overview
Japan, an island nation in East Asia, is known for its blend of ancient traditions and cutting-edge technology. Its economy, one of the largest in the world, is fueled by manufacturing, technology, and exports.
overview
National Anthem
Il Canto degli Italiani
Independence Day
N/A (Japan was never colonized)
Haiko
Roman columns stand / Gondolas glide through Venice / Pizza margherita
Interesting Tradition
Holds Naked Man Festival (Hadaka Matsuri) where thousands of men compete for lucky sticks
Weirdest Local Superstition
Sticking chopsticks upright in rice
Strangest Law Still on the Books
Illegal to make clones
overview
Come for the harmony, stay for the high-tech: Japan orchestrates an unparalleled fusion of tradition and innovation. Here, bullet trains connect zen gardens with robotics hubs, while the art of mindful living enhances professional excellence. Recent initiatives to attract global talent through startup visas and highly-skilled professional programs have opened new doors to experiencing Japan's unique work-life integration.
overview
discover where 'omotenashi' isn't just service, but the heart of society. Here, precision and passion create tomorrow's possibilities.
overview
Known for its cherry blossoms and sushi where beauty and taste go hand in hand
Japan isn't just a country—it's a study in beautiful contradictions. Here, time seems to move both forward and backward, and even a simple tea ceremony can become a meditation on existence. This is a land where ancient ritual and cutting-edge technology create extraordinary harmony.
From the neon energy of Tokyo to the zen gardens of Kyoto, Japan offers wonder for every thoughtful explorer. Whether you're drawn to the snow-capped majesty of Mount Fuji, the culinary adventures of Osaka, or the spiritual trails of Kumano Kodo, you'll find a nation that masters the art of respectful innovation.
Statistics
Eat
sushi (vinegared rice with fish) - ramen (noodle soup)
Drink
sake (rice wine) - matcha (powdered green tea)
overview
Beer
Annual consumption (liters per capita)
Wine
Annual consumption (liters per capita)
Coffee
Annual consumption (liters per capita)
Tea
Annual consumption (liters per capita)
overview
overview
Representative Novel
The Name of the Rose by Umberto Eco (Historical mystery set in an Italian monastery)
National Animal
Italian Wolf
National Pasttime
Football (Soccer)
National Souvenir
Murano glass
National Dish
Pasta
Famous Festival
Venice Carnival
Famous Dance
Tarantella
Famous Music
Opera
overview
People in Japan live an average of 84 years, thanks to a healthy diet and excellent healthcare.
These machines offer everything from hot meals to fresh flowers, making convenience a key part of daily life.
Trains in Japan are known for their precision, often departing within seconds of their scheduled times.
overview
April 2014
Traditional date of the founding of Japan by Emperor Jimmu
July 2014
Kamakura Shogunate
February 2015
Tokugawa Shogunate era begins
March 2015
Meiji Restoration
October 2016
Fukushima disaster
MOBILITY
NO. OF Mobility Assets
MOBILITY
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MOBILITY
Visa Free Countries
160
Performance Class
Borderless Elite
Passport Grade
A+
Rank
3
Score
191.7
This visa grants access to:
MOBILITY
MOBILITY
MOBILITY
Rankings
Japan offers highly efficient healthcare (#17) and a very pleasant climate (#3). Our analysis highlights its high safety (#33) and strong rule of law (#32) despite elevated living costs.
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Healthcare
Median Age
47.5
years
Life Expectancy
84.1
years
Obesity Rate
4.30%
Tobacco Use
30.20%
Sources
Health Expenditure
10.82%
of GDP
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Hospital Beds
13.05
per 1000 people
Doctors
2.614
per 1000 people
Out-of-pocket
12.03%
of total expenditure
Sources
Healthcare
Japan provides universal healthcare to all residents through its public health insurance system, covering most medical services and treatments.
Private healthcare is also available in Japan, offering faster access to specialists and more personalized care, often covered by supplemental insurance.
Japan consistently ranks among the top countries for life expectancy, thanks to its advanced healthcare system and emphasis on preventive care.
Expatriates in Japan can access the public healthcare system, with many choosing private insurance for more specialized services and faster care.
Japan is at the forefront of medical technology, with hospitals offering cutting-edge treatments and innovations in fields such as robotics and diagnostics.
Healthcare
Healthcare
cost of living
Cost of Gasoline
$2.00
per liter
Cost of Meal
$16.71
(Inexpensive Restaurant)
Monthly Rent
$832.86
(1 bedroom, City Center)
Monthly Utilities
$222.24
(85m² Apartment)
Domestic Beer
$5.57
(0.5 liter draught)
VAT Rate
10%
cost of living
cost of living
cost of living
Taxation
Before relocating to Japan, it's crucial to understand its tax system.+Japan taxes resident expats on their worldwide income, while non-residents are taxed only on Japanese-source income. Income tax rates are progressive, ranging from 5% to 45%, plus a local inhabitant tax. Capital gains are generally taxed at 20.315%. Social security contributions are mandatory for most residents. A "My Number" is used for tax and social security purposes.+Japan has a double taxation treaty with the United States to prevent dual taxation issues.
Tax Residency Requirement
365 days with domicile or residence
Worldwide Income Taxation
Yes
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Higher Rates for Foreign Assets
Yes
US Double Taxation Treaty
Yes
Personal Income
Progressive tax rate based on income levels
Personal Capital Gains
Flat rate on investment gains
Inheritance
Based on inherited amount and relationship
Corporate Income
Standard corporate tax rate applied to business profits
Corporate Capital Gains
Tax rate applied to capital gains from corporate investments
Dividends
Withholding tax rate applied to dividend distributions
Interest
Withholding rate interest payment to non-residens
Royalties
Withholding tax rate for royalty payments
Work Assignment
Foreign individuals are considered resident taxpayers if they have a 'jusho' (residence) in Japan, or have maintained a 'kyosho' (temporary place of abode) in Japan for a period of one year or more.
Overall Ranking
Global position in PWC’c Ease of Paying Taxes ranking
Ease of Paying Taxes Score
Overall score based on multiple factors
Total Tax and Cotribution Rate
TTCR percentage including all mandatory contributtions
Time to Comply
Annual hours required to comply with tax regulations
Number of Payments
Total number of tax payments required annually
Post-filing Index
Score measuring the ease of processes after filing taxes
taxation
taxation
CLIMATE
Average Temperature
11.78 °C
Humidity
73
%
Average Annual Precipitation
1,668
mm
Rainless Days per Year
232
Best Time to Travel
March-May & October-November
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Questions?
Find answers to common questions about GlobalPassport™ and our tools guiding you towards residency or citizenship in Japan.
What Mobility Assets are available to me in Japan?
Do I need to speak Japanese to apply for residency or citizenship in Japan?
Can my family members apply for residency or citizenship in Japan with me?
How will the GlobalPassport™ help me move to Japan?
Can I keep my own citizenship?
overview
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