Relocating from the UAE to Japan involves detailed planning, strict documentation, and precise logistics. Whether you are moving for work, education, or long-term settlement, having an experienced international moving partner is essential to avoid delays and complications.
ISS Relocations provides end-to-end relocation services from the UAE to Japan, ensuring your move is handled professionally—from packing and shipping to customs clearance and final delivery.
Moving to Japan requires careful handling due to strict import regulations and high service expectations. ISS Relocations offers comprehensive solutions tailored for international relocations:
Professional export packing and labeling
Door-to-door household goods relocation
Air and sea freight services
Customs clearance coordination in Japan
Handling of fragile, high-value, and specialty items
Unpacking and setting up support at the destination
Our team ensures every step is managed efficiently, reducing the stress of international relocation.
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| Category | Capital | Population | Official Languages | Currency | Expat Population | Popular Cities |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Information | Tokyo | 127 million Approx. | Japanese | Japanese Yen [¥ or JPY] | 2.2 million | Tokyo, Osaka, Hiroshima |
It is important to conduct thorough research while planning relocation. Know the best cities and the ones that are financially viable for you. Remember that Japan is an expensive place to stay. Make sure you have your finances covered and have a fixed place to live before you start packing. It is recommended to look for an agent if you are not sure about how to find a home by yourself.
If you can speak fluent Japanese or have a translator to help you, you can easily find a place to stay. It is important to know at least the basics of Japanese. If you want to stay for a long time, it is obvious that you will need to learn the language.
While deciding to move, think of your purpose for visiting. Because based on that, your visa type will differ. If you are moving for a purpose that requires you to stay for longer durations, like work or education, you will need to get certain documents which we will discuss in the next section.
If you are staying for longer duration, make sure you choose a reliable moving service in Japan like ISS Relocations to ensure that your belongings land safely as well!
ISS Relocations offers moving services to and from Japan to:
Dubai, UAE Oman Qatar Bahrain Saudi Arabia Kuwait India
Relocating to Japan? ISS Relocations offers meticulous planning, secure packing, and full customs support. We make your move organized and efficient—just like life in Japan.
The first thing one thinks about when planning relocation is the Visa. When it comes to Japan, the visa process is pretty straightforward. It does not change based on which country you are from. There are over 30 different types of visas based on various professions. The cost remains the same, but the documents required will change with each profession, duration of stay, and purpose of stay.
Hence, you need to apply for the relevant type of visa, which depends on your reason for staying. You can apply by going to either a Japanese embassy near you or the Consulate General.
Here is a list of types of visas based on your duration and purpose of staying:
| Type of Visa | Validity |
| Highly Skilled Professional Visa | Tourist Visa |
| Specified Visa | Online Japan e-Visa |
| Official Visa | Transit Visa |
| Working Visa | Business Visa |
| Diplomatic Visa | General Visa |
These are the general documents you will need while applying for a visa. However, different documents are required based on different types of visas. Hence, follow the instructions on the official websites and prepare your documents accordingly.
We know the term ‘Certificate of eligibility’ might sound new to many. It is a vital document needed before moving to Japan from Saudi Arabia. The certificate of eligibility is required to be issued by the Ministry of Justice to prove that the candidate meets the criteria for staying in Japan. The reason for the stay must be verified as non-fraudulent and should be under the status of residence. This does not apply to a visitor or tourist.
This certificate needs to be provided by a Japanese person. If you are moving with a job offer, you need not worry about the certificate since your employer will provide that to you. This certificate ensures that your finances will be taken care of while in Japan. Hence, it is always recommended that you get a job before deciding to move.
If you are a student and moving for education, the certificate will be provided by the institute or university you will be studying at.
These were the basic visa requirements. However, make sure to visit the official website of the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs to confirm all that you will need.
Here is the fee structure for the visa process. The charge is to be paid in Japanese currency [Yen]. It is to be paid at the embassy or the consulate general where the candidate has applied at.
