applicant’s eligibility for the visa, its validity period may be less than a year.

Before the visa expires, the applicant must renew their visa at the Immigration Bureau. Failure to renew the visa may result in the need to leave Japan before the visa expires or face deportation.

Work Visa – Can Family Members Apply for a Dependent Visa?

To allow you to work in Japan with peace of mind, your spouse and children can apply to come to Japan as family members. If they meet the relevant conditions, they can also work in Japan.

In addition, after living in Japan for more than 10 years, you can apply for permanent residency. After obtaining permanent residency, your spouse and children can also apply for the “Spouse of a Permanent Resident Visa” and continue to reside in Japan.

Immigrating to Japan – Highly Skilled Visa

The Highly Skilled Visa in Japan is a visa category established for individuals with exceptional professional skills and experience. Its purpose is to attract internationally recognized professionals to work and live in Japan and contribute to the country’s economic and social development.

Highly Skilled Visa – Application Requirements

The Highly Skilled Visa in Japan is a work visa designed for high-skilled and talented individuals. Applicants must have an annual income of over 3 million Japanese yen (approximately HKD 200,000) and score 70 points or more on the Japanese government’s Highly Skilled Foreign Professional Point System. The point system has three basic scoring categories, including educational background, work experience, and annual income and age. In addition, 10 special bonus criteria have been established, such as graduating from designated universities like the University of Hong Kong or the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, or passing the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) N1.

Highly Skilled Visa – Length of Stay

Individuals holding a Highly Skilled Visa in Japan can stay for a maximum of five years. After that, they can also apply to extend the validity of their visa. Furthermore, applicants only need to reside and work in Japan for three years before they can apply for permanent residency. If an applicant scores 80 points or more on the Highly Skilled Foreign Professional Point System, they can apply for permanent residency after just one year.

Immigrating to Japan – Student Visa / Spouse Visa / Business Manager Visa

Student Visa: Many universities in Japan offer courses taught in English, even for foreigners who do not speak Japanese. The universities also provide practical or business Japanese language courses to help foreigners learn Japanese and better adapt to life and work in Japan.

Spouse Visa: If a foreigner marries a Japanese national, they can apply for a spouse visa to live in Japan. The validity period of this visa ranges from six months to five years and allows the holder to work in Japan without any significant work restrictions. If the foreigner has lived in Japan for one year and has been married for three years, they can apply for permanent residency. If they wish to apply for Japanese citizenship, they must have lived in Japan for at least three years.

Business Manager Visa: This method is also known as “investment immigration.” To apply for a Business Manager Visa, which is for those who want to start a business in Japan, applicants need to meet three conditions: have a personal bank account in Japan with a balance of over 5 million Japanese yen (approximately HKD 360,000), set up an independent office for their company in Japan, and hire two ormore full-time employees, preferably Japanese nationals. In addition, applicants must submit a company development plan to the Japanese government. If the business feasibility or sustainability of the company is not recognized

Immigrating to Japan – Permanent Residency

Applying for permanent residency allows an individual to have the right to permanently reside in Japan. Those who obtain permanent residency are called “permanent residents” and can live in Japan without Japanese nationality, passport, or voting rights. The application requirements are as follows:

1. Must have good conduct, such as not having violated any Japanese laws or owed any taxes, etc.
2. Must have sufficient assets or business skills to support oneself and pay for living expenses in Japan.
3. Must have legally resided in Japan continuously for 10 years, including 5 years of residency with a work visa (excluding student visas, technical intern visas, and specific skills visa type 1, etc.). Those holding a spouse visa or highly skilled professional visa can also obtain permanent residency after one year of residing in Japan.
4. Must not have been convicted of a crime and must fulfill obligations such as paying taxes, pension contributions, and medical insurance.
5. The current visa’s validity period must be the longest period for that visa type. The validity period of Japanese visas varies, ranging from three months to five years for work visas, for example. If the applicant currently holds a work visa, the validity period of the visa must be five years.
6. Must not be harmful to public health, such as having a severe infectious disease, etc.

