Hosting Employees Relocating from Japan: The Employer’s Playbook

Singapore’s workforce is global — at the end-2024, the Ministry of Manpower recorded ~202,100 Employment Pass and ~178,200 S Pass holders. Among them are many professionals relocating from Japan, who bring bilingual skills and cross-cultural expertise. At the end of 2024, Singapore hosted over 32,000 Japanese residents, reflecting steady mobility growth post-pandemic.

This article, part of Reeracoen’s Expat Living Series, offers employers a practical playbook for supporting international staff — with a focus on employees relocating from Japan. While this article focuses on professionals relocating from Japan, however, its guidance is relevant to any international talent moving to Singapore.

Pre-Boarding Checklist
Temporary housing & onboarding clarity: Provide a serviced apartment stipend for 6–12 weeks to prevent rushed, costly leases, and offer a “Day One guide” with cultural notes on meeting punctuality, lunch etiquette, and hybrid work norms.
Legal & digital setup: Pre-brief on Singpass, banking, and PayNow, helping employees navigate essential processes before arrival.
Family support & healthcare: Curate school options (Japanese School, Waseda Shibuya, international schools) and connect families with community networks like JAS/JCCI, while ensuring insurance is in place beforehand — foreign professionals’ medical bills can be 3–5x higher without coverage.

The ROI for Employers

• Faster ramp-up: Employees with housing and admin sorted can focus on work.
• Retention: Community support reduces expat loneliness and turnover.
• Employer branding: Staff relocating internationally value companies that care for their families and life outside work.

FAQs

Q1. Why should companies invest in onboarding expats from Japan?
It shortens time-to-productivity and strengthens retention in a high-cost market.

Q2. What’s the biggest challenge for professionals relocating from Japan?
Housing decisions and family schooling — both benefit from employer guidance.

Q3. How can companies show cultural sensitivity?
Offer bilingual onboarding material, explain workplace etiquette, and encourage managers to be clear about expectations.

Ready to Support Your International Team?

📖 Download the Ultimate Guide for Living & Working in Singapore (Japan Edition):
Step-by-step advice on housing, transport, healthcare, and more.
Practical checklists to help employees relocating from Japan (and beyond) settle faster.  [Download the Guide]

Want tailored advice?

For Employers: Ensure your staff settle smoothly.  [Talk to our Japan Desk]

For Candidates: Thinking of a move? [Book a free consultation]

References

• Ministry of Manpower (MOM) – Foreign Workforce Numbers
• Mercer – Cost of Living City Ranking
• Japanese Association Singapore (JAS) – Community Information
• Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) – Singapore Digital Economy Report

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