Umzug nach Japan: Steuern, Aufenthalt und Leben
So werden Sie in Japan steuerlich ansässig: Einkommens-, Dividenden- und Gewinnsteuer, 6 Aufenthaltsprogramme, nötige Tage, Klima, Sicherheit und Wirtschaft – im Vergleich mit 194 Ländern.
Taxes
In Japan the top income tax rate is 55.9%, dividends are taxed at up to 49% and companies pay 30% corporate tax.
How to move and become tax resident
You can become tax resident in Japan from arrival once you take up residence (Jūsho (centre of life) in Japan; foreigners arriving to stay ≥1 yr presumed domiciled from arrival). The typical route is Business Manager visa (JPY 30m capital, since Oct 2025): JPY 30m capital, ≥1 full-time resident employee, applicant or staff Japanese B2/N2, 3 yrs mgmt exp or master's, real office There are 6 open residence programmes in Japan — see the list below.
Living there
Tokyo has a humid subtropical climate with winter highs around 9.8 °C and summer highs around 31.3 °C. The economy grew +1.1% in 2025; the IMF forecasts 0.6% for 2026. Its passport opens about 164 countries without a visa in advance. Security: No fighting; North Korean missile tests, Chinese pressure over Taiwan.
Key facts
| Höchste Einkommenssteuer | 55.9% |
|---|---|
| Dividendensteuer | 49% |
| Gewinnsteuer | 30% |
| Steuerliche Ansässigkeit | ab Zuzug — Jūsho (centre of life) in Japan; foreigners arriving to stay ≥1 yr presumed domiciled from arrival |
| Typischer Aufenthaltsweg | Business Manager visa (JPY 30m capital, since Oct 2025) — JPY 30m capital, ≥1 full-time resident employee, applicant or staff Japanese B2/N2, 3 yrs mgmt exp or master's, real office |
| Pass | visumfrei oder Visum bei Ankunft in 164 Länder |
| Economic growth | +1.1% (2025), forecast 0.6% (2026) |
| Klimatyp | humid subtropical · 9.8° / 31.3° (Tokyo) |
| Krieg & Konflikte | tension — No fighting; North Korean missile tests, Chinese pressure over Taiwan |
| Alle Naturgefahren | 8.9/10 |
| Bankensicherheit | 8.5/10 · A+ |
| Eigentumsschutz | 8.5/10 |
| Warme Wohnungen im Winter | 3.5/10 |
Aufenthaltsprogramme in Japan
- Business Manager Visa — Investition CHF 162'000 · changing · 2026-10
- Designated Activities – Long Stay for Sightseeing and Recreation (wealthy visitors) — independentMeans · open · 2026-10
- Designated Activities – Digital Nomad — Einkommen / Jahr CHF 54'000 · open · 2026-10
- Highly Skilled Professional (incl. J-Skip) — Einkommen / Jahr CHF 16'200 · open · 2026-10
- Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services (work visa) — employment · open · 2026-10
- Spouse or Child of Japanese National / Dependent — family · open · 2026-10
Passende Ratgeber (Englisch)
Frequently asked questions
How many days do I need to spend in Japan to become tax resident?
ab Zuzug. Jūsho (centre of life) in Japan; foreigners arriving to stay ≥1 yr presumed domiciled from arrival Non-permanent resident (≤5 of 10 yrs): foreign income taxed only if remitted; exit tax ¥100m+
How much tax will I pay in Japan?
In Japan the top income tax rate is 55.9%, dividends are taxed at up to 49% and companies pay 30% corporate tax.
Which residence programmes does Japan offer?
Business Manager Visa (CHF 162'000); Designated Activities – Long Stay for Sightseeing and Recreation (wealthy visitors); Designated Activities – Digital Nomad; Highly Skilled Professional (incl. J-Skip); Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services (work visa)
What is the usual way to move to Japan?
Business Manager visa (JPY 30m capital, since Oct 2025). JPY 30m capital, ≥1 full-time resident employee, applicant or staff Japanese B2/N2, 3 yrs mgmt exp or master's, real office
Compare with nearby countries
Afghanistan · Armenia · Australia · Azerbaijan · Bangladesh · Bhutan · Cambodia · China · Fiji · Georgia · Hong Kong · India
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