Moving to Japan: a first-month checklist
The first month in Japan is full of paperwork, and much of it happens in Japanese. This checklist walks through the usual steps in a sensible order, with the words you will see on forms and signs along the way.
Before you start: rules depend on you
What you need to do depends on your status of residence, how long you are staying, whether you have an employer, and the city or ward you live in. Procedures also change from time to time. Treat this as a general guide, and confirm the details with your city or ward office and, for anything about your visa or residence card, the Immigration Services Agency of Japan.
The first-month checklist
- Residence card (在留カード, zairyū kādo). Mid- to long-term residents usually receive it at the airport when entering through one of the major airports. If you arrived elsewhere, it is normally mailed to you after you register your address. Carry it with you.
- Register your address (転入届, tennyū todoke, moving-in notification). Once you have a place to live, you must register at the city or ward office within 14 days. Bring your residence card and passport. Your address is then recorded on the back of the card.
- Health insurance. If you are covered by your employer’s health insurance (社会保険, shakai hoken), your company usually handles it. If not, you will generally join National Health Insurance (国民健康保険, kokumin kenkō hoken) at the city office, often at the same visit as your address registration.
- Pension, where applicable. Residents aged 20 to 59 are generally part of the public pension system, either through an employer or through the National Pension (国民年金, kokumin nenkin). Ask at the city office whether and how this applies to you.
- My Number (マイナンバー). After you register your address, a notice with your 12-digit personal number is sent to that address. You will be asked for it by employers and banks, and you can apply for a My Number Card if you wish. Keep the number private.
- Bank account (銀行口座, ginkō kōza). Bring your residence card with your registered address, and often a Japanese phone number. Requirements vary by bank, and some have extra conditions for people who have only just arrived, so ask before you go. Some banks still ask for a personal seal (印鑑, inkan), while many accept a signature.
- Phone (携帯電話, keitai denwa). Phone contracts usually need your residence card and a payment method. Since banks often want a phone number and phone companies often want a bank account or card, a prepaid or data-only plan can help you bridge the gap.
Words you will see at the city office
| Japanese | Say it | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 市役所・区役所 | shiyakusho, kuyakusho | City office, ward office |
| 窓口 | madoguchi | Service counter |
| 番号札 | bangō fuda | Numbered ticket for the queue |
| 住所 | jūsho | Address |
| 氏名 | shimei | Full name (on forms) |
| 生年月日 | seinengappi | Date of birth |
| 住民票 | jūminhyō | Certificate of residence, often requested by banks and employers |
Useful phrases for the counter
| Japanese | Say it | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 転入届を出したいです | tennyū todoke o dashitai desu | I’d like to register my move-in |
| 国民健康保険に入りたいです | kokumin kenkō hoken ni hairitai desu | I’d like to join National Health Insurance |
| 住民票を一通お願いします | jūminhyō o ittsū onegai shimasu | One copy of my certificate of residence, please |
| どの窓口ですか？ | dono madoguchi desu ka? | Which counter should I go to? |
| ほかに何が必要ですか？ | hoka ni nani ga hitsuyō desu ka? | What else do I need? |
| 英語の書類はありますか？ | eigo no shorui wa arimasu ka? | Do you have the forms in English? |
Tips that save a second trip
- Bring everything, every time. Residence card, passport, your rental contract or address details, and any documents from your employer or school.
- Go early and allow time. City offices can be busy, especially in spring when many people move. Most counters are open on weekday daytimes.
- Ask about other languages. Many larger cities offer forms, guides or interpretation in English and other languages. Smaller towns may not, which is where a few phrases help.
- Get several copies of your 住民票 if needed. Ask your bank or employer first so you know how many you need.
Practising before the paperwork
Knowing the vocabulary makes the city office far less stressful, and the same words come back again with banks, landlords and employers. A Hanabuddies tutor can run through your checklist with you in a lesson, practise the counter conversations, and help you read the forms you bring home.