Complete guide to relocating: visa, housing, essentials, and your first month
Moving to Japan is one of the most exciting decisions you'll make. This guide covers everything from before you leave to settling into your new life. Whether you're coming for work, study, or a new adventure — we've got you covered.
Start preparing 2-3 months before your move:
Ensure your visa is approved and passport is valid for at least 6 months. Most work visas require a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) from your employer.
Bring enough cash for 2-3 months (¥300,000-500,000). ATMs accepting foreign cards are limited. Wise or Revolut cards work at 7-Eleven ATMs.
Bring original copies: degree certificates, employment contract, passport photos (4x3cm), birth certificate if needed. Get apostilles where required.
Unlock your phone before leaving. Consider getting a Japan eSIM or pocket WiFi for the first few weeks.
Your first week priorities in order:
You'll receive this at the airport if you have a work/study visa. It's your most important document — carry it always.
Register at your local ward office within 14 days. You'll need: residence card, passport, and your address. This triggers health insurance and pension enrollment.
Apply at Japan Post Bank (ゆうちょ) or Shinsei Bank — they're foreigner-friendly. Bring: residence card, passport, phone number, seal (hanko) or signature.
Get a Japanese SIM. Ahamo, Povo, and Rakuten Mobile work without a Japanese credit card. You need this for almost everything.
Once basics are done, tackle these:
Apply at city hall. Takes 1-2 months to arrive. Useful for taxes, some banking, and official procedures.
If employed, your company handles this. Otherwise, enroll in National Health Insurance at city hall. Costs ~¥15,000-30,000/month.
Mandatory for residents. Your employer deducts it automatically. Self-employed pay at city hall (~¥16,000/month).
Electricity, gas, water are usually set up by your landlord. You just need to call or visit to transfer the name.
Now that you're set up, explore our other guides:
