Immigration to Japan from Russia in 2024

Japan is an island country in East Asia, world famous for its rich culture, picturesque landscapes and technological achievements. The country is characterised by a safe and clean environment, high quality of life and ample opportunities for professional development. The popularity of immigration from Russia to Japan, judging by the reviews, is due to the desire for stability and career growth.   

For most of its history, the country was closed to outsiders, and even after the opening of the borders, foreigners are treated warily. Nevertheless, according to the reviews of natives of Russia, this only fuels interest in immigration to Japan. And the government of this state offers enough programmes for temporary settlement and citizenship. 

Options for immigration to Japan  

Immigration programmes to Japan are ways of moving to a permanent place of residence, which are regulated by the legislation of this state. It is worth noting that the country’s policy towards immigrants is very strict. Violation of the procedures stipulated by immigration programmes can be punished by deportation, entry ban for up to 10 years and even imprisonment.  

There are four main immigration programmes to Japan from Russia:  

• Marriage;  

Marriage to a Japanese citizen allows you to obtain a residence permit upon arrival in the country and gives you the opportunity to apply for a permanent residence permit and passport in an expedited manner. This immigration programme is available to everyone, but the fictitiousness of the marriage is carefully checked by the authorities. To obtain residency status, it must have been concluded at least three years after arriving in the country under one of the immigration programmes.  

• Employment;  

Japan is interested in attracting highly qualified specialists. For this purpose, its government conducts special immigration programmes to improve the qualifications of foreigners and offers jobs in sought-after professions. This state is not interested in unskilled personnel. Judging by reviews, it is not easy to move to Japan without good education and work experience. To get a long-term visa under this immigration programme, you must have an invitation from a Japanese employer. 

• Study;  

Admission to a Japanese educational institution is accompanied by a student visa. After graduation it is possible to get an internship or a job with the prospect of further residence in Japan and acquisition of permanent residence and citizenship under the naturalization program.  

• Starting a business.  

Creation of companies and jobs for Japanese is very welcome in this country. For immigration it is necessary to obtain a business visa. With it you can only conduct commercial activities and you will not be able to get a residence permit/permanent residence. For these purposes, it is better to use another immigration program.  

Each immigration program in Japan is accompanied by the submission of documents for a visa or residence permit, the list of which may vary depending on the purpose of stay in the country. But in any case, it is useful to prepare the basic list below:  

• Foreign and internal passport;  

• Two photos 3.5 by 4.5;  

• Medical certificate of absence of diseases dangerous for the society;  

• Birth and marriage certificates;  

• Certificate of absence of criminal record.  

 Peculiarities of Japan    

To understand whether Japan is suitable for immigration from Russia, it is necessary to study the facts about the state of its economy, everyday life and other features. Below are the important aspects of living in this state, which you can familiarize yourself with according to the reviews of immigrants:  

• Japan has high interest rates. The national rate is 33.48%, while in Russia it is 13%.  

• The country has one of the highest levels of security in the world. According to reviews, there are practically no cases of crime here compared to many states.  

• When immigrating from Russia for employment purposes, it should be taken into account that the Japanese are very diligent and work hard. Judging by the reviews, to get a foothold in a position or to achieve career growth, you will have to keep up with your colleagues.  

• Japan has a very high population density. In 2023, 126 million people live here, when in Russia 146. Based on reviews, it is problematic to find spacious housing in the cities.  

• The transportation infrastructure here is well developed. Delays in the work of the subway and trains are counted in seconds.  

• Japan is a very bureaucratized country. According to reviews, when immigrating, you should be prepared for abundant work with documentation.  

Reviews from immigrants  

Reviews about immigration to Japan will help you understand how easy it is to move to this country and how Russian residents who have moved there feel. Below is a small selection of such reviews.  

“I moved to Japan from Russia on a study program six months ago. Even students have to go through complicated bureaucratic processes to get a residence permit. I had to draw up documents for a long time, bring certificates from various authorities, etc. Nevertheless, living here after immigration is not bad. I read in reviews that locals are hostile to foreigners, but I feel a neutral attitude.”

Vitaly, 19

“My immigration to Japan started when I was invited to work in a Kyoto company as an IT specialist. It was easy to get a visa at the consulate, but it was not easy to apply for a residence permit, I had to deal with a lot of documents. I was assisted by an employee sent from the company. He was very helpful. I would describe life here after immigrating from Russia as follows: work and home. Colleagues overwork a lot, I have to keep up with them to keep my position. I started earning good money after I immigrated to Japan, the cost of living here is low. I go to the bar with my coworkers for entertainment, the rest is too youthful for me. I can’t say that I am completely satisfied with life here, but I don’t regret immigrating to Japan from Russia. I am growing rapidly professionally and developing my career as an IT specialist.”

Alexander, 34  

Judging by the feedback from migrants from Russia, it is not easy to obtain a residence permit in Japan, as this process involves lengthy paperwork. People like living there, but it is not easy to adapt to local life and mentality. Nevertheless, Japan is a progressive country. Having moved under one of the immigration programs, according to reviews, here you can get all the opportunities for a comfortable life, especially if you have a decent qualification and desire to work.