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Moving to Japan From Canada

Costs & Requirements Guide

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Moving to Japan is an incredible experience. Japan stands out with its mind-blowing technological advancements and vibrant culture. Being one of the safest countries in the world, more and more expats are moving to Japan. We prepared a complete guide for you to better prepare for this new adventure!

Cost of Living in Japan vs Canada

The cost of living in Japan is around 25-30% cheaper than in Canada.

Estimated Costs of Living in Japan vs Canada

Number of people Canada Japan
Single Person $3300 CAD $2000 CAD
Family of 4 $8000 CAD $6000 CAD

In the table below, you will find the estimated prices for different products in comparison to Canada:

Item Canada (CAD) Japan (CAD)
Meal at a restaurant $25.00 $9.59
Cappuccino (regular) $5.18 $4.60
Milk (1 liter) $2.85 $2.11
Loaf of fresh white bread (500g) $3.45 $1.78
Eggs (12) $4.52 $2.89
Chicken fillets (1kg) $14.65 $7.98
Apples (1kg) $4.68 $4.68
Monthly public transport pass $107.05 $61.73

Source: Numbeo

The Cost of Moving to Japan

Moving from Canada to Japan can be costly, especially if you don’t plan. Fortunately, we are here to give as much information as possible about budgeting.

The average cost of moving from Canada to Japan is between $7,000 and $22,000 CAD.

See the table below for more detailed estimations:

Property Size Toronto, Canada (CAD) Vancouver, Canada (CAD)
1-Bedroom $7,000 – $8,500 $6,000 – $7,500
2-Bedroom $9,500 – $11,500 $8,000 – $9,800
3-Bedroom $12,500 – $14,500 $10,500 – $12,500
4-Bedroom $15,500 – $18,000 $13,000 – $15,500
5-Bedroom $19,000 – $22,000 $16,500 – $19,500

Note: These costs are only estimates. Finding accurate prices depends on your actual location, the volume of your move, and the moving company. To find out your actual costs, we recommend using our volume calculator to estimate the size of your move, and to request quotes from our top international movers. Make sure to check our information about shipping containers to Japan.

Top International Moving Companies

Have you decided to move to Japan? If yes, have a look at our top international moving companies! Request quotes and choose the best option for you.

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Find out the exact cost of moving from Canada to Japan based on your household size.

Visa Requirements in Japan

There are different types of visas in Japan, depending on your needs.

Types of Visas

  • Work Visa: Suitable for people looking to move to Japan for work, and valid for 3 years.
  • General Visa: Suited for people going to Japan to study. Valid for 3 years or less, depending on your studies.

Requirements For a Visa in Japan

  • Certificate of Eligibility (issued by the Immigration Services Agency of Japan)
  • Valid Passport
  • One photo taken recently (max 6 months before application)
  • Application Form
  • Pay a fee of $29 CAD

Note: Canadian Passport holders are not required to pay the visa fees, due to the agreement between Canada and Japan.

Are You Moving to Japan With Family?

Then, the procedure is the same for each member of your family. Depending on your family members’ needs, they can opt for a General Visa or a Work Visa.

Are You Moving to Japan With Pets?

You must follow some procedures before moving:

  • Your pet must be implanted with a microchip. This should happen before the rabies vaccination.
  • Your pet must be vaccinated against rabies. The vaccines should be valid upon arrival to Japan.
  • Your pet needs to undergo a rabies antibody test at an approved laboratory. You must wait at least 180 days from the date the blood sample was taken, before entering Japan.
  • Have your vet examine your pet 10 days before departure and ask for an international certificate.
  • Keep all the evidence of these procedures until you arrive in Japan.

Living in Japan

If you are looking for a country where cleanliness, technology, and culture are very emphasized, then living in Japan as a Canadian will be amazing for you!

Pros And Cons of Living in Japan

Pros

 Very safe
 Good public transport
 Good healthcare
 Beautiful culture
 and food
 Job opportunities

Cons

 Work culture
 Language barrier
 Natural disasters
 Integration difficulty
 High cost of living

Taxes in Japan

As a Canadian citizen in Japan, you will pay taxes after a year of residing in Japan and receiving income from a Japanese company.

See the table below for the tax rates based on income:

Taxable Income (CAD Tax Rate (%)
Up to $17,500 5%
$17,501 – $29,600 10%
$29,601 – $62,400 20%
$62,401 – $80,700 23%
$80,701 – $161,400 33%
$161,401 – $358,700 40%
Over $358,700 45%

Source: GlobalPassport

How is Healthcare in Japan?

Japan is known for its high-quality healthcare. Healthcare insurance in Japan covers everything from doctor’s visits to emergencies and hospital stays. Health insurance in Japan is mandatory.

There are mainly 3 different types of insurance:

  • National Health Insurance (NHI): reserved for self-employed people, farmers, jobless people, etc.
  • Health Insurance Society: reserved mostly for employees of big companies.
  • Government-Managed Insurance: reserved mostly for employees of smaller companies.

 Looking for Jobs in Japan?

We understand searching for job opportunities in Japan for foreigners can be frustrating. Don’t worry, we got you covered!

Here are some of the best jobs searching platforms you could use:

Note: Using these platforms cannot assure you will receive jobs in Japan for Canadians.

Moving to Japan Checklist

  1. Learn more about moving abroad.
  2. Use our volume calculator to learn about the size of your move.
  3. Check out container shipping prices in Canada for more information.
  4. Look at our top international movers, and choose the one you’d like.
  5. Gather your documents and store them somewhere safe for when you move.
  6. You should start packing as soon as you can!

Best Places To Live in Japan

  • Tokyo: This is best for English-speaking job seekers. It has a large community of expats and is a large and beautiful city with endless possibilities.
  • Yokohama: Unlike Tokyo, Yokohama is more affordable and calmer, and it is popular among families.
  • Osaka: Lower cost of living compared to Tokyo and Yokohama. It’s good for social expats who enjoy good food.

Ready to Move?

We hope you found all the information you were looking for, and that this article helped you be more prepared for your next journey. Request quotes now, and receive offers from top international companies. We wish you good fortune, and happy times in Japan!

Frequently asked questions

Is moving to Japan a good idea?

How much should I save before moving to Japan?

How safe is Japan?