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Japan

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At a glance

Living index rating
Moderate
Monthly rent
¥30,000 – ¥50,000 (Tokyo ¥50,000 – ¥70,000)
Monthly food
¥30,000 – ¥45,000
Other monthly expenses
¥20,000 – ¥35,000 (transport, utilities, phone, health insurance)
Visa processing time
COE 1 – 3 months, then about 1 week for the visa
Family allowed for students
Yes

Visa requirements

  • 'Student' status of residence: your school applies for a Certificate of Eligibility (COE), then you get the visa at a Japanese embassy
  • Admission to a university, vocational school or Japanese language school
  • Proof of funds: typically ¥2,000,000 – ¥2,500,000 for a year, or a sponsor's income documents
  • Japanese National Health Insurance after arrival (about 70% of medical costs covered)
  • Work up to 28 hours a week (up to 8 hours a day in long holidays) after getting permission for activities outside your status

Work permit after studies

  • 'Designated Activities' status for job hunting: up to 1 year after graduating (6 months, renewable once), with your university's recommendation
  • Once you get a job, change to a work status such as 'Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services'
  • No general open work permit after graduation

Citizenship route

  • Permanent residence usually after 10 years of continuous residence, including 5 years on a work status (shorter for highly skilled professionals)
  • Naturalisation has needed 5 years of residence, but the government announced in 2026 that this is being raised to 10 years
  • You must give up your other nationality

Family details

  • University and graduate students can bring a spouse and children on the 'Dependent' status; students at Japanese language schools generally can't
  • You must show you can support them
  • Dependants can work up to 28 hours a week only with a separate permission

Universities in Japan

Top-ranked

All other universities and colleges (813), A–Z

This guide is for general information. Visa and immigration rules change often, so always check the official government website before you apply. Last updated 6 October 2026.