Erick12

Hi everyone. My partner has been offered a position in Osaka. It looks like a good opportunity, but we are concerned about the cost of living. His salary will be around 4300 GBP (620,536 yen aprox ) per month tax-free. We are a Fraco-mexican same-sex couple based in London and neither of us speaks Japanese, for that reason I think at least for the first few months I won't be able to work. I was wondering if this salary will be enough to live comfortably. I am also a bit concerned about the interaction with the Japanese culture in terms of race and sexual diversity.
Thank you in advance for your comments.

Erick

SushiFan

Having lived in Japan myself I think that you are very correct in being concerned about this.
As a starter: have you ensured that both of you will get a residence permit? Your partner will most likely obtain a residence & work permit through his employer. However, as far as I know, does the Japanese government not recognize same-sex couples and thus would you not be entitled for a spouse visa. Unless rules have changed since I left Japan.

BritInParis

I take it this is a position with the UNEP? Is it a P grade job?

Erick12

Hi, well this is a Diplomatic position and we have been told our civil partnership signed in France (the equivalent of a marriage certificate) should be enough to get a spouse visa. Apparently, they have done that before. Thanks.

SushiFan

Going back to your question whether the monthly income is sufficient: this will depend a lot on how much you'll have to pay in rent. Rent consumes a large portion of your monthly income. If your partner already knows some future colleagues in Osaka it might be useful to ask what rent they pay.

Will you be in Japan for five years or longer? If so, then you should investigate the impact of the new "exit tax" which Japan levies on people who leave after having worked there for five years or more.

Erick12

Hi, the contract is for a maximum of 4 years.