The Global Expat Hub
JapanCost breakdown
| Item | Estimate | Assumes |
|---|---|---|
| Scouting trip flights | $2,750 | one return trip, one to two people |
| Scouting trip stay | $7,300 | two to four weeks in the neighbourhoods you might live in |
| Visa, permits & translations | $3,200 | government fees, apostilles, translations; luxury adds an immigration lawyer |
| Relocation flights | $3,700 | one-way, with extra baggage |
| Moving & shipping | $11,650 | affordable: suitcases only; luxury: full container and white-glove |
| Housing deposit & first rent | $7,950 | deposit plus first month, scaled to the local rental market |
| Furnishing & setup | $5,100 | affordable leans on second-hand and furnished lets |
| Health insurance, first year | $5,000 | basic international cover through to premium global plans |
| Language classes | $1,400 | apps and group classes through to private tutoring |
| Local admin & first-month living | $5,200 | registration, SIM, transport, groceries before income settles |
| Contingency | $5,350 | 10% of the total above |
| Total setup, one adult | $58,600 | before ongoing rent and living costs |
Scaled to Japan's price level (cost-of-living score 62). Add roughly 60–80% for a couple and 30–40% per child, more if international school fees apply.
Timeline
Decide & research weeks 1–4
Relocation firm briefed. Two private scouting itineraries prepared. Lawyer confirms the best visa route, including investor and talent options.
Paperwork weeks 5–10
Lawyer files everything; you sign. Premium global health cover with medical evacuation. Tax structuring advice before you become resident.
Scouting trip weeks 11–12
Private itinerary in a five-star or boutique property, drone and video previews of homes before you fly, viewings with a buyer's or leasing agent.
Move weeks 13–16
Full container with white-glove packing and unpacking. Pets flown with a specialist. Home leased or purchased and furnished before arrival.
Settle weeks 17–20
Relocation firm completes registration, utilities, schools, staff and vehicles. Private language tutor. Introductions to clubs and community.
Checklist
- Full-service relocation firm engaged
- Immigration lawyer engaged; visa route confirmed
- Tax and estate advice taken before residency
- Premium global health insurance with evacuation cover
- Private scouting itinerary with home previews
- Buyer's or leasing agent appointed
- Home secured and furnished before arrival
- Full-container shipment with insurance
- Pet specialist booked door to door
- School places confirmed
- Vehicle purchase or lease arranged
- Private language tutor scheduled
- Banking and wealth management set up locally
- Household staff or property management if needed
- Contingency at 10%, held in local currency