Moving to Singapore from Japan: Complete Expat Guide | Homejourney
This definitive pillar guide is your trusted roadmap for Japan expat Singapore relocation. Whether you're a professional eyeing career growth, a family seeking international schools, or an investor exploring opportunities, Homejourney delivers verified insights prioritizing your safety and trust in every step of moving to Singapore from Japan.
From visa essentials to property options for Japanese in Singapore, we cover it all with current 2026 data, insider tips, and actionable advice. Homejourney verifies every detail to empower confident decisions in Singapore's dynamic market.
Table of Contents
- 1. Introduction: Why Relocate to Singapore from Japan
- 2. Visa and Work Permits for Japanese Expats
- 3. Cost of Living Comparison: Japan vs Singapore
- 4. Property Guide for Japanese in Singapore
- 5. Practical Settling-In Guide
- 6. Maintaining Ties with Japan
- 7. Success Stories of Japanese Expats in Singapore
- 8. FAQ: Relocate Singapore from Japan
1. Introduction: Why Relocate to Singapore from Japan
Singapore beckons Japan expat Singapore professionals with its English-speaking business hub status, tax advantages, and proximity to Asia's growth markets. Unlike Japan's seasonal rhythms and hierarchical work culture, Singapore offers year-round tropical vibrancy, multicultural harmony, and efficient public services.
Japanese expats appreciate Singapore's safety—ranked among the world's safest cities—and familiar efficiency in daily life. Career drivers include finance, tech, and manufacturing roles, where Singapore's 3.5% unemployment rate (2025 data) contrasts Japan's evolving work norms.
Homejourney, prioritizing user safety through verified listings, helps Japanese in Singapore navigate from Tokyo's precision to Singapore's Lion City dynamism seamlessly.
Key Differences and Similarities
Both nations emphasize cleanliness and public order, but Singapore's hawker centres replace Japan's ramen stalls for affordable eats. High costs persist, yet Singapore's global connectivity suits frequent Japan flyers.
| Aspect | Japan | Singapore |
|---|---|---|
| Work Culture | Long hours, hierarchy | Balanced, merit-based |
| Climate | Four seasons | Tropical, humid |
| Cost (Monthly Rent, 2-bed) | ¥150,000 (Tokyo) | SGD 5,000 (Orchard) |
Insider tip: Japanese expats love Singapore's onsen-like spas in Sentosa, echoing home comforts.
2. Visa and Work Permits for Japanese Expats
Japanese citizens enjoy visa-free entry to Singapore for 90 days. For relocate Singapore from Japan, secure Employment Pass (EP) for professionals earning over SGD 5,000/month (2026 threshold).
EP processing takes 3-5 weeks via MOM (Ministry of Manpower). Tech, finance, and biotech sectors favor Japanese talent. Families qualify for Dependant's Pass; students for Student's Pass.
Entrepreneurs opt for EntrePass with innovative business plans. Homejourney advises consulting verified agents via our directory for seamless applications.
Step-by-Step Visa Application
- Secure Job Offer: Target MNCs in Marina Bay.
- Submit EP Online: Via EP Online portal with qualifications.
- Medical Check: At designated clinics post-approval.
- Collect In-Principle Approval (IPA): Enter Singapore to finalize.
Success rate for Japanese applicants exceeds 80% due to skilled profiles[1].
3. Cost of Living Comparison: Japan vs Singapore
Singapore's cost of living is 15-20% higher than Tokyo's for expats, driven by housing. A family of four needs SGD 12,000/month excluding rent (2026 Numbeo data).
Food: Mid-range meal for two SGD 60 vs ¥6,000 in Tokyo[1]. Transport: MRT monthly pass SGD 83, efficient like Japan's subway.
| Category | Tokyo (¥) | Singapore (SGD) |
|---|---|---|
| Groceries (Monthly) | 80,000 | 800 |
| Rent (2-Bed CBD) | 200,000 | 6,000 |
| Utilities | 15,000 | 200 |
Save via Homejourney's Bank Rates for optimal mortgage comparisons.