Single entry visa – 3000 JPY
Multiple entry visa – 6000 JPY
Transit visa – 700 JPY
Japan is a country where chaos and peace reside together. You can choose the fast-paced life of cities or go to a quieter rural location. The transport system will take you wherever you need to be, regardless of where you live!
Tokyo is considered the best city in terms of lifestyle and job opportunities. The city is filled with ex-pats and is welcoming and warm to everyone!
Kyoto is another amazing place to live. With cultural diversity and peaceful life, the city is not more than 30 minutes away from the fast-paced Osaka city.
Talking of Osaka, it is the 3rd most populated city in Japan. However, the cost of living here is almost 30% less than that of Tokyo. The city is popular for its vibrant nightlife.
While planning to move, consider these cities as they are the most central and have a high ex-pat population. You can find apartments in your preferred city, while storage in Japan will be taken care of by the experts at ISS Relocations!
Here are the initial costs of moving to Japan:
| Category | Information |
| Apartment contracts with deposits | 320,000 to 400,000 JPY |
| Travel expenses | 3,500 JPY minimum [Single] |
| Food expenses | 30,000 to 40,000 JPY |
| Gas, electricity, and water | Approx. 10,000 JPY |
| Postage | Approx. 10,000 JPY |
Once your visa process is planned out, you need to start looking for a place to live in. Based on where you are living, you can decide how much you will be taking with you. However, do not worry about finding moving service in Japan.
We at ISS will take care of all your belongings and make sure your furniture and everything else lands safely in the land of the rising sun. All you need to do is book a service. The rest will be taken care of by the expert handlers and our team!
With such a huge population, it might be a bit difficult to find an apartment in Japan. However, since the transportation system in Japan is so swift, one can reach their destination in time with the right information.
Recently, it has been easier for foreign tenants to get an apartment on rent. The rental process is similar to that of Japanese citizens. However, the costs may be a bit higher than what regular citizens pay. A deposit, often called ‘key money,’ is also charged sometimes, which is usually not refundable.
As a foreigner, you will need to submit these documents:
Renting an apartment as a foreigner will also require a guarantor. This is the person who will be liable to pay the rent and maintenance costs if the tenants fail to do so.If you do not happen to have any organization as your guarantor, various guarantor companies charge a certain amount and act as guarantors for you. Usually, for students, the guarantors are the universities or institutions, while for people who are working, their employers act as guarantors.
Housing options:
Here are some types of properties you can rent while moving to Japan from Bahrain.
There is a uniform price for all general and specialized healthcare services in Japan. These charges are decided through the national fee for service schedule, which is prepared by the government.
All prices related to medicines, equipment, and services are mentioned in this schedule and hence apply uniformly all over the country. The financially backward classes are also provided with subsidies to help pay for their insurance. For disabled people, the government provides necessary equipment like hearing aids, wheelchairs, crutches, etc.
There are 3 main types of insurance plans available for individuals. For employees, self-employed citizens, and people who are 70 years or older in age.
The first type is for employees of companies. Usually, companies deduct a specific amount from employee salaries for insurance premiums. The amount is decided by the employee’s financial conditions.
The second insurance scheme is for self-employed citizens. They simply pay the premiums based on their income and what assets they possess.
The third system covers the insurance costs of people who are 70 years or older and cannot work. The premiums come from the previous plans, and a part of them is used here.
In Japan, the taxation for permanent and non-permanent citizens is different. While non-permanent citizens only need to pay taxes on their income based in Japan, permanent citizens need to file their taxes based on their worldwide income. The tax is also levied on interests, pensions, dividends, etc.
