Moving to Japan Checklist

Disclaimer: This checklist provides a general framework for planning a move to Japan. Immigration requirements, procedures, and timelines vary significantly based on your nationality, status of residence type, and individual circumstances. Always verify current requirements with the Japan Immigration Services Agency (JISA), your nearest Japanese embassy or consulate, and where appropriate, a licensed immigration professional.

Moving to Japan is a multi-month process. This checklist is organized by typical timeline, starting 6–12 months before your intended move date. Not all steps apply to everyone — your sequence will depend on your visa type, employer, housing situation, and country of origin.

6–12 Months Before Moving

Research your visa/status of residence: Determine which status of residence you are eligible for. Common categories include work visas (Engineer/Specialist, Highly Skilled Professional), Student visa, Spouse/Dependent of Japanese national, and others. See JISA for current categories and eligibility.
Secure employment or enrollment (if applicable): Most work visas require a sponsoring employer. Students need acceptance to an accredited institution. Begin these applications early.
Research Japanese language: Basic Japanese is helpful even if not required for your visa. JLPT N4 or N3 level is useful for daily life.
Budget for initial costs: Moving to Japan requires upfront funds for flights, initial housing deposits (often 2–6 months of rent), furniture, and living expenses while getting settled.

3–6 Months Before Moving

Visa/COE application (if applicable): Your employer or school typically initiates the Certificate of Eligibility (COE) application in Japan. The process takes several weeks. With COE in hand, apply at your local Japanese embassy/consulate for the visa.
Research housing: Decide on area and accommodation type. Short-term options (guesthouses, monthly apartments) are useful for the first 1–3 months while you search for a longer-term rental.
Sort out home country obligations: Notify your bank, employer, and government agencies. Arrange mail forwarding. Cancel subscriptions. Research tax obligations for leaving your home country.
Sell or store belongings: Shipping to Japan is expensive. Most people ship only essentials and replace furniture in Japan.

1–3 Months Before Moving

Book flights: One-way or open-jaw depending on your situation.
Book temporary accommodation: Confirm your first few weeks of housing.
Research health insurance: Once resident in Japan, you are generally required to join National Health Insurance (NHI) or an employer-provided scheme.
Set up a VPN (optional): Some streaming services and bank accounts block access from Japan. Sort this before you leave.

First Week in Japan

Register your address: Within 14 days of arrival, register at your local city/ward hall (区役所/市役所). This activates your Residence Card (在留カード) with your address.
Get a My Number: Your national ID number. You will receive a notification card by post once registered. Keep this number secure.
Join National Health Insurance (NHI): Done at city hall. Monthly premium is income-based.
Open a bank account: Japan Post Bank and Shinsei Bank are typically accessible to new residents. Some banks require 6 months’ residence first.
Get a SIM card or phone plan: Done immediately at airports or electronics stores.

First Month in Japan

Set up utilities: Electricity, gas, and water registrations (typically through online portals or calling the provider).
Register for pension (if applicable): National Pension (国民年金) for self-employed or between employment.
Get a Hanko (personal seal): Not always required but useful for some contracts and bank paperwork.
Start building credit: Apply for a credit card; some cards accept new residents, others require a year or more of history.