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How to Retire in Japan Without a Visa 🇯🇵

AwayWithJoe

18,115 views

Thinking of retiring in Japan? Japan does not have a traditional retirement visa, but that does not mean foreigners have no path to living in Japan long term. In this episode, I break down the real ways Americans and other foreign nationals may be able to relocate to Japan, remain legally, and build a retirement-style life there.

We take a detailed look at Japan’s visa and Status of Residence system, including the options that can work for people who are financially independent, semi-retired, still earning income, married to a Japanese national, or willing to start and operate a business in Japan.

In this episode
Why Japan has no dedicated retirement visa and what that actually means

The Business Manager Status of Residence: requirements, investment considerations, office and business expectations, and why it is not simply a “buy your way into Japan” retirement visa

“Part-time retirement” in Japan: combining savings, investments, pensions, and permitted work

Moving to Japan through employment-based statuses of residence

Professional categories and skilled-work pathways for foreigners who want to keep working while living in Japan

Family-based options, including Spouse or Child of Japanese National and other family-related statuses

Japan’s Digital Nomad Visa: who it may suit, its income requirements, limitations, and why it is not a direct permanent-retirement solution

The difference between a temporary visa, a Status of Residence, permanent residency, and Japanese citizenship

Practical realities: income, taxes, health insurance, housing, language, business compliance, and long-term planning

Which Japan relocation routes may make sense for retirees, entrepreneurs, remote workers, couples, and semi-retired expats

Many people researching retirement in Japan stop as soon as they hear, “Japan doesn’t offer a retirement visa.” That answer is incomplete. Japan can be difficult to retire to, especially compared with countries such as Thailand, the Philippines, Malaysia, or Portugal but there are legitimate pathways for foreigners who qualify and are prepared to meet the requirements.

This video is for anyone asking: Can Americans retire in Japan? Can foreigners live in Japan long term? How do you move to Japan without a job? Can I start a business in Japan to live there? Can remote workers or digital nomads stay in Japan?

As always, immigration rules can change, and every situation is different. This episode is for general educational purposes, not legal, tax, or immigration advice. Before applying, confirm current requirements with Japan’s Immigration Services Agency, a Japanese embassy or consulate, and a qualified immigration professional where appropriate.

Link to my first Japan Retirement Overview (and a ton of comment craziness): I Wanted to Retire in Japan... Until I Lea...

CHAPTERS:
0:00 Intro
0:35 How You Can Retire in Japan
1:10 There is No Retirement Visa in Japan
3:02 The Business Option
10:06 Part-Time Japan Retirement
14:23 Other Ways to Retire in Japan
16:50 Taxes in Japan
21:20 Final Thoughts

Away with Joe helps financially secure adults plan, evaluate, and execute a smart life abroad.

VIDEO LINKS:

How To Set Up Your Retirement Portfolio to MAXIMIZE Protection: Market Crashes? This Strategy Protects You!

Health Insurance Deep Dive: Retire in SE Asia Confidently: Health Cost...

Interested in learning more about retiring abroad? Check this out:
How I live in a New Country Every Month (M...

On Away with Joe, we talk honestly about retiring abroad, living overseas, and building a simpler, more affordable life in Southeast Asia.

This channel is for people who are financially able to retire, thinking about taking the leap, and trying to figure out what life really looks like once you do.

I share real-world experiences about the cost of living in the Philippines and Thailand, expat life, slow travel, visas, healthcare, budgeting, and the small daily details nobody tells you about before you move abroad.

If you’re researching how much money you need to retire overseas, where Americans are moving abroad, or how to travel long-term without blowing up your finances, you’re in the right place.

What’s the biggest thing holding you back from retiring abroad or traveling more right now? Let me know in the comments.

Support the Channel:
Subscribe: @awaywithjoe

Email: awaywithjoe@gmail.com

Other Links:
Jetpac ($5 off your first eSIM):
https://www.jetpacglobal.com/refer/?u...

Wise (first foreign transaction with no fees):
https://tinyurl.com/AwayWithJoe-Wise

20 Comments

@AwayWithJoe Creator 3 weeks ago Pinned

There's a lot of great discussion in the comments! The 90-day 'part-time' stay and business manager routes certainly come with trade-offs. For those planning life after work: would you prefer doing split-year stays (3 months at a time) or navigating the red tape for long-term residency? Let me know your plan below! 👇

@TheSeanShift 5 days ago

Love the video. Great info

@curtisle 2 days ago

Great video.. very informative. You have a new subscriber

@clij5202 3 weeks ago

All too complicated. I married my Japanese wife 21 years ago, got my PR and retire next year … 😂

@SaVannaHBeamzDL 2 weeks ago

Hi, Joe! Brand new viewer and subscriber here! Loved your presentation! Very thoughtful, refreshingly candid, and balanced...all while being quite detailed and encouraging! So deeply appreciated! As someone who grew up there as a US citizen (nearly 40 years ago) and have only been back a couple times (pre COVID), but am hoping to possibly work it into my blended country semi-retirement plan, my main challenge would just be the legalities and technicalities..since the language and cultural are second nature to me, and I've stayed connected to it in many ways. Everything you shared here so rings true, and I'm delighted to find you! Will certainly be staying tuned!

@michaelparker3188 2 weeks ago (edited)

Earthquakes and cold weather. 😮 good luck 👍. JAPAN First 😊😊😊

@bryank7500 12 days ago

I hadn't thought of the ways you brought up. I have been living here since 2000. And back then I already knew I wanted to retire here. So been paying all taxes for 26 years for both countries. Nenkin and Zenkin.

