Moving to Japan from New Zealand: Your Complete Guide

Key Highlights

Moving from New Zealand to Japan is a big step and can be exciting for expats. Here’s what you should know to make your relocation smooth:

• Look into the Japan visa options that fit you best. The work visa and working holiday visa are good choices for Kiwis.

• Have your paperwork ready early. This includes your passport and a Certificate of Eligibility (CoE).

• Find out the cost of living in Japan. Usually, it is lower than in New Zealand.

• Learn how to set up things like a bank account and health insurance as soon as you get there.

• Be ready for the cultural changes and language barriers. This will help you settle in better.

Introduction

Are you thinking about leaving the hills of New Zealand to go to the busy cities in Japan? You are not the only one who looks for new places. More and more people from New Zealand are going to Japan to work, study, or to simply see what life is like there. This guide is here to help you move with ease. You will find tips on getting visas, learning about the culture, and searching for a home. We will show you everything you need to know so you can have a good relocation from New Zealand to Japan.

Understanding the Move from New Zealand to Japan

The journey from New Zealand to Japan is getting more common for people from here. Many are now making this move. Japan’s growing number of foreign residents means the country is becoming more open to folks from other places. This is good news for expats who want new things to see and do.

If you want to move, you need to know the main steps. You have to get the right visa and get ready for some culture changes. In this guide, you’ll find out why so many from New Zealand want to live in Japan. We also talk about the main things that will be different once you are there in your new life.

Why New Zealanders Are Choosing Japan

More and more people from New Zealand go to Japan because it mixes old ways and new life in an interesting way. By the end of 2023, there were over 3,800 Kiwis living in Japan, and the number keeps going up. This happens as japan becomes more open to the world. What is making this happen for Kiwis?

A lot of expats get interested in japan because there are good jobs in fields like IT, teaching, and hospitality. People can also get a work visa which helps if you want to make the move. There is even a special visa for digital nomads. Both of these visas make it easier for people to live and work in japan. Young Kiwis between 18 and 30 can now use the working holiday scheme twice, so this helps even more. It is a big reason why young people think about going.

Besides work, people say that japan is safe and has a great culture. Lots of people want to go there to study at top universities, try living in a new way, and be a part of a friendly expat group in big cities like tokyo or osaka. All of these things help make japan a good place to start something new.

Key Differences Between Life in New Zealand and Japan

Life in Japan presents some noticeable differences compared to New Zealand, particularly regarding the cost of living and daily culture. For many expats, the financial side is a pleasant surprise. Generally, living costs in Japan are lower than in NZ, especially for essentials like rent and groceries.

While salaries might be higher on average in New Zealand, your money can go further in Japan. Transport costs are quite similar, but housing in a Japanese city can be almost half the price of an equivalent in New Zealand. This affordability allows for a comfortable lifestyle, even in bustling urban centres.

Culturally, you’ll notice shifts in social etiquette, work environments, and living spaces. Here’s a quick comparison of the monthly cost of living:

Expense Category	Japan (NZD)	New Zealand (NZD)
1-Bedroom Apartment (City)	$894	$1,784
Monthly Food	$687	$900
Individual Monthly Cost	$1,990	$3,126
Family of Four Monthly Cost	$4,815	$7,104

Essential Preparations Before Leaving New Zealand

Before you pack your bags and say “haere rā” to New Zealand, there be some things you need to sort first. You have to get your paperwork and other key documents right before you go. It is not only about booking a flight. You need visas, money proofs, and a health plan.

If you take some time to organise it, you will be saving yourself lots of worry later. Let us see the paperwork you must get and why checking health insurance before you leave is a good idea.

Important Paperwork and Documents to Organise

Getting your required documents ready is a key part of moving to Japan. The visa application process needs you to pay close attention, so it’s good to begin early. If you want to stay for a long time, you will likely need a Certificate of Eligibility (CoE). Usually, your employer or school in Japan will help organise this for you.

When you get your CoE, you can send your visa application form to the Embassy of Japan or a consulate. In New Zealand, you can do this in Wellington, Auckland, or Christchurch. You’ll also have to give the paperwork that shows your eligibility and who you are.

Here’s a list of the important paperwork you need to get together:

• A valid New Zealand passport

• A filled out visa application form

• A recent passport-style photo

• Your Certificate of Eligibility (CoE), for most long-term visas

• Proof of enough money to live in Japan

• Police certificates, if they ask for them

Researching Health Insurance and Medical Requirements

If you’re moving to Japan from New Zealand, it’s important to understand how Japan’s healthcare system works. Every person who lives in Japan, including expats and foreign nationals staying more than three months, must be part of a public health insurance plan. This plan will either be National Health Insurance or Social Health Insurance set up by your employer.

