Moving to Japan isn’t just about visas and flights—it also requires serious money.
Here’s a realistic breakdown of how much it costs to relocate to Japan, whether you’re moving alone or as a couple.


✅ 1. Visa Application Costs

Type of CostSingle PersonCouple (Both Apply)
Certificate of Eligibility (COE)Usually free (school or employer applies)Same
Visa Application Fee¥3,000–¥6,000 ($20–$40)Double if both apply

📝 Tip: Some visas may require extra documents (translations, apostilles, etc.).


✅ 2. Flight Costs (One-Way)

FromSingle PersonCouple
North America (Economy)¥100,000–¥150,000 ($700–$1,050)¥200,000–¥300,000 ($1,400–$2,100)
Europe (Economy)¥120,000–¥180,000 ($850–$1,250)¥240,000–¥360,000 ($1,700–$2,500)
Southeast Asia¥40,000–¥70,000 ($280–$490)¥80,000–¥140,000 ($560–$980)

💡 Tip: Round-trip may be cheaper for short-term stays, but one-way is usually better for long-term moves.


✅ 3. Initial Apartment Costs (Move-In Fees)

Japan’s rental system can be expensive for newcomers.

Type of CostSingle PersonCouple (1 Bedroom Apartment)
First Month’s Rent¥50,000–¥150,000 ($350–$1,050)¥70,000–¥180,000 ($500–$1,250)
Deposit (Shikikin)1–2 months’ rentSame
Key Money (Reikin)0–2 months’ rentSame
Agency FeeAbout 1 month’s rentSame
Guarantor Company Fee (If Needed)¥30,000–¥80,000 ($200–$560)Same
Furniture & Appliances (If Unfurnished)¥100,000–¥300,000 ($700–$2,100)Same or slightly higher

💡 Tip: Total apartment setup costs can easily reach ¥300,000 to ¥800,000 ($2,100–$5,600) even for a modest place.


✅ 4. Basic Living Costs (First 3 Months)

It’s smart to budget for at least 3 months of living costs before you start earning money.

CategorySingle Person (Monthly)Couple (Monthly)
Rent¥50,000–¥150,000¥70,000–¥180,000
Utilities & Internet¥10,000–¥20,000¥15,000–¥25,000
Food¥30,000–¥60,000¥50,000–¥100,000
Transportation¥5,000–¥15,000¥8,000–¥20,000
Mobile Phone¥2,000–¥7,000¥4,000–¥10,000
Health Insurance¥2,000–¥30,000¥4,000–¥60,000
Entertainment & Misc.¥10,000–¥30,000¥20,000–¥50,000

💡 Tip: A couple may not need double the rent but food, utilities, and insurance will increase.


✅ 5. Total Estimated Costs (Minimum Recommended)

SituationTotal Estimated Initial Cost (Including Flights, Visa, Apartment, 3-Month Buffer)
Single (Minimal Budget)¥600,000–¥1,200,000 ($4,200–$8,400)
Couple (Minimal Budget)¥1,000,000–¥2,000,000 ($7,000–$14,000)

✅ 6. Additional Hidden Costs (Often Forgotten)

Expense TypeCost RangeNotes
Visa Document Translation¥5,000–¥20,000 ($35–$140)Depends on document & language
National Pension (If Required)¥15,000–¥20,000/month ($100–$140)Required for most working residents
Language School/Classes¥10,000–¥50,000/month ($70–$350)Optional but helpful

✅ Tips for Saving Money:

  1. Choose a share house or guesthouse for cheaper rent & no key money.
  2. Look for furnished apartments to skip furniture costs.
  3. Use low-cost airlines for initial flight if possible.
  4. Research city-specific support programs for foreign residents.

✅ Final Thoughts:

Moving to Japan costs more than many people expect.
Even on a tight budget, you’ll likely need at least ¥600,000 ($4,200) for a solo move.
For couples, double that to be safe.

But with careful planning and realistic expectations, Japan can be an amazing place to start a new chapter!