Moving to Japan

Anyone moving to or coming into Japan has to meet the legal requirements. However, citizens of several nations, including the United States, are allowed to enter as tourists without getting a visa beforehand. Everyone entering Japan, even without a visa, is fingerprinted and photographed.

Those staying longer than 90 days must register for an Alien Registration card, and careful attention is paid by Japanese Immigration to the location and status of foreigners. Requirements for any type of visa from Japan include proof of having medical insurance and financial support. Those wishing to come to Japan for a job need a work visa, of which there are 14 specific kinds, such as a journalist visa. Assistance from the employer offering the job is needed to get this kind of visa, just as a school in Japan will help accepted foreign students with getting a student visa. Others can get a cultural visa, for example people coming to study martial arts.

People who can support themselves between the ages of 18 and 30 from the UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, France or Germany are allowed to get a ''working holiday visa'' allowing them a year living and working in Japan as a sort of exchange program.