Moving to Japan: taxes, residence and life
How to become tax resident in Japan: personal, dividend and corporate tax, 6 residence programmes, days needed, climate, safety and economy — compared with 194 countries.
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
| Top income tax | 55.9% |
|---|---|
| Dividend tax | 49% |
| Corporate tax | 30% |
| Verotuksellinen asuinpaikka | saapumisesta — Jūsho (centre of life) in Japan; foreigners arriving to stay ≥1 yr presumed domiciled from arrival |
| Reittisi | 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 |
| Passi | viisumivapaa tai saapuessa 164 maahan |
| Economic growth | +1.1% (2025), forecast 0.6% (2026) |
| Ilmastotyyppi | humid subtropical · 9.8° / 31.3° (Tokyo) |
| Sota ja konfliktit | tension — No fighting; North Korean missile tests, Chinese pressure over Taiwan |
| Kaikki luonnonuhat | 8.9/10 |
| Pankkien vakaus | 8.5/10 · A+ |
| Omaisuuden suoja | 8.5/10 |
| Lämpimät kodit talvella | 3.5/10 |
Residence programmes in Japan
- Business Manager Visa — Sijoitus CHF 162'000 · changing · 2026-10
- Designated Activities – Long Stay for Sightseeing and Recreation (wealthy visitors) — independentMeans · open · 2026-10
- Designated Activities – Digital Nomad — Tulot / v CHF 54'000 · open · 2026-10
- Highly Skilled Professional (incl. J-Skip) — Tulot / v 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
Plan your residence route
Frequently asked questions
How many days do I need to spend in Japan to become tax resident?
saapumisesta. 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
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