Essential Setup Guide for Foreign Residents in Japan
Starting a new life in Japan is exciting — but it can also feel overwhelming at first.
From your residence card to address registration, health insurance, mobile phone setup, and bank accounts, there are several important procedures you should complete as soon as possible.
In this guide, we explain the essential things foreign residents should do after arriving in Japan in a clear and easy-to-understand way.
Check Your Residence Card
Foreign nationals staying in Japan for a mid- to long-term period will receive a Residence Card (Zairyu Card).
Your residence card is one of the most important documents you will have in Japan. It serves as your official identification card and includes information such as:
Your name
Nationality
Visa status
Period of stay
Airports Where You Can Receive Your Residence Card Directly
If you enter Japan through one of the following airports, you can receive your residence card directly at the airport after immigration inspection:
Narita International Airport(NRT)
Haneda Airport(HND)
Chubu Centrair International Airport(NGO)
Kansai International Airport(KIX)
New Chitose Airport (CTS)
Hiroshima Airport (HIJ)
Fukuoka Airport(FUK)
If you arrive through another airport, don’t worry — your residence card will usually be mailed to your home after you register your address at your local city office. Before leaving the airport, take a quick moment to make sure all the information on your residence card is correct.
Find a Place to Live
To begin your life in Japan, you first need a registered address.
If you have not secured housing before arriving, it is best to start apartment hunting as soon as possible.
Things to Consider When Looking for an Apartment
Monthly rent
Commuting time
Distance from the nearest station
Room size
Separate bathroom and toilet
Internet access
Neighborhood safety
Common Initial Costs in Japan
Security Deposit (Shikikin)
A refundable deposit generally used for cleaning or repairs when moving out.
Key Money (Reikin)
A non-refundable payment made to the landlord as a customary fee.
These systems are unique to Japan and may be unfamiliar to many foreign residents.
Register Your Address at Your Local City Office
Once you move into your home, you must register your address at your local city hall or ward office.
Foreign residents with a residence card are required to complete this registration within 14 days of moving in.
Documents Usually Required
Residence card
Passport
Moving-in notification form
Family-related documents if applicable
Failing to register your address may negatively affect your immigration status, so it is important to complete this procedure as early as possible.
Enroll in Health Insurance and Pension Programs
Residents in Japan are generally required to join Japan’s public health insurance system.
Health Insurance
If you work for a company in Japan, your employer will often enroll you in Social Insurance (Shakai Hoken).
If you are not covered through your employer, you will need to join National Health Insurance through your local municipality.
Having health insurance significantly reduces medical costs when visiting hospitals or clinics.
Pension System
People aged 20 to 59 may also be required to enroll in Japan’s pension system.
Workers with visa categories such as:
Engineer / Specialist in Humanities / International Services
Specified Skilled Worker
are commonly enrolled in Employees’ Pension Insurance through their employer.
Apply for a My Number Card
The My Number Card is a convenient identification card used for administrative procedures in Japan.
Although it is not mandatory, having one can make daily life much easier.
Benefits of Having a My Number Card
You can use it for:
Identity verification
Obtaining official documents at convenience stores
Tax procedures
Online government application
Recently, My Number Cards have also become widely accepted for bank account openings and mobile phone contracts.
Get a SIM Card or Mobile Phone Plan
Having a Japanese phone number is extremely important for daily life in Japan.
You may need it for:
Opening a bank account
Work-related communication
Government procedures
Hospital appointments
Documents Often Required for SIM Card Contracts
Residence card
Passport
Credit card
Japanese bank account
Some mobile carriers may have different rules for newly arrived residents, so it’s a good idea to check what documents and requirements you’ll need before applying.
Open a Japanese Bank Account
A Japanese bank account is essential for receiving your salary and paying rent or utility bills.
Documents Commonly Required
Residence card
Passport
Japanese phone number
Address information
Personal seal or signature
Requirements vary depending on the bank, so checking in advance is recommended.
Prepare a Personal Seal (Inkan / Hanko)
Although signatures are becoming more common, personal seals (hanko) are still widely used in Japan.
For everyday paperwork, preparing a simple seal called a “Mitome-in” is usually enough.
Types of Japanese Seals
Mitome-in
A standard seal used for everyday paperwork and simple contracts.
Jitsuin
An officially registered seal used for important legal procedures such as:
Real estate contracts
Purchasing a car
Major financial agreements
Most people do not need a registered seal immediately after arriving in Japan.Documents Commonly Required
Set Up Utilities and Essential Services
After moving into your home, you will also need to arrange:
Electricity
Gas
Water
Internet service
Gas activation may require an in-person appointment, so it is best to schedule it early.
You should also check your local garbage disposal rules carefully, as recycling and trash separation rules vary by area in Japan.
For example:
Burnable trash
Non-burnable trash
Cans and bottles
PET bottles
must often be separated carefully.
Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)
When will I receive my residence card?
If you enter Japan through major airports such as:
Narita International Airport(NRT)
Haneda Airport(HND)
Kansai International Airport(KIX)
you can usually receive your residence card directly at the airport after immigration inspection.
If you enter through another airport, the card may be mailed to your address after completing address registration.
How soon do I need to register my address?
You must register your address within 14 days after moving into your residence.
Failure to complete this registration without a valid reason may affect your immigration status.
Can foreigners open a Japanese bank account immediately after arrival?
It depends on the bank.
Some banks require address registration and a Japanese phone number first, so completing your SIM card setup and address registration beforehand can make the process smoother.
Can foreigners get a SIM card in Japan?
Yes.
In most cases, you will need:
A residence card
Passport
Credit card
However, contract conditions vary depending on the mobile carrier.
Is a My Number Card mandatory?
No, it is not mandatory.
However, it is highly convenient and can be used for identity verification, obtaining official documents, and accessing various government services.
If you have any concerns about immigration procedures or daily life in Japan, please feel free to contact us. We are here to support foreign residents so they can start their new life in Japan with confidence and peace of mind.
Final Thoughts｜A Smooth Start Makes Life in Japan Easier
Starting a new life in Japan can feel stressful at first, especially when dealing with unfamiliar procedures and paperwork.
However, completing these important steps early will help you build a stable foundation for your new life in Japan.
In particular, make sure to prioritize:
Residence card procedures
Address registration
Health insurance
Mobile phone setup
Bank account opening
If you are unsure about any process, do not hesitate to ask your employer, school, local government office, or an immigration professional for assistance.
We hope your new life in Japan will be safe, comfortable, and exciting.
Profile Megumi Suzuki, Immigration Lawyer . After graduating from universities in both Japan and Shanghai, I worked for about 12 years as an international flight attendant. Through my encounters with people from diverse backgrounds, I was inspired by those pursuing their dreams of studying or working in Japan.
As an administrative scrivener, I focuses on supporting foreign nationals — from visa applications to broader aspects of life in Japan. Guided by my motto, “Supporting people beyond the flight,” I provides personalized and heartfelt assistance, valuing each person’s past, present, and future.
Even if it feels like a small question, please don’t hesitate to reach out — we’re always happy to help.
