Are Japanese citizens eligible for the Youth Mobility Scheme?

Yes. Japan is one of the countries eligible for the UK Youth Mobility Scheme. Japanese citizens aged 18 to 30 can apply for a 2-year visa to live and work in the UK.

Do Japanese citizens need a TB test?

No. Japan is not on the Home Office TB testing list.

Do Japanese citizens need an English language test?

Yes. Japan is not a majority English-speaking country. English tests are required for most visa routes. IELTS for UKVI is widely available in Tokyo, Osaka, and other cities.

How much does it cost to move to the UK from Japan?

A Youth Mobility visa costs £298 plus IHS. A Skilled Worker visa costs £719 to £1,420 plus IHS of £1,035 per year. Budget approximately JPY 500,000 to 1,500,000 for the visa process.

Moving to the UK from Japan: Guide 2026

Japan has a strong bilateral relationship with the UK, reflected in the Youth Mobility Scheme and significant Japanese business presence. Japanese nationals have several visa routes available. This guide covers the options and practical considerations.

Visa Routes for Japanese Citizens

Youth Mobility Scheme. Available to Japanese citizens aged 18 to 30. Allows 2 years of living and working in the UK with no sponsor required.
Skilled Worker visa. Requires a licensed sponsor at the minimum salary of £38,700.
Intra-company transfer. For Japanese employees being transferred to a UK branch of their company.
Student visa. See the student visa guide.
Family visa. See the spouse visa guide.

Document Requirements

Valid Japanese passport.
No TB test required.
English language test. Required. Widely available across Japan.
Police certificate. Apply for a criminal record certificate from the prefectural police headquarters. Processing takes approximately 2 weeks.

Costs in Japanese Yen

Youth Mobility visa: £298 (approximately JPY 58,000)
Skilled Worker visa fee: £719 to £1,420 (approximately JPY 140,000 to 290,000)
IHS (per year): £1,035 (approximately JPY 200,000)
English test: approximately JPY 25,000 to 30,000

See our UK visa fees guide.

The Japanese Community in the UK

The Japanese community in the UK numbers approximately 60,000 to 70,000, heavily concentrated in London (particularly Acton, Ealing, Finchley, and the City). The Japanese business community is significant, with major Japanese corporations having London offices. Japanese schools, restaurants, shops, and cultural centres are well established.

After Arrival

Collect your BRP within 10 days
Apply for a National Insurance number
Register with a GP
Open a UK bank account

Path to Settlement

After 5 years on a qualifying visa, apply for ILR. After 12 months with ILR, apply for British citizenship. Note: Japan technically does not recognise dual citizenship for adults, so seek advice before acquiring British citizenship.

Next Steps

For the Youth Mobility Scheme, visit the GOV.UK Youth Mobility page. For other routes, see the GOV.UK Skilled Worker visa page.