Immigration to Japan: Everything French-Speaking Expats Need to Know
Work visas, COE, permanent residence, fees and obligations: the complete guide for French citizens who want to live in Japan in 2026.
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Thinking about moving to Japan? This guide covers everything a French-speaking expatriate needs to know about visas, administrative procedures and the realities of Japanese immigration in 2026. From work visas to permanent residence, here is the essential information to prepare your project.
What are the main visa types for living in Japan?
Japan offers more than twenty visa categories. In practice, French-speaking expats fall into five or six scenarios. Each visa defines what you can do on the territory — work, study, accompany a spouse — and for how long.
Work visa (Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services)
This is the most common visa for foreign employees. It covers engineers, translators, language teachers, designers, marketers and most office jobs. You need a job offer from a Japanese company, a university degree or ten years of experience in the field, and a salary deemed equivalent to that of a Japanese national in the same position. Duration: 1, 3 or 5 years, renewable.
Student visa
For enrolling in a language school, university or vocational school (senmon gakko). Immigration typically requires bank statements showing approximately 3 million yen (about 18,500 EUR) to cover living expenses. Students can work up to 28 hours per week with a special authorization.
Spouse of Japanese National visa
If you are married to a Japanese citizen, this visa offers one of the most flexible statuses: no restrictions on professional activity. Duration of 1, 3 or 5 years, renewable as long as the marriage is in effect.
Working Holiday (WHV)
Reserved for 18 to 30-year-olds, this visa allows you to live and work in Japan for one year. In 2026, demand is so high that the embassy in Paris has temporarily closed appointments. Strasbourg remains an alternative: the consulate accepts walk-in applications.
Digital Nomad Visa
Launched in 2024, this visa allows remote workers to reside in Japan for up to 6 months. The conditions are strict: minimum annual income of 10 million yen (about 62,000 EUR), private health insurance covering at least 10 million yen, and work exclusively for clients or employers located outside Japan. The visa is not renewable — you must leave the country 6 months before you can reapply.
Business Manager Visa
For entrepreneurs starting or managing a business in Japan. Note that conditions were tightened in October 2025: required capital of 30 million yen (up from 5 million previously), at least one full-time local employee, and a JLPT N2 level of Japanese now required.
How does the immigration process work?
Most long-stay visas follow the same two-step process. First, your sponsor in Japan (employer, school, spouse) submits a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) application to the local immigration bureau. This document proves that you meet the requirements. Then, you present the COE at the Japanese embassy or consulate in France to obtain the actual visa.
COE processing takes between 1 and 3 months depending on the category. Once you have the COE, the embassy issues the visa in approximately 5 business days. Upon arrival in Japan, you receive your residence card (zairyu card) directly at the airport if you land at Narita, Haneda, Kansai, Fukuoka, Hiroshima, New Chitose or Chubu.
City hall registration: must be done within 14 days
As soon as you arrive, go to the city hall (kuyakusho) in your neighborhood to register your address. This 14-day deadline is mandatory. You will also receive your My Number, which is essential for taxes, social security and opening a bank account.
New in 2026: starting June 14, 2026, a new document called Tokutei Zairyu Card will merge the residence card and My Number Card into a single document. Enrollment remains optional.
How much do immigration procedures cost in 2026?
Fees have increased significantly. A visa renewal now costs 6,000 JPY (about 37 EUR), up from 4,000 JPY previously. Larger increases are planned during 2026: a change of visa status could rise to 30,000-40,000 JPY (about 185-245 EUR), and a permanent residence application to 100,000 JPY (about 615 EUR).
- Tourist visa: free (exemption for French citizens, 90 days max)
- COE + work visa: no consular fees for French citizens
- Visa renewal: 6,000 JPY (~37 EUR)
- Change of status: 4,000 JPY currently, increase planned in 2026
- Permanent residence: 8,000 JPY currently, increase planned to ~100,000 JPY
Is permanent residence achievable?
Yes, but it requires patience — or a highly qualified profile. The standard pathway requires 10 years of continuous residence in Japan, including 5 years under a work visa. For spouses of Japanese nationals, the timeline drops to 3 years of marriage and 1 year of residence.
The Highly Skilled Professionals shortcut
The points-based system for highly skilled professionals (HSP) can significantly accelerate the process. With 70 points or more (calculated based on degree, salary, age and experience), permanent residence is accessible after 3 years. With 80 points, this drops to just 1 year. The government relaxed criteria in 2025 to make reaching 70 points more achievable.
The J-Skip and J-Find programs, recently launched, also offer fast-track routes for graduates of top global universities and high-income executives.
What are the obligations once settled?
Japan takes formalities seriously. Foreign residents over 16 must carry their residence card (zairyu card) at all times — the fine can reach 200,000 JPY if checked. You must also report any change of address within 14 days, contribute to national health and pension insurance, and file tax returns.
Since 2025, immigration has been checking the validity of registered addresses and social insurance payments more frequently. A failure to pay contributions can block a visa renewal or permanent residence application.
Good to know for French citizens
France and Japan have signed a tax treaty that prevents double taxation. Your French retirement pensions remain taxable in France, not in Japan. However, your Japanese income is taxed locally according to a progressive scale (5% to 45%).
Practical tips for a successful move
- Plan ahead for the COE: submit the application 3-4 months before your planned departure
- Open a bank account quickly: some banks (Shinsei, Sony Bank) accept recent residents. Others require 6 months of residence
- Register with the French consulate: the registry of French nationals abroad facilitates consular procedures and voting
- Learn basic Japanese: even JLPT N4 level makes an enormous difference in daily life
- Keep your documents up to date: checks have intensified, especially for renewals
Japanese immigration may seem rigid on paper, but it remains accessible if you prepare your application well. Every year, thousands of French speakers settle in Japan — with the right visa and a bit of organization, it is entirely doable.