@psprog 3 weeks ago

Yeah I'm warming towards the half life in Japan - go for 3 months twice a year and none of the red tape.

@Doberfitz 3 weeks ago (edited)

I came to this conclusion earlier this year, knowing I'll never "retire", Business Manager Visa - establish a Godo Kaisho as an M&A holding company for SMEs that have succession issues. A huge problem unique to Japan. Win for me, win for Japan. You can build it so it's self sustaining with little of your own time. Thousands upon thousands of SMEs are ready to sell for 1x annual net profit. You can buy profitable ramen shops for as little as $12k for example. I'll be aiming higher but that just shows what's possible.

@trafferz 3 weeks ago

Especially now, you better check the changing rules on renting out a property you own as an Airbnb. I think it now falls under the minshuku laws, there is a not short registration process making sure you property is set up right and you're then only allowed to rent it out at most 6 months of the year.

@rafaelmiranda366 2 weeks ago

Does the same requirements apply to Okinawa, Japan?

@IC-WorldComputer 12 days ago (edited)

any advice on starting a farming business as a foreigner in japan?

@SlowLaneAsia 2 weeks ago

I prefer the 90-day 'part-time' stay because that seems so difficult to do otherwise and I love traveling to other countries also.

@tedlasalvia9668 2 weeks ago (edited)

Hello Joe and greetings from San Diego, CA. Like you, I'm going to retire in the coming year and I'm well aware of the visa limitations in Japan. So if I'm retired and I use the limited tourist visa, I know I can only stay a max of 180 days a year, no more than 90 days at a time. I can also apply for a multiple-entry visa that has the same total limitations but you can enter and exit multiple times. So I sit here watching your video while I'm also searching for a second home in Japan! I'll sit back and enjoy your content while drinking my morning coffee. Best of luck with your channel!.

OK, there are a number of other issues I need to consider as a retiree including medical care. As you noted, there is a digital nomad visa. The obvious choice for me is that I'm retired and every day is a slow travel vacation. I've earned it. While I do plan on vlogging, it will be more about sharing and not necessarily making money as the key point of my retirement is that I won't need to work. That's the very definition of retired. So how does this fit with Japan? Actually very well given that once you are in SE Asia, it's very easy to travel between countries, especially those with excellent healthcare like Thailand and Kuala Lumpur. In addition, I can purchase a home in Japan (looking for my dream home now) and use that home for up to 180 days a year, which is exactly what I want to do to further my pursuit of Zen! Obviously, part of my learning journey will be to ensure that I don't run afoul of the various regulations and laws in those countries, but the learning process is the joy of life! I've also read about cultural activities visa which have different terms but can go as long as 3 years and require a sponsor. There is that option! Ok, that enough for now, back to learning!

@Ideal-Setup 3 weeks ago

Interesting topic and the Japan half-life, is a unique approach people are taking which is cool.

My question is, for people that are older. How do you handle doctor visits/procedures, as I assume you will need more of those as you age. Does simple travel insurance work in Japan, or do you need to travel to your home country for non-emergency visits? Most will want a primary care and specialist they can see reliably. I’m not at that age yet, but it comes to mind.

@mbuckley3828 2 weeks ago

Just to irk the 4 commenters for their anti-foreigner retiring in Japan stances, I’ve heard some who have used the 90 days tourist approach, leave Japan and go to South Korea for a day and then proceed to return to Japan on another 90 day tourist visa stay. You would obviously be using up your 180 maximum day stay going this route but then could plan on staying elsewhere similarly for the remaining 180 days of the calendar year.

@yutokiwa5532 3 weeks ago

Generally speaking, the Japanese government does not seem to view businesses that rely on platforms like YouTube as bona fide enterprises.
This is because platforms like Google can alter their algorithms overnight—potentially causing a drastic drop in your channel's revenue—or even delete your channel entirely for various reasons. You would be powerless to stop it, receive no prior notice or opportunity for input, and have no control over the situation. Consequently, the government places greater value on businesses that avoid such uncertainties—such as those involving the creation and sale of tangible products.

@jimmatzek5895 2 weeks ago (edited)

Was thinking of doing a business visa but they really raised the bar. Will likely judt do 1 ot 2 90 day stints snd not close to each other to draw attention by immigration. The new financial requirements for business visa have a number but not really clear on how they calculate that number. Appreciate more details on that also could you discuss at some point that year 5 on taxes where I my world wide income could become taxable. While mostly recirpocal with the US, definitely not interested in paying addtuonal taxes in stocks and other investments. Great video

@Caerdenen1 3 weeks ago

I was considering retiring in Okinawa because many of my friends there suggested it as a good place to retire to. Basically, I don't want to live in a large city like Tokyo, etc. If I were to retire or part time retire it would be in a small town (like locations in Okinawa).
But now I realize most of my friends are in Honshu - just outside Tokyo, Osaka, Chiba.. or Fukuoka. I have 3 retirement income sources (2 pensions and soon social security). And I have no plans to continue working unless as part time help for a friend somewhere.

@murrayobrien9192 3 weeks ago

I have a Japanese spouse but I won't be bothered with a spouse visa. I will just use the visitor visa to stay there for three months at a time. Life here in Australia is good and I would never give that up. My wife has spent the majority of her working life here as well, so really becoming a Japanese tax resident would be very negative for us. Japan is nice , but it's not forever. I couldn't cope with paying tax in two countries....paying it in one hurts enough.