Moving to Spain from Japan: Complete Residency Guide

Everything Japanese citizens need to know about relocating to Spain. Visa pathways, tax considerations, and practical steps for your European move.

Visa Options for Japanese Nationals

Japanese citizens enjoy 90-day visa-free access to Spain for tourism. For longer stays or work purposes, you need a residence visa. Here are the main pathways:

Digital Nomad Visa

If you work remotely for non-Spanish companies or have international freelance clients, this is your best option. Allows you to live in Spain while maintaining your existing work arrangements.

• Minimum income requirement of approximately €2,760/month
• Must work for companies outside Spain or have non-Spanish clients
• Professional qualifications or 3 years experience required
• Private health insurance covering Spain
• Clean criminal record from Japan

Non-Lucrative Visa

For those who can support themselves without working in Spain. Popular with early retirees and those with passive income from investments or savings.

• Proof of sufficient funds (approximately €2,400/month or €28,800/year)
• No employment permitted in Spain
• Investment income, savings, or pensions qualify
• Private health insurance required
• Initial 1-year visa, renewable

Work Visa

Requires a Spanish employer sponsor. The company must demonstrate they could not fill the position with EU candidates. Tech companies and multinationals occasionally sponsor Japanese professionals for specialized roles.

Student Visa

For enrollment in Spanish educational institutions. Allows limited part-time work. Can be converted to work permit after graduation in some circumstances.

Spanish Consulates in Japan

• Tokyo: 1-3-29 Roppongi, Minato-ku. Primary consular services for eastern Japan
• Osaka: 1-6-7 Edobori, Nishi-ku. Serves western Japan

Visa applications must be submitted in person. Appointment wait times vary from 2-4 weeks depending on season.

Tax Considerations

Japan and Spain both tax worldwide income of residents, making exit and entry timing important.

Japanese Exit Tax

Japan imposes exit tax on unrealized gains for residents with significant financial assets. If your total financial assets exceed 100 million yen, departure triggers potential tax on unrealized gains. This requires careful planning before establishing Spanish residency.

Double Taxation Treaty

The Japan-Spain treaty prevents double taxation. Pension income, rental income from Japanese property, dividends, and capital gains all have specific treaty provisions requiring analysis.

Nenkin (Japanese Pension)

Japanese national pension (Kokumin Nenkin) and employee pension (Kosei Nenkin) continue regardless of residence. Treaty provisions determine taxation. Social security agreements may affect contribution credits.

Cultural Adjustment

The cultural distance between Japan and Spain is substantial. Spanish communication is direct where Japanese is indirect. Spanish schedules are flexible where Japanese are precise. Social interactions in Spain involve more physical contact and louder conversation.

These differences attract some Japanese residents and challenge others. Language learning requires significant effort. Spanish grammar differs fundamentally from Japanese, though pronunciation comes relatively easily to Japanese speakers.

We Handle Everything

Japanese citizens expect administrative precision. Spanish bureaucracy operates on different principles. The contrast can prove challenging for those accustomed to efficient Japanese systems. Appointments book weeks out. Requirements vary by province. Documentation must be precise but processes are not.

At Legal Fournier, we manage your move from Japan to Spain completely. Visa documentation prepared correctly from the first submission. NIE registration, empadronamiento, Social Security enrollment. Coordinated tax planning across Japanese and Spanish systems including exit tax considerations. We handle the bureaucracy while you focus on your new life.

This guide provides general information. Immigration and tax rules change regularly. For personalized planning, contact our team.