The Comprehensive Guide to Moving from Nigeria to Japan: Costs and Considerations
Relocating to a new country is a significant life event, filled with excitement and challenges. If you are planning to move from Nigeria to Japan, understanding the costs involved is very important for a smooth transition. This comprehensive guide will provide you with a detailed breakdown of the expenses you should anticipate.
1. Visa and Immigration Costs.
one of the inevitable expense in this journey is visa application, below is how much you will spend on Visa
Types of Visas
There are several types of visas you can apply for when moving to Japan, including:
- Tourist Visa: For short visits.
- Student Visa: For educational purposes.
- Work Visa: For employment.
- Spouse Visa: For those married to a Japanese citizen.
Visa Fees
The visa application fee varies depending on the type of visa:
- Tourist Visa: Approximately ¥3,000 (₦27,600)
- Student Visa: Approximately ¥4,000 (₦36,800)
- Work Visa: Approximately ¥6,000 (₦55,200)
- Spouse Visa: Approximately ¥8,000 (₦73,600)
These fees are for single-entry visas. Multiple-entry visas cost more.
Additional Costs
- Certificate of Eligibility (COE): Required for work and student visas, costing around ¥1,200 (₦11,040).
- Translation and Notarization: Documents may need to be translated and notarized, costing around ₦30,000 – ₦50,000.
2. Airfare: transportation costs
The cost of a one-way flight from Nigeria to Japan can vary greatly depending on the time of year, airline, and booking class. On average:
- Economy Class: ₦250,000 – ₦400,000
- Business Class: ₦600,000 – ₦1,000,000
It’s advisable to book your flight well in advance to secure the best rates.
3. Shipping and Moving Costs :Personal Belongings
Shipping personal belongings to Japan can be expensive. Options include:
- Air Freight: Faster but more expensive. Costs range from ₦300,000 to ₦800,000 for a few boxes.
- Sea Freight: More affordable but slower. Costs range from ₦150,000 to ₦400,000 for a small container.
Moving Services
Hiring professional movers can ease the process but adds to the cost:
- Full-Service Movers: ₦500,000 – ₦1,500,000 depending on the volume of goods and services required.
if you don’t have much thing to move with, that is if your load can fit in your travelling bad, this shipping costs will not be for you
4. Initial Accommodation
Upon arrival, you will need temporary accommodation while searching for a permanent place to live. Options include:
- Hotels: ¥6,000 – ¥15,000 (₦55,200 – ₦138,000) per night.
- Short-term Rentals (Airbnb, etc.): ¥4,000 – ¥10,000 (₦36,800 – ₦92,000) per night.
Budget for at least two weeks of temporary accommodation.
5. Long-term Housing Rental Costs
Renting an apartment in Japan can be costly, especially in major cities like Tokyo or Osaka. Monthly rental costs:
- Tokyo: ¥80,000 – ¥150,000 (₦736,000 – ₦1,380,000)
- Osaka: ¥60,000 – ¥120,000 (₦552,000 – ₦1,104,000)
- Other Cities: ¥50,000 – ¥100,000 (₦460,000 – ₦920,000)
Initial Costs
- Security Deposit (Shikikin): Usually 1-2 months’ rent.
- Key Money (Reikin): Non-refundable, 1-2 months’ rent.
- Agency Fee: 1 month’s rent.
- Guarantor Fee: ¥10,000 – ¥30,000 (₦92,000 – ₦276,000)
Budget for 5-6 months’ rent upfront for initial costs.
6. Living Expenses Monthly Living Costs
- Utilities (Electricity, Gas, Water): ¥10,000 – ¥20,000 (₦92,000 – ₦184,000)
- Internet and Mobile: ¥5,000 – ¥10,000 (₦46,000 – ₦92,000)
- Groceries and Food: ¥30,000 – ¥50,000 (₦276,000 – ₦460,000)
- Transportation: ¥10,000 – ¥20,000 (₦92,000 – ₦184,000)
- Health Insurance: ¥20,000 – ¥40,000 (₦184,000 – ₦368,000)
Miscellaneous
- Furniture and Appliances: ¥100,000 – ¥300,000 (₦920,000 – ₦2,760,000) if your apartment is unfurnished.
- Clothing and Personal Items: Variable, but budget at least ¥20,000 (₦184,000).
7. Total Estimated Costs
Let’s break down the total estimated costs for the initial move and the first month:
Initial Move
- Visa and Immigration: ¥4,200 (₦38,640)
- Airfare: ₦250,000 – ₦1,000,000
- Shipping and Moving: ₦300,000 – ₦800,000
- Temporary Accommodation: ¥56,000 (₦515,200) for 2 weeks at ¥8,000/night.
- Initial Housing Costs: ¥400,000 (₦3,680,000) (average for Tokyo)
First Month Living Expenses
- Rent: ¥100,000 (₦920,000)
- Utilities: ¥15,000 (₦138,000)
- Internet and Mobile: ¥7,500 (₦69,000)
- Groceries and Food: ¥40,000 (₦368,000)
- Transportation: ¥15,000 (₦138,000)
- Health Insurance: ¥30,000 (₦276,000)
- Miscellaneous: ¥20,000 (₦184,000)
Total Estimate
- Initial Move: ₦4,783,840 – ₦6,333,840
- First Month Living Expenses: ¥227,500 (₦2,093,000)
Grand Total
- Overall Initial Cost: ₦6,876,840 – ₦8,426,840.
if you have a relative in Japan, expenses like renting or hotel lodging will not be for you, also, if you are not taking much load with you, the travel expenses will be more lesser. if you have any question, you can drop them below for further assistance.
Conclusion
Moving from Nigeria to Japan involves substantial financial planning and preparation. While the costs can be high, careful budgeting and planning can help manage these expenses. Consider all aspects, from visa fees and airfare to living expenses and housing, to ensure a smooth and successful transition to your new life in Japan