Japan Moving Cost Guide 2025: Relocation Budgeting for Expats with a New Job

I. How to Budget: Calculating Your Initial Moving Costs Before Arriving in Japan

Congratulations on securing your job in Japan! As you prepare to launch your dream career, proactive financial planning is crucial.

You might be asking: “How much savings do I need?” and “How can I best utilize my new employer’s benefits?” This guide is designed for the already-hired expat, detailing what expenses to anticipate, how much to budget, and how to maximize company support to keep your initial costs low.

II. Mandatory Costs: Visa and Travel

These are the fixed costs you must settle before your departure.

1. Working Visa Related Fees

While your company typically handles the majority of the working visa application, certain personal costs may fall to you.

• Medical Check-ups: Though not always mandatory, some roles require a pre-employment health check. Expect costs to be around ¥10,000 to ¥30,000.
• Documentation and Certification: Fees for passport photos, and potentially notarizing or translating official documents from your home country.
• Residence Card: No major fees are typically associated with the card itself, but factor in small costs related to the overall process.

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2. Airfare

Airfare costs fluctuate heavily based on your origin and the travel season.

Tip for Saving: If your company offers a relocation allowance, try to find a ticket that keeps you under the maximum reimbursement limit. You should also use flight comparison websites like Skyscanner to track price trends and find the most cost-effective travel dates.

III. Housing Upfront Costs: Understanding and Budgeting for Japanese Initial Housing Fees

Renting an apartment in Japan is often the single largest initial expense and the most surprising for foreigners due to unique customs.

1. The Shock of Japan’s “Three-Part” Initial Fee

When signing a lease, you typically must pay the following three fees in addition to the first month’s rent:

• Shikikin (敷金 Security Deposit): A refundable deposit used for cleaning and repairs upon moving out. Usually, 1 month’s rent.
• Reikin (礼金 Key Money): A non-refundable fee paid to the landlord as a “gift.” Usually, 0 to 2 months’ rent.
• Chukai Tesuryo (仲介手数料 Agency Fee): The real estate agent’s commission. Usually, 1.1 months’ rent (including tax).

When you factor in these, plus the first month’s rent and insurance, you should budget for an average of 4.5 months of rent (based on average data from major real estate portals) to cover the total upfront costs.

2. Cost Reduction by Leveraging Company Support

If your employer offers housing support, you can significantly mitigate this high cost:

• Company Housing: If your company leases the apartment for you, they usually absorb all initial fees (Shikikin, Reikin). Your upfront cost may be zero or very minimal.
• Housing Allowance: While this subsidizes your monthly rent, you often still have to pay the initial fees yourself. Confirm if there is a separate initial cost reimbursement.

Risk Mitigation: If your company does not offer housing assistance, look for “Zero Shikikin/Reikin” or “Free Rent” (first month free) apartments. This can cut your upfront payment to approximately 2 months’ worth of rent.

IV. Integrating Employer Benefits: 3 Key Support Items to Confirm with Your New Company

Confirming the specifics of your company’s support is the most critical step in creating your budget. Check these three points with your HR team as soon as possible.

V. Initial Living Setup Costs: Daily Living and Furnishing Your New Home

You need a “survival buffer” to cover daily expenses until your first salary hits (typically 1–2 months after you start).

1. 3-Months of Living Expenses (Single Person)

Based on the Family Income and Expenditure Survey by Japan’s Statistics Bureau, we can estimate your non-housing spending:

(Includes: Food, Transport, Utilities, Communication, Daily Goods)

This ¥300,000 – ¥360,000 is the minimum savings goal you should have on hand for non-housing expenses.

2. Furniture and Appliance Setup

If your company doesn’t furnish your apartment, you need a budget for the bare essentials.

Tip for Saving: Utilize local second-hand stores (like 2nd Street and Hard Off) to easily cut this budget in half. For new items, major retailers like Nitori and IKEA offer low-cost, functional furniture and essential starter sets, allowing you to furnish your home affordably.

VI. Total Simulation and Financial Mitigation: Your Target Savings Goal and Risk Mitigation Strategies

Let’s simulate the worst-case scenario (assuming limited or no company support for housing/relocation) to set your ultimate savings goal.

Target Savings Goal: Approximately ¥1,000,000 ($1 Million Yen)

If your company provides allowances, deduct that amount from this total to calculate your personal target.

VII. Summary: The Power of Proactive Financial Planning

Your new career in Japan begins with solid financial preparation.

1. Confirm with Your Company Immediately: Get the exact figures and policies for your relocation allowance, housing subsidy, and housing assistance.
2. Set Your Goal: Subtract your confirmed company support from the total simulation to establish your realistic Moving Fund Goal.

We wish you a successful and smooth start to your new life in Japan!

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