Naturalization vs Permanent Residency

The naturalization system is a system that allows foreign nationals to obtain Japanese citizenship. After naturalization, the individual’s nationality becomes “Japanese”, and they can enjoy the right to vote and be elected in national or local elections, and obtain a Japanese passport. The permanent residence system allows foreign nationals to have the right to reside permanently in Japan, but without Japanese citizenship, a passport, or the right to vote.

Differences:

Naturalization involves giving up one’s original nationality and acquiring a new nationality, while permanent residence allows one to retain their original nationality. Naturalized citizens enjoy the rights and responsibilities of Japanese citizens, such as the right to vote and the obligation to be called up for military service, while permanent residents may have some rights restrictions, such as the right to vote. Naturalization requires completing a series of procedures and exams, such as language and citizenship knowledge tests, while permanent residence does not. The application process for naturalization is more complicated and time-consuming, while the application process for permanent residence is relatively simple and fast.

Relocating to Japan: Essential Logistics Tips for a Smooth Move

Once you’ve successfully obtained your visa and are ready to begin your new life in Japan, planning your relocation becomes the next critical step. Whether you're transporting personal belongings, furniture, electronics, or valuable collections, how safely and efficiently these items are delivered to Japan will directly impact your quality of life during the initial settling-in period.

Here are several key preparations you shouldn’t overlook before your move:

1. Item Sorting and Packing

Before moving, it’s recommended to categorize your items to streamline packing and customs clearance. Common categories include:

• Documents and books
• Clothing and personal items
• Furniture and large household goods
• Kitchenware and fragile items
• Collectibles or high-value items

Choosing the right packing materials can significantly reduce the risk of damage. Common materials include:

• Wooden crates
• Cardboard boxes (various sizes)
• Bubble wrap (for fragile items)
• Packing tape
• Foam padding or pearl cotton
• Waterproof or sealed bags

FreightAmigo offers doorstep delivery of packing boxes and can assist you in selecting the most suitablepacking solution to ensure safe transport.

2. Choosing a Transportation Method

FreightAmigo provides both air and sea freight options for relocation. Depending on the volume, size, and budget, you can choose the method that best suits your needs:

• Air Freight: Charged
• Sea Freight: Charged by volume (cubic meters), with a transit time of around 40 to 60 days. No weight restrictions. Recommended for families or larger moves exceeding 1 cubic meter, as sea freight tends to be more economical.

The FreightAmigo platform allows you to instantly compare quotes across different transport methods to help you choose the most suitable option.

3. Customs Clearance and Document Preparation

International relocation involves customs procedures, and the following documents are typically required:

• Itemized packing list (including quantity and description)
• Value declaration (some items may be taxable)
• Identification and visa copies
• Packing details (especially for special or fragile items)

FreightAmigo provides customs support services to help you prepare allnecessary documents, with dedicated specialists to oversee the entire clearance process. You’ll need to pay a 30% deposit and submit your packing list before collection. If collection occurs on a weekday, you’ll receive a pallet completion photo the next day and must settle the remaining balance within three days. Our team will then arrange the shipping schedule and delivery.

Our digital platform also supports document uploads and tracking, allowing you to monitor customs progress and shipment status anytime. With FreightAmigo’s professional support, you can confidently navigate customs requirements and ensure a smooth relocation process.

4. Insurance Protection

When relocating internationally, choosing the right insurance coverage is essential—especially for high-value furniture (e.g., antique tables, designer pieces), collectibles, fragile items, electronics, and personal valuables. Damage, loss, or delays can occur during transit, so it’s advisable to photograph your items before shipping and clearly document their value and quantity for claims purposes.

FreightAmigo’s digital platform offers instant insurance quotes and plan comparisons, helping you select the most suitable coverage based on your item type, destination, and budget. We also provide document management and claims support to ensure seamless coordination between insurance and logistics.

