Expat Relocation & Immigration Support in Yokohama
From work visa to everyday life in Japan.
For individual assignees and corporate HR teams.
LOCAL RELOCATION SUPPORT
A Smooth Start in Japan
Moving to Japan for work involves more than immigration procedures. YVLS supports international assignees and corporate HR teams from work visa and Certificate of Eligibility (COE) applications to the practical steps of settling into everyday life in Japan.
Our local relocation support is available in Yokohama and surrounding areas, including Yokosuka, Kamakura, Zushi, Hayama and Fujisawa. By focusing on this region, we can provide practical, personal support for the local procedures and everyday arrangements that come with starting a new life in Japan.
Whether you are relocating on your own or with your family, we help make the transition smoother for both the assignee and the company supporting the move.
WHO WE SUPPORT
International Assignees & Foreign Professionals
We support international assignees and foreign professionals relocating to the Yokohama area for work, including corporate transferees, managers, specialists, educators, and other professionals starting a new life in Japan.
Our support is designed for both individuals and companies. We also work directly with corporate HR teams to help employees and their families prepare for relocation, complete immigration procedures, and settle into everyday life in Japan.
EXPAT SERVICES
Practical Support Before and After Arrival
01
Immigration & COE Support
Work-status eligibility review, company and applicant document coordination, COE preparation and filing, and support for change of status and extensions.
02
Pre-Arrival Orientation
Practical guidance on the local area, transportation, daily life, administrative procedures, schools, and family needs before arrival.
03
Arrival & City Hall Support
Assistance with address registration, residence procedures, My Number-related guidance, and other essential first steps after moving in.
04
Banking, Mobile & Daily Setup
Practical support for bank account opening, mobile phone arrangements, utilities, and understanding everyday procedures in Japan.
05
Family & School Support
Local and international school information, appointment coordination and accompaniment, with practical guidance speaking as a parent seeing international school life in Japan firsthand..
06
Ongoing Local Support
English-language guidance for questions that arise after arrival, including local services, daily-life procedures, and administrative matters.
Housing & Daily Life
Housing & Daily-Life Troubleshooting
Moving into a new home in Japan often comes with questions that go beyond finding a property. We provide practical English-language support to help you understand local rules, communicate clearly, and handle everyday housing issues after move-in.
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01
Lease-Related Document Support
Plain-English explanation of important points in lease-related documents and notices. -
02
Communication With Property Management
Support understanding notices and communicating practical questions or concerns with property management. -
03
Garbage & Recycling Rules
Guidance on local garbage collection, sorting rules, recycling schedules, and other neighborhood procedures. -
04
Everyday Housing Troubleshooting
Practical help when unfamiliar rules, procedures, or housing-related issues arise after you move in.
Practical Experience
Support is informed by prior experience as a licensed real estate agent in New York, together with firsthand experience of living abroad and navigating life as an international resident.
* YVLS does not provide real estate brokerage services in Japan.
EXPAT SERVICES
Immigration Support for Employees Relocating to Japan
YVLS supports work-related immigration procedures for international employees relocating to Japan, from identifying the appropriate status of residence to preparing and filing the Certificate of Eligibility (COE) application.
We coordinate with both the employee and the employer to organize the required company and applicant documents, explain what is needed in clear English, and help keep the immigration process moving smoothly from preparation through arrival in Japan.
Common Work-Related Statuses We Support
These are examples only. The appropriate status of residence depends on the employee’s role, qualifications, employer, and individual circumstances.
COE APPLICATION PROCESS
From Document Preparation to Arrival in Japan
YVLS coordinates the immigration process with both the employee and the employer, helping reduce confusion and unnecessary back-and-forth during the COE application process.
Confirm the Appropriate Status
We review the employee’s role, qualifications, employment conditions, and company information to identify the appropriate status of residence.
Prepare Company & Applicant Documents
We provide clear document guidance and coordinate the required materials with both the employee and corporate HR team.
Prepare & File the COE Application
YVLS prepares and checks the application package and submits the Certificate of Eligibility application to Immigration in Japan.
COE Approval & Next Steps
After the COE is issued, we guide the employee through the next steps for the overseas visa application and preparation for arrival in Japan.
FOR CORPORATE HR TEAMS
Supporting Your Employees Before and After Arrival
Relocating an employee to Japan involves more than completing an immigration application. YVLS acts as a local point of contact for both the employee and the HR team, helping coordinate immigration procedures, arrival preparation, and practical support after the move.
By keeping communication clear and support in one place, we help reduce the administrative burden on HR while giving employees and their families a smoother start in Japan.
One Point of Contact
Immigration and relocation support can be coordinated in one place, helping simplify communication for both HR and the employee.
Clear Communication
Clear English-language guidance for employees, with practical coordination and communication with corporate HR throughout the process.
Support Beyond Arrival
Local support continues after arrival, helping employees and their families settle into everyday life in Japan more smoothly.
LET'S TALK ABOUT YOUR RELOCATION
Planning a Move to Japan?
Whether you are relocating to Japan for work or supporting an employee’s move, tell us about your situation. We’ll help you understand the immigration process and the relocation support available to make the transition smoother.