Here are some taxes and their rates in Japan recently:
| Tax Type | Latest | Previous |
| Sales tax | 10.00% | 10.00% |
| Social security | 31.52% | 30.68% |
| Social security [corporates] | 16.24% | 15.49% |
| Social Security [employee] | 15.28% | 15.19% |
| Personal income tax | 55.97% | 55.95% |
| Corporate tax | 30.62% | 30.62% |
The Japanese education system is divided into the following stages:
Starting from 6 years of age, primary education lasts for 6 years. After that, from 12 years onwards, three years of junior high school and finally, three years of high school. After which, students can choose the degree they wish to pursue. The college duration usually ranges from 2 to 4 years.
For children with special needs, a “Special Needs Education System” is present to teach these children in the manner that best suits them.
The school years begin somewhere around April and last till March. The first semester is from April to August, the second one is from September to December, and the last one lasts from December to march. Between these months, there are summer, winter, and spring breaks as well.
The schools in Japan are functional from Monday to Friday. Each lasts for 50 minutes, and there are 6 periods in the day. The timing is usually from 8.15 am to 3.30 pm, including the after-school club activities.
While planning to move as a student as well, there are many things one needs to take care of. But do not worry about finding the right international moving companies in Japan for your belongings! We will ensure the safety of all your important academic and personal articles.
Japan is known for its high employment and very low unemployment rates. The market in Japan is highly skill oriented. The employment rates have been over 90% for the past 10 years, which means that almost all graduates can get a job easily.
Due to their policy of lifetime employment, the market in Japan is not affected by any economic shocks. Negotiable wages, frequent bonuses, opportunities for increment and promotion, etc., ensure the flexibility of pay scales.
The average salary in Japan is 4,530,000 yen per year. However, it changes according to what field and position you are working in. Some companies offer a lower salary initially, but the interesting thing about traditional Japanese businesses is that high pay is given to employees who stay in the company through the years.
The best-paying industries in Japan are manufacturing, IT, construction, finance, marketing, medicine, etc.
The cost of moving to Japan from the UAE depends on the volume of goods, shipping method, and additional services such as packing, storage, and insurance. Japan is considered a premium relocation destination, so overall costs are typically higher compared to other Asian countries. ISS Relocations provides customized and transparent quotes based on your exact moving requirements.
The timeline for moving to Japan varies based on the shipping method you choose. Air freight usually takes around 5 to 10 days, while sea freight can take approximately 4 to 8 weeks. The total delivery time may also depend on customs clearance and the final destination within Japan.
The best method depends on your timeline and budget. Sea freight is generally the most cost-effective option for full household relocations, while air freight is suitable for urgent or smaller shipments. A professional mover can help you choose the most efficient option based on your needs.
Japan has strict import regulations, and certain items such as food, plants, medications, and specific electronics may be restricted or require special approvals. Proper planning and guidance are essential to ensure compliance and avoid delays during customs clearance.
In some cases, your presence or documentation may be required during customs clearance. However, most of the process is handled by your relocation company, which coordinates with local authorities and keeps you informed throughout.
Yes, professional packing is a standard part of international relocation services. Export-quality packing materials and trained staff ensure that your belongings are securely packed and protected during transit.
Yes, pet relocation to Japan is possible, but it involves strict quarantine regulations and documentation requirements. Advance planning is necessary to ensure a smooth and compliant process for your pet’s relocation.
Insurance is highly recommended for international moves to Japan. It provides protection against potential damage or loss during transit and gives you peace of mind throughout the relocation process.
Shipping a car to Japan is possible but subject to strict regulations, inspections, and compliance standards. Not all vehicles are eligible, so it is important to verify the requirements before planning vehicle relocation.
Choosing the right mover involves evaluating their experience with Japan relocations, understanding of customs regulations, service offerings, and pricing transparency. Working with an experienced company like ISS Relocations helps ensure a smooth and reliable relocation experience.
The required documents typically include passport copies, visa details, packing lists, and shipment-related paperwork. The exact requirements may vary depending on your visa type and the nature of your shipment, so it is important to verify details in advance.
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Plan Stress-free Move with Top Moving Company - ISS Relocations