4. Property Guide for Japanese in Singapore
Foreigners like Japanese in Singapore can buy non-landed private properties (condos). HDB flats restricted unless PR status obtained after 3 years EP.
ABSD: 60% for foreigners buying second property (2026 rate, URA). Rentals average SGD 4,500-7,000 for 2-bed in expat areas; 2-3 months deposit required[1].
Popular for Japanese: Orchard Road (shopping), Holland Village (cafes, MRT), Bukit Timah (schools). Use Homejourney's Property Search for verified listings ensuring safety.
Top Neighborhoods Table
| Neighborhood | Why Japanese Expats Love It | Avg Rent (2-Bed SGD) |
|---|---|---|
| Holland Village | Restaurants, MRT, Botanic Gardens | 5,500 |
| Orchard Road | Shopping, transport | 7,000 |
| Bukit Timah | International schools, green spaces | 6,000 |
| River Valley | Condos, cafes, connected | 5,800 |
Insider: Japanese families favor Serangoon for Australian School proximity. Post-move, schedule Aircon Services for tropical climate readiness.
Explore Projects Directory for market analysis.
5. Practical Settling-In Guide
Banking and Finances
Open DBS/POSB account with passport and EP. Link to PayNow for payments. Homejourney supports JPY conversions for seamless transfers.
Healthcare
World-class system; expats need private insurance. Clinics like Raffles Medical (Orchard, 5-min walk from MRT Exit A). MediShield for PRs.
Education
International schools: UWCSEA (Dover, bus 10-min from Holland V), SAS (Woodlands). Apply 12 months ahead; fees SGD 30,000/year.
Transportation
MRT king: EZ-Link card SGD 10. Grab for taxis. Apps: MyTransport.SG, Grab[3]. Cycle via Park Connector Network.
Download Singpass for government services[3].
6. Maintaining Ties with Japan
Direct flights: ANA/JAL Tokyo-Singapore 7 hours, 20+ weekly. Fares SGD 800 return.
Japanese Association Singapore (Tanjong Katong) hosts events. Currency: Exchange at Mustafa Centre (24h, Little India, 10-min MRT).
Connect via 日本人新加坡移民完整指南：Homejourney权威房产攻略 for community insights. Homejourney verifies networks for trust.
7. Success Stories of Japanese Expats in Singapore
A Tokyo finance exec relocated via EP, now thrives in Marina Bay, citing work-life balance vs Japan's overtime[2]. Families praise Bukit Timah's green spaces mirroring Japan's parks.
Investor bought condo post-PR, leveraging low taxes. Homejourney guided their safe property journey, from search to settlement.
Original insight: 70% Japanese expats renew EPs beyond 3 years, drawn by stability (internal Homejourney data).
8. FAQ: Relocate Singapore from Japan
Q: Can Japanese buy property in Singapore?
A: Yes, condos; ABSD 60% applies. Rent first via Property Search .
Q: What's the EP salary threshold for Japanese expats?
A: SGD 5,000+ (2026); higher for older applicants.
Q: Best schools for Japanese kids in Singapore?
A: Japanese School (1 Clementi, 20-min from Holland V); international options like St. Joseph's.
Q: Cost of living for a Japanese family of 4?
A: SGD 12,000/month excl. rent.
Q: Flights from Singapore to Tokyo?
A: 7 hours, SGD 800 return via ANA.
Q: How to find Japanese community in Singapore?
A: Japanese Association; events in Orchard. See 日本亲子游完整指南：新加坡家庭必读 | Homejourney .
Ready to relocate Singapore from Japan? Start with Homejourney's verified Property Search for safe housing. Our platform listens to feedback, verifies listings, and supports your journey with transparency. Contact our experts today for personalized guidance.
