Moving Abroad

Moving to Japan: Visas, Residence Card, Health Insurance and Driving (UK Government Guidance)

3 min read

In this guide
  1. Quick answer
  2. What happens after you arrive?
  3. Health insurance, driving and pensions
  4. Working in Japan
  5. Common mistakes
  6. FAQ
    1. Can I keep my British citizenship if I become Japanese?
    2. Can I apply for permanent residency?
    3. Does this cost guide include living costs?
  7. Key takeaways
  8. Related guides
  9. Sources

How do you move to Japan? GOV.UK says you first need to check which visa and residence status you need. Visas are available for work, study, living with family, research, training or an internship, and investment or business. Most long-term visas require a Certificate of Eligibility before you apply for the visa. This page is GOV.UK guidance written for UK nationals, so if you hold another passport, confirm the details with the Japanese authorities.

Quick answer

  • Most long-term visas need a Certificate of Eligibility before you apply.
  • Your residence card is normally issued at the airport. In some cases you must collect it within 14 days of arrival at your Regional Immigration Services Bureau.
  • You must register your address in Japan after arrival.
  • If your visa is valid for more than 90 days, you must enrol in National Health Insurance or Employee Health Insurance.
  • Japan does not recognise dual citizenship, so becoming Japanese may mean giving up your British citizenship.

What happens after you arrive?

  1. Collect your residence card, normally issued at the airport, or within 14 days at the immigration bureau if told to.
  2. Register your address after arrival.
  3. Enrol in a health insurance scheme if your visa is valid for more than 90 days.
  4. Update or reapply for your card if it is lost, damaged or stolen, or if your personal details change.

Health insurance, driving and pensions

Topic What GOV.UK says
Healthcare No reciprocal health agreement with the UK. Visas over 90 days require National Health Insurance (Kokumin Kenko Hoken) or Employee Health Insurance
Driving, 12 months or less Use the 1949 International Driving Permit. Apply for it in the UK, as it cannot be obtained in Japan
Driving, over 12 months Get a Japanese licence. A valid UK licence can be converted without taking a test
Pensions A 3-tier system. Most people who live and work in Japan must join the National Pension System (Basic Pension)
Tax A double taxation agreement means the same income should not be taxed in both countries. Contact the Japanese National Tax Agency

Working in Japan

You need a visa and a residence status that permits work. Job applications may require your residence card, passport and a Japanese police criminal history check, and foreign qualifications may need recognition.

Common mistakes

  • Applying for a long-term visa without the Certificate of Eligibility.
  • Skipping address registration after arrival.
  • Not enrolling in health insurance when the visa is valid for more than 90 days.
  • Trying to get the International Driving Permit in Japan. It must be obtained before you go.

FAQ

Can I keep my British citizenship if I become Japanese?

GOV.UK says Japan does not recognise dual citizenship and you may have to give up British citizenship.

Can I apply for permanent residency?

GOV.UK says you may be able to. Check the Japanese immigration authorities for the current conditions.

Does this cost guide include living costs?

No. GOV.UK gives no cost figures, so check local sources.

Key takeaways

  • Check your visa route and get the Certificate of Eligibility first.
  • Register your address and join a health insurance scheme.
  • Plan your licence: an IDP for short stays, conversion for longer ones.

Last updated: October 2026. This guide is general information, not legal or immigration advice. The GOV.UK page was last updated on 20 February 2026, so confirm current rules with the Japanese authorities.

Sources

  • GOV.UK: Living in Japan

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