Administrative Requirements for Moving to Japan in 2026

Step 1 — Obtain the Right Visa Before Leaving

Japan does not offer a visa on arrival for long-term stays. Before moving, you must apply for the appropriate visa at the Japanese embassy or consulate in your home country. The most common visa categories for expatriates are:

• Work visa (Engineer/Specialist in Humanities, Intra-company Transferee, Highly Skilled Professional, etc.)
• Spouse or Child of Japanese National visa
• Student visa (for academic programs exceeding 3 months)
• Business Manager visa (for entrepreneurs)

Your employer or Japanese institution usually initiates a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) through the Immigration Services Agency (Nyukan) before you apply. Processing times vary from 1 to 3 months, so plan ahead.

💡 Good to Know

The Certificate of Eligibility (COE) is not the visa itself — it is a document issued by Japanese immigration that your embassy then uses to issue the actual visa. Both steps are required before you board your flight.

Step 2 — Register Your Address Within 14 Days of Arrival

Once in Japan, you must register your address (juusho touroku) at the municipal office (shiyakusho or kuyakusho) of the city or ward where you live. This is mandatory within 14 days of moving into your new home. Bring your passport and your Residence Card (issued at the airport upon entry if staying more than 3 months).

Address registration is the gateway to most other administrative procedures in Japan. Without it, you cannot enroll in health insurance, open a bank account, or obtain a My Number.

Step 3 — Receive and Carry Your Residence Card (Zairyu Card)

All foreign nationals staying in Japan for more than 3 months receive a Residence Card issued by the Immigration Services Agency. It is typically handed out at major international airports (Narita, Haneda, Kansai, Chubu) upon arrival. You are legally required to carry it at all times.

• The card shows your visa status, period of stay, and any work restrictions.
• Notify immigration within 14 days if your address changes.
• Renew before expiry (linked to your visa validity).

Step 4 — Enroll in the National Health Insurance System

All residents in Japan (including foreigners) with a valid Residence Card are required to enroll in either:

• Shakai Hoken — employer-based insurance (automatically enrolled by your company if applicable)
• Kokumin Kenko Hoken (NHK) — national health insurance for self-employed, students, and those not covered by employer schemes

Enrollment is done at the municipal office. Premiums are income-based. Coverage includes 70% of most medical costs.

Step 5 — Obtain Your My Number (Kojin Bango)

Japan's national identification number is assigned automatically after address registration and sent by post within a few weeks. Your My Number is required for tax filings, social security, opening a bank account, and employment contracts. Keep the notification card safe.

⚠️ Attention

Failing to register your address or notify immigration of changes within the legal deadlines can result in fines or complications at visa renewal. Do not delay these steps after arrival.

Step 6 — Open a Japanese Bank Account

A local bank account is essential for paying rent, utilities, and receiving salary. Most major banks (Japan Post Bank, MUFG, Rakuten Bank) require:

• Residence Card with registered address
• Passport
• My Number
• A Japanese phone number

Japan Post Bank (Yuucho) is often the most accessible option for newcomers with limited Japanese language skills.

✅ Practical Tip

Complete your address registration on your first or second day in Japan — every other step depends on it. Bring certified translations of your key documents if they are not in Japanese or English.

For a full overview of settling in Japan, visit our guide: Expatriation to Japan 2026.