Retiring in Japan

42358POSTS

8 years ago

Hello everyone,

Why did you choose to retire in Japan? What are the advantages compared with your home country?

What were your main considerations when deciding to move? For example, taxes, ease of transferring your pension, etc..

Are there any specific formalities you had to go through as a retiree moving to Japan (for example, is there a particular retirement visa)?

What is Japan's healthcare like? Have you had any good or bad experiences dealing with healthcare professionals?

Do you have any tips for other retirees in Japan?

Thank you for sharing your experience.

Priscilla

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curioussam Active member

26POSTS

8 years ago

I worked in Japan for a good number of years and I was retired five years ago and moved to my late monther-in-law's house in a rural town. Mainly for financial and practical reasons. The cost of returning to the England would have been pretty expensive. It was more practical to retire here in Japan. I've had a few hospital visits since I retired, and to be honest the local healthcare system is not that great. I have been visiting a hospital in the Main city in the prefecture. So far the cost has been pretty reasonable, so too as the quality and care. I do have national healthcare insurance. Generally speaking I find where I live safe and the people are pretty friendly. Haven't had any trouble since moving here. Gets a bit boring from time to time. Still, I've got a car to get out and about; a computer and a TV system which I can watch English speaking programmes including news and movies.

reywatwrite Active member

29POSTS

8 years ago

I retired in the U.S. just before my move to Japan in the fall of 2013. Upon arrival I opened a bank account with a Japanese bank and had my retirement direct deposited. In all it took about two weeks to accomplish. I am not aware of a retirement visa, mine is a spousal residency. When I applied for my permanent residency card I was very surprised at the efficiency and time it took to obtain. No road blocks whatsoever. As for health care, I am on the National system and for me it has worked very well. Even without an appointment the wait time is not very long. You can read about my personal experience at the link below my comments. I am very satisfied with the system. Living in Yokohama also has some benefits for seniors which I have taken advantage of and in a few months will be able to travel throughout my city with free transportation. I have no future plans to move outside of Japan and will be here until my time on earth is finished. I am one very happy resident.

Health care in Japan

1 member reacted to this post

brotherather Member

2POSTS

8 years ago

hi there...glad am of some help...check this site for retiring in japan..https://www.tofugu.com/japan/retire-in-japan/ ..cheers

KenKat Member

2POSTS

8 years ago

I am already retired in the US, have a Japanese Spouse, am thinking of relocating to retire to Japan, where I lived previously for 7 years. I need information primarily on how my retirement income (originating in the US) will be taxed in Japan! Also, since my wife is Japanese, I qualify for the Spousal Visa, & we will qualify for Japanese National Health Care. So, I am also interested in what the monthly cost will be for my wife and I if we relocate to Japan. I would greatly appreciate any responses that will be helpful. Thank you.

KenKat Member

2POSTS

8 years ago

ray,

I am contacting you after viewing your posting on this website. I think that our circumstances are similar? I am 68, have lived in Japan in the past, have a Japanese wife, and we are thinking to relocated to Japan to continue our retirement. I am most interested in how my retirement income in U.S. dollars would be taxed in Japan? Also, I would qualify for a spousal visa if the relocate to Japan and we would be applying for Japanese National Health Care, and I wonder what the approximate cost would be for my wife and I in retirement? I would greatly appreciate any insight or information that you or anyone could give on this matter. Thanks much.

ken

reywatwrite Active member

29POSTS

8 years ago

Hi Ken, if you will e-mail me at *** I will be happy to answer your questions. I am on the National Health Care System, and also have some of my retirement direct deposited into a Japanese bank each month.
Regards,

Rey

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