I’m a french Delphi expert, and after two travels to Japan, I’d like to settle there for a few years. But since I’m no more a young brillant student, but 47 years old father with 2 childs, I’m not sure how easy it is for me and my family to make the step.
My english is … perfectible, but I dont speak japanese except perhaps 分かりません !
In France I’ve my own company as a single developper, but I can’t keep that activity outside my country. I can keep my clients with just an Internet connexion, but I need a a status to get payed.
From a visa perspective, if you’re wanting to move here and keep working for your existing clients, you should just be able to open a Japanese company. To get an investor visa, you’ll need to invest at least ¥5 million yen in the company, of which you’ll probably spend ¥1 to ¥2 million on fees for professional help (immigration lawyer, consultants, etc).
More than a visa though, my bigger concern would be your children. There is a French School in Tokyo, where as citizens of France your children can attend at a discounted rate. I think the actual cost is based on your salary, but I believe it is a round ¥1 million yen per year per child. They could also potentially attend a local school, but unless they are quite young, that might be challenging for them.
A lawyer told me about a branch (“sucursale” in french) of my compagny. That could be cheaper.
my daughters now have 4 & 8 , but I plan this in at least 2 years…so 6 & 10…they can learn japanese before leaving…at least the basis but I don’t know if it’s enough to integrate the local school. I saw foreign children in France who learned very quickly, quicker than parents
Hi Paul, funny to see a famous Delphi ambassador here! (I think that I had you d7 book with me years ago, sorry if I’m mistaken with another PaulT). As a Delphi experienced (12year but not as expert as you are) and C# dev I have the same objective (and kid…) letd share our progress and findings in bout moving to Japan if you want to!
Jean Ressouche
