Settle in. Stay ready.
A survival guide for foreign residents who want to avoid expensive Japan mistakes.
Tasks
0/9
Next due
300 days
Move-in estimate
¥527,500
Generated from your profile and useful beyond arrival.
Mid- to long-term residents should report their place of residence after settling into an address. This also unlocks many other setup steps.
Documents
Residence card, Passport, Address details, Lease or housing document if available
Office / provider
City hall, ward office, town office, or village office
If your employer or school is not handling health insurance, ask the municipal office about National Health Insurance enrollment.
Documents
Residence card, Passport, Address registration details, Employment or school documents if relevant
Office / provider
Municipal health insurance counter or employer/school office
After resident registration, your Individual Number is connected to your resident record. Keep the notification safe and decide whether to apply for the card.
Documents
Address registration, Mail access at registered address, Residence card
Office / provider
Municipal office or My Number Card application channels
A Japanese phone number makes bank, delivery, utility, and city-office follow-up easier. Some providers may require address registration or payment setup.
Documents
Residence card, Address, Payment method, Passport if requested
Office / provider
Mobile carrier, MVNO, or electronics retailer
Many employers, schools, rent payments, and utilities expect a domestic bank account. Requirements vary by bank and status.
Documents
Residence card with address, Phone number, Personal seal if requested, Student or employment proof if requested
Office / provider
Bank branch or online bank application
Electricity, gas, water, internet, and postal delivery often require separate applications. Keep account numbers and support contacts together.
Documents
Address, Lease details, Phone number, Payment method
Office / provider
Utility providers, landlord, property manager, and Japan Post
Residents aged 20 to 59 usually need pension coverage. Confirm whether this is handled through work or municipal National Pension procedures.
Documents
Residence card, My Number details if available, Employment or school documents
Office / provider
Employer, school, municipal office, or pension office
Collect important contacts and document locations without uploading sensitive images. This keeps the app useful while reducing privacy risk.
Documents
Emergency contacts, Clinic/hospital notes, Employer/school contact, Landlord or property manager contact
Office / provider
Personal record
Track your residence card expiry and start preparing renewal documents early. Requirements depend on status, employer, school, and family situation.
Documents
Residence card, Passport, Status-specific application documents, Employer/school/family documents if relevant
Office / provider
Regional Immigration Services Bureau or online application if eligible