Osaka Dotonbori street with neon signsJezael Melgoza

You + OsakaBETA

Japan's friendlier, more casual second city, known for street food, comedy culture, and warmer local character. Osaka has a varies, humid summers climate (summers avg 30°C, winters avg 6°C).

For daily life, you'll need A2 Japanese.

💬 What people love

  • Osakans famously friendly. More outgoing than reserved Tokyo
  • Street food capital, takoyaki, okonomiyaki, kushikatsu heaven
  • 20-30% cheaper than Tokyo for rent and dining

⚠️ What's hard

  • Japanese even more essential. Less English than Tokyo
  • Fewer international companies, job options limited
  • Summers brutal, 35°C+ with extreme humidity Jul-Sep
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Plan a Scouting Trip

0people researching Osaka

Meet others considering the same city. Explore neighborhoods, connect with locals.

Free • Get matched with people like you

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Watch a webinar about Osaka

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Learn from experts about life in Osaka and how to navigate a move there.

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Visa Pathways

Japan offers several visa pathways for immigrants. Here are the most common options.

💻Digital Nomad Visa (Designated Activities)

6-month visa for remote workers (launched March 2024)

Eligibility:Work for non-Japanese company, Private health insurance (¥10M+ medical coverage)
Salary:€62K+
Processing time:~8 weeks
Path to PR:No
🔧Highly Skilled Professional

Points-based visa for highly qualified workers

Eligibility:70+ points on points system, Job offer
Processing time:~8 weeks
Path to PR:Yes
See requirements for other pathways
📋Engineer/Specialist in Humanities~8 weeks
📋Business Manager~12 weeks

⚠️ Visa requirements change frequently. Always verify with official sources or a licensed immigration consultant.

Featured Japan visa specialists

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🏠 Housing

Find a place to live in Osaka with help from local experts.

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Relocation agents in Osaka

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Temporary housing solutions

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Long-term rental specialists