When you register at the local municipal office, you can sign up for National Health Insurance. This type of health insurance covers a large part of your medical expenses. Still, you will have to pay a share of the cost for most visits or treatments. The healthcare system in Japan is well known for good medical care, so you can expect to get looked after. But it’s best to be ready and know what to expect.

Many expats choose to get international health insurance on top of the public health insurance. This extra cover can help you pay for things that the public plans don’t include, such as some dental work or if you need to be flown out for treatment. It’s a good idea to look into different insurance plans before you leave New Zealand so you have all your healthcare needs sorted from the moment you arrive.

Beginner’s Guide to Moving to Japan

Planning to move from New Zealand to Japan may seem like a big job. But if you take it step by step, it gets much easier. This guide is here to help you with the first things you need to do as you start your relocation. These steps give you a strong start for your life as an expat.

Knowing the visa requirements, saving money, and finding the right place to stay are important first steps. It’s good to get these basics sorted. We will also talk about some things that new arrivals from New Zealand face and share tips to help you handle them well.

What You’ll Need to Get Started (Visas, Savings, Accommodation Planning)

The first things you need to get sorted are your visa and your money. The type of visa you go for will depend on why you want to be in Japan. Most people applying for a work visa or a student visa must have a Certificate of Eligibility (CoE) from a sponsor in Japan before they can move forward with their application. If you are aged 18-30, the working holiday visa is a good idea because it gives you more freedom.

You also need to have enough savings. This is not something you can skip. You must show you have the money for your visa application, and you will need enough savings to cover your first expenses like flights, deposits for places to stay, and things you will need to live before you get your first pay. It’s a good idea to sort your place to stay before you go to Japan. Short-term rentals can help you when you first get there, so you have time to look for a long-term spot.

Here’s what you should look at to start with:

• Check to see which visa you can get and apply for the right visa.

• Get your Certificate of Eligibility (CoE) if you need one.

• Save at least NZD $4,200 to use for your living costs, and also some more for a flight home.

• Look online to check places you could stay before you arrive.

Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them

Moving to Japan is a big step, and while it can be very exciting, you will find some things tricky, too. The hardest part for many people is the language barrier. English is spoken in places with lots of tourists, but less than 30% of Japanese people use it well. That means doing simple things each day in Japan can be a daunting task, at least at first.

There are also many cultural differences to think about. The focus that Japanese people put on being on time, group harmony, and politeness is much stronger than what you see in New Zealand. You will need to get used to things like bowing instead of shaking hands and taking your shoes off when you go inside. The cost of living might be lower on the whole, but if you choose a big city, the starting costs can be quite high.

Here are some tips to help you with these things:

• Learn a few basic Japanese phrases and use translation apps when needed.

• Pay attention to people around you, be respectful, and give yourself time to pick up the new social rules.

• Try joining local community classes or groups for people from other countries.

• Make sure you plan and watch your budget for start-up fees like deposits for an apartment.

Step-by-Step Process for Moving from New Zealand to Japan

Ready to move from New Zealand to Japan? It can feel like a big task, but following simple steps will help make things easier for you. It all starts with picking the right visa and goes until you settle in your new place. With the right plan, you can stay organised and know what to do next.

This section splits your move into four easy stages. We will show you how to choose and apply for your visa, book your travel, and look for a new place to live. These steps will help you get used to life as an expat in Japan with less stress.

Step 1: Choosing the Right Visa Option for Your Situation

The first thing you need to do is find out which Japan visa is right for you. The type you choose will depend on why you want to move. If you have a job offer, your company will likely sort out a work visa for you, like a skilled professional visa if you are going into IT or research.

If you are 18 to 30 years old, you may want a working holiday visa. This lets you live, work, and travel in Japan for up to 12 months. If you hope to study, a student visa is your best option. Japan has also put in place a digital nomad visa for people who work from home or anywhere.

Each japan visa has its own rules you need to meet. It’s a good idea to check out all visa types and options for your own personal circumstances. You can read more and get details on the Embassy of Japan in New Zealand’s website. This will help you know what you need and get your documents ready.

Step 2: Applying for a Visa (Including Working Holiday Visa)

Once you have picked the right Japan visa, you can start the application process. For most long-term visa types, like a student visa or work visa, your employer or school in Japan will help you get a Certificate of Eligibility (CoE).