Common types of insurance coverage include:

• Declared Value Protection: Basic coverage provided
• Full Value Protection: Covers the actual value of items, including repair or replacement costs. This comprehensive coverage considers age, condition, and market value, and requires an additional premium.
• Third-Party Insurance: Independent from the moving company, offering higher protection levels. Ideal for antiques, artwork, or valuable collections. Covers damage, theft, or loss during transit. Be sure to review policy terms and claims procedures carefully.

When selecting insurance, consider coverage limits, deductibles, claims processes, and the provider’s reputation. With FreightAmigo’s expert support, you can relocate high-value items with confidence, knowing you’re fully protected—even in unexpected situations.

 Read【Furniture Shipping Insurance】 Protecting Your Valuables During Transitto learn how to safeguard your belongings throughout the move.

5. Real-Time Tracking

During international relocation, your items may pass through multiple transport stages and transit hubs. Monitoring shipment status and delivery progress is crucial to ensuring your belongings arrive safely. FreightAmigo’s digital logistics platform connects with over 1,000 global airlines and shipping carriers, offering real-time tracking so you can stay informed throughout the journey.

With FreightAmigo, you can:

• Check shipment location and status anytime via mobile or desktop
• View estimated delivery times, transit points, and customs updates
• Receive logistics notifications for each stage of the journey
• Increase transparency and peace of mind, reducing uncertainty and communication gaps

Whether you're moving to Japan, Malaysia, or elsewhere, FreightAmigo’s Track & Tracefeature helps you stay in control of your relocation, ensuring your items arrive safely and on time.

FAQ

How far in advance should I prepare for an international move?

The full process of relocating overseas—including requesting a quote, packing furniture and personal items, scheduling pickup, international shipping, and final delivery—typically takes around 2 to 3 months. The actual timeline may vary depending on the volume of your belongings, packaging requirements, destination, and chosen transportation method.

FreightAmigo recommends booking at least one month before your planned departure. Based on your specific situation, we’ll provide a tailored relocation plan and assign a dedicated international moving specialist to guide you through the entire process, ensuring a smooth and stress-free experience.

How can I get a quote for international relocation?

To enhance customer experience, FreightAmigo offers a fast and user-friendly way to obtain accurate shipping quotes and relocation plans.

Our instant quotes are valid for 45 days and include:

• Door-to-door delivery (for locations with elevator access)
• Export customs clearance and import customs clearance
• 14 days of free storage at the origin warehouse
• Freight insurance (for goods valued under HKD 100,000)
• Standard packing materials

If you’re shipping large musical instruments or bicycles, the quote also covers:

• Professional wooden crate reinforcement (only for large instruments/bikes)
• Crate dismantling and disposal at the destination

For vehicle relocation (e.g., private cars), the quote includes:

• Transport from the designated drop-off point to the port
• Export customs clearance
• Vehicle securing inside the container
• Local port administrative fees

Do I need to pay customs duties when moving to Japan?

All international shipments must go through customs clearance upon arrival at the destination. Whether duties and taxes apply depends on local regulations and the type of goods being shipped. In most cases, the exact tax amount can only be confirmed once the shipment arrives.

Japan’s customs system regulates imports through duties and consumption tax. It uses the CIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight) valuation method, meaning the taxable value includes the product cost plus shipping and insurance. Common charges include:

• Import duties: Vary by product category
• Consumption tax: Similar to VAT, currently set at 10%
• Customs brokerage fees: Charged by agents assisting with clearance

Duty rates differ significantly depending on the product type:

• Electronics: Generally low duty rates
• Luxury goods: Higher duty rates
• Agricultural products: May involve quotas and seasonal adjustments
• Raw materials: Often low duty rates to support domestic manufacturing

If You Wish To Learn More About Relocation to Japan, Please Go To The FreightAmigo PageFor Inquiries

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