OIST's Relocation Support Services offers comprehensive assistance to ensure a smooth relocation for individuals moving from overseas or from outside Okinawa Prefecture. Our support is tailored to meet each person’s needs.
Relocation Allowance Breakdown
| Moving Costs | Actual expenses up to the maximum limit based on the regulations (including the family allowance) |
| Airfare Cost/Air Ticket | From the place of departure to Okinawa (including family members) based on the regulations. |
| Transportation | Taxi expenses (including family members) from Naha Airport to place of short-term stay (accommodation) per regulations (excluding Naha Airport to Naha City) |
| Arrival Allowance | Miscellaneous expenses such as accommodation after arrival in Okinawa based on regulations (including for family members) |
The following descriptions correspond to each of the above categories::
Moving Costs:
The Relocation Support Services Section will coordinate with moving companies to have them contact you directly and schedule an on-site visit for a quotation. The moving company selected to transport your household goods will be determined based on a comparison of competitive quotes from two providers.
Moving (International) | Moving (Domestic)
Air Fare/Air Ticket:
Only a one-way ticket from your current place of work or residence to Okinawa, Japan, will be covered. The Relocation Support Services Section will arrange the flight once your departure date is confirmed—typically after your visa has been issued.
Flight (International) | Flight (Domestic)
Transportation Fee:
The Relocation Support Services Section will arrange the TAXI/Cab from Naha Airport to the accommodation after booked the flight.
Taxi & Lodging (International) | Taxi & Lodging (Domestic)
Arrival Allowance:
Arrival allowance is a set amount to cover the miscellaneous expenditure incurred during your relocation period (e.g., for visa application fee, temporally accommodation, etc.). In case you have stayed in the OIST temporary accommodation, the lodging fee will be deducted from the arrival allowance after you check out, then the remaining amount of the allowance will be paid to you. It will usually be paid in about two months from your starting date and will be paid into your bank account.
The staff of Relocation Team will contact you once the form of Travel & Expense Report is ready.
Process Flow Guide
The Relocation Support Services Section will initiate your relocation process by sending you a Welcome Letter along with a link to the Relocation Data Sheet, which you will be asked to complete.
This first contact will occur after you officially accept the offer from OIST through the Faculty Affairs Office (FAO), Academic Human Resources Section (AHR), or HR Management Section.
We will typically reach out approximately three months prior to your start date for international relocations, and two months prior for domestic relocations (within Japan).
Welcome letter:
The Welcome Letter will include detailed information outlining the relocation procedure, along with a link to the Relocation Data Sheet. Please review the materials carefully and complete the data sheet as instructed.
Relocation datasheet:
The Relocation Data Sheet is used to collect essential information, such as your name, shipping address, and other relevant details. You will be asked to complete a web-based questionnaire similar to the example shown below:
After you submit the form, we will proceed to the next step.
The process will differ depending on whether your relocation is domestic (within Japan) or international (from outside Japan).
| CoE & Visa | International | Domestic |
| Moving | International | Domestic |
| Flight | International | Domestic |
| Driver’s License | International | Domestic |
| Moving with Pets | International | Domestic |
| Bring Medications | International | N/A |
| Taxi & Lodging | International | Domestic |
| Housing Options | International | Domestic |
| Municipal Office &Bank | International | Domestic |