When you have your CoE, fill out the visa application form. You will then need to send this in, along with your passport and all required documents, to the Japanese embassy or consulate in Wellington, Auckland, or Christchurch. If you are applying for a working holiday visa, you do not need a CoE. Instead, you must show proof of funds and your travel plans.

Key application steps include:

• Obtain your Certificate of Eligibility (CoE) if you need it for your visa.

• Fill out the official application form with the right details.

• Give your application and all required documents to the Japanese diplomatic office in NZ.

Step 3: Booking Your Flights and Finalising Travel Arrangements

With your visa accepted, you can start getting ready for your trip. It’s the right time to buy flights to Japan. Try to find deals early, but wait until your visa comes through so you won’t have any trouble. It’s also good to get travel insurance that covers you from the second you leave NZ.

You will need to think about what to do with your belongings. Will you sell, store, or ship them? If you plan to stay in Japan for a long time, choosing an international moving company to ship your things can help you settle in faster. Get quotes and check what the customs rules are to bring your things into Japan.

There are a few steps to finish up before you go:

• Buy your flight to Japan once your visa is ready.

• Set up shipping for your belongings and review customs rules.

• Change some of your savings from NZD to Japanese Yen for when you first arrive.

Step 4: Finding Accommodation and Settling In

You can look for a place to stay in Japan even before you get there. Sites like Real Estate Japan and OYO LIFE are good for foreign residents. They show many homes, from shared houses to new flats in Tokyo and Osaka. Most long-term places need a guarantor. Some companies can help you find one.

When you get to Japan, one of the first things you do is register your address at the local municipal office. This is very important for foreign residents. You need to do it to open a bank account or to get national health insurance.

To start your new life well, take these first steps:

• Secure short-term or long-term accommodation.

• Register your address at your local ward or city office.

• Open a bank account with a foreigner-friendly bank like Japan Post Bank.

Adapting to Life in Japan as a New Zealander

Moving from New Zealand to Japan is not just about getting a new place to live. You are stepping into a whole new culture. If you are a foreign national or expat here, you may notice it takes some time and work to settle in. There can be language barriers to get through, and you also need to learn different ways people act and talk in Japan.

But the good news is, you are not on your own. There is help out there. You will find support for things like opening a bank account or meeting new people. There are communities and resources in Japan to give you help so you can feel at home.

Setting Up a Japanese Bank Account and Mobile Phone

Opening a bank account should be one of the first things you do when you get to Japan. Many expats say that Japan Post Bank is a good and simple choice for people who are new to the country. For your new bank account, you will need things like your Residence Card, which you get at the airport, your passport, and sometimes a Japanese phone number.

Once you sign up at your local municipal office, you will get your health insurance card. This card is handy and can also work as a way to show who you are. If you want to get a mobile phone, you should know that you might have to pay some upfront fees and sign a contract. Still, these days you can find some new, flexible plans made for foreigners.

Here are the basic steps you need to start:

• Register your address at the local municipal office to make yourself official.

• Bring your Residence Card and passport to a place like Japan Post Bank to open a bank account.

• Look into the mobile phone plans and find one that you like.

• Have some cash ready for any upfront fees for your phone or your apartment.

Keep in mind, it is good to get your bank account, health insurance card, and a mobile phone soon after you arrive. This will help your life in Japan go much smoother.

Joining Expat Communities and Building a Support Network

One of the best things you can do when you move to Japan is connect with other people. It helps a lot to build a support network. This can be expats from New Zealand, or local Japanese friends. Many communities for foreign residents are out there, so you can talk about your experiences and get advice.

Online groups on social media are the place you should start. You can find groups for New Zealand expats in Japan. There are also bigger English-speaking expat groups. These forums are good if you want to ask questions, look for tips, or set up meetups.

Here are a few ways to build your support network:

• Search for “New Zealand expats in Japan” or “Tokyo expats” on social media.

• Go to local events and community gatherings.

• Join a language exchange group. This helps you practise Japanese and meet local people.

Conclusion

To sum up, moving from New Zealand to Japan is a big step that brings both chances and some challenges. When you get why daily life is different, finish your paperwork the right way, and get used to a new culture, it makes moving to Japan much easier. There is a lot to enjoy in Japan, from old traditions to all the new things you can try. It helps a lot to make new friends and stay open to what’s new. This will make your time in Japan even better. If you are set to move, get the right advice so your move to Japan goes well.