Moving to
Japan
The real numbers for Japan: take-home pay after tax, the true cost of living in Tokyo, and how expats and nomads get a visa.
Take-home pay
Net salary in Japan after income tax and social security:
Brackets combine national income tax with the roughly 10% local resident tax; social insurance (pension, health, employment) is heavy.
Cost of living · Tokyo
Visa
Six-month digital nomad visa launched March 2024 requires ¥10M/year (~US$69k) in foreign income.
Typical income requirement: $5,750/month.
Among the safest countries worldwide, with very low violent crime.
Dial 110 for police, ambulance or fire.
Get paid in your home currency, spend in JPY, skip the ~3% bank markup.
Nomad-friendly cover that works from day one — most visas require it.
Moving to Japan — FAQ
Is there income tax in Japan?
Yes. Japan taxes income on progressive brackets. On a $60,000 salary the effective rate is about 35.5%, leaving roughly $38,700.
Can digital nomads get a visa for Japan?
Yes — Six-month digital nomad visa launched March 2024 requires ¥10M/year (~US$69k) in foreign income.
How much does it cost to live in Tokyo?
A single person needs roughly $1,900/month in Tokyo, and a family around $4,500/month, all-in.