For those visiting Japan for the first time, it’s understandable that there may be many uncertainties about what to do. This article is designed for individuals coming to Japan for study or work, and it outlines the necessary documents and key preparations for the first week.
To ensure a smooth start to your life and career in Japan, try following these five essential steps:
Residence Card: Identification for Foreign Residents in Japan
This document serves as identification for foreign residents in Japan. It contains personal details of the holder, their period of stay in Japan (在留期間 – zairyū kikan), and the types of activities they are permitted to engage in while in Japan (在留資格 – zairyū shikaku).
Who Receives a Residence Card?
Residence Cards are issued to foreign nationals who will be staying in Japan for more than three months. These individuals are referred to as “mid- to long-term residents” (中長期在留者 – chūchōki zairyūsha).
| Six Cases Where a Residence Card Is Not Issued |
|---|
| ① Persons whose period of stay is “3 months” or less ② Persons with “Temporary Visitor” status of residence ③ Persons with “Diplomat” or “Official” status of residence ④ Persons with the following “Designated Activities” status of residence: ・Staff of the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association’s offices in Japan (e.g., Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in Japan) or their family members ・Staff of the Representative Office of Palestine in Japan or their family members ・Digital nomads (persons staying in Japan for the purpose of international remote work, etc.) or their spouses and children ⑤ Special Permanent Residents ⑥ Persons without a status of residence |
When a Residence Card is Issued. A Residence Card is issued mainly in the following situations:
① When entering Japan with a newly granted landing permission through Narita Airport, Haneda Airport, Chubu Airport, Kansai Airport, New Chitose Airport, Hiroshima Airport, or Fukuoka Airport:
➡ You will receive your Residence Card at the airport.
② When entering Japan with a newly granted landing permission through an airport or seaport other than those listed above:
➡ After entering Japan, you must submit a “Notification of Moving-In” to the municipal office where you live. Your Residence Card will then be sent to your home by mail.
③ When granted an extension of your period of stay:
➡ If you apply for an extension of your period of stay at your local Immigration Services Bureau before your current stay expires and the extension is approved, a new Residence Card will be issued.
④ When granted a change of status of residence:
➡ If you wish to change the purpose of your stay in Japan, you must apply for a change of status of residence at your local Immigration Services Bureau. Once approved, a new Residence Card will be issued.
⑤ When granted a status of residence (for a child born in Japan):
➡If a child is born in Japan and does not have Japanese nationality but will continue living in Japan for more than 60 days after birth, an application for status of residence must be submitted to the local Immigration Services Bureau within 30 days of birth. Once approved, a Residence Card will be issued.
Persons who have received a Residence Card must notify their address (submit a moving-in notification) to the municipal office of the city, ward, town, or village where they live within 14 days from the date they establish their residence.
| Persons required to submit a notification |
|---|
| ・Persons holding a Residence Card (mid- to long-term residents) ・Special Permanent Residents ・Persons who have been granted permission for temporary asylum or provisional release (temporary stay) ・Persons with status of residence due to birth or loss of Japanese nationality (status of residence based on special circumstances) |
Please be sure to bring your Residence Card or passport, as one of these is required when submitting the notification.
| The procedure after submitting the moving-in notification is as follows |
|---|
| ① When you submit the moving-in notification, your residence address will be registered on your Residence Card at the same time. ②A resident record (Juminhyo) will be created. It includes details such as your name, date of birth, gender, and address. You can apply for a certified copy of the resident record (for a fee) to prove your residence status, etc. ※ If you do not apply for an extension of your period of stay or other necessary procedures at the local Immigration Services Bureau and your period of stay expires, your resident record will be removed. Please be careful not to forget the procedures related to your status of residence. ③ The municipal office will notify you of your My Number (Individual Number). ※ My Number is a 12-digit identification number used in Japan for social security, taxation, and disaster response procedures to quickly identify you. ④ If you have not applied for a My Number Card, please use the application form sent together with the My Number notification to apply for it. |
A My Number Card is a card with an IC chip that is necessary for living conveniently in Japan.
Used as an official identification document
Filing income tax returns online
Applying online for child-related allowances and nursery school enrollment
Obtaining certified copies of the resident record and other various certificates at convenience stores (available even on holidays; however, availability may vary depending on the municipality)
Used as a health insurance card (by using the My Number Card at medical institutions and pharmacies, your past health and medical data can be shared with them to receive better medical care)
When you decide on your address in Japan and submit a moving-in notification to the municipal office, you can also submit an application form for the My Number Card (except in some cases).
The first time you apply, the application is free of charge.
| If you were unable to apply when submitting your moving-in notification, a My Number Card application form will be sent to your home later. You can use this form to apply by the following methods |
|---|
| ①Apply via smartphone: Take a facial photo with your smartphone and access the application website using the QR code on the application form. ② Apply via computer: Take a facial photo with a digital camera and access the application website. ③ Apply by mail: Attach a facial photo to the application form, fill in the required information, put it in the provided envelope, and mail it. ④ Apply at a photo booth (supported models only): Operate the touch panel, insert money, scan the QR code on the application form with the barcode reader, enter the required information, take a photo, and send it. ⑤Apply at the municipal office where you live (except some cases): Fill in the required information on the application form and submit it to your municipal office. |
How to Receive
About one month after applying, you will receive a postcard from the municipal office. Bring this postcard along with the required documents to collect your My Number Card.
If you apply after completing the necessary identity verification at the municipal office counter, you may also receive your My Number Card by mail.
Place to complete the procedure:
At the stores of mobile carriers or electronics retail stores.
If necessary, you can purchase and register a mobile phone. Many mobile carrier counters can provide support in foreign languages. It is advisable to call in advance to confirm the required documents and other details.
Items to bring:
Identification documents (such as Residence Card or passport)
Cash card from a bank or post office account
Personal seal (inkan) — may be required for stamping the contract
Cash or credit card (payment may be required on the spot, so please prepare accordingly)
Note: Required items may vary slightly depending on the mobile carrier you choose.
If you want to save on costs, you can consider signing a contract for a low-cost SIM (MVNO).
Low-cost SIM contracts can often be completed online, but the available plans may be divided into many detailed options. Make sure to receive a thorough explanation and fully understand the terms before signing the contract.
You can open a bank account at a bank branch. Depending on the bank, you may also be able to complete the procedure by mail, smartphone app, or computer.
Usually, the cash card will be mailed to your home at a later date.
When opening a bank account, please bring the following items to the bank:
Identification documents (e.g., Residence Card)
Personal seal (inkan) — some banks accept a signature instead
Employee ID or student ID (if you don’t have one, please bring someone from your company or school to accompany you)
Starting life smoothly in Japan requires completing several important initial procedures.
After entering Japan, there are many tasks to take care of, including obtaining your Residence Card, registering your address, applying for your My Number, signing a mobile phone contract, and opening a bank account.
By properly completing these procedures, you can live and work in Japan smoothly and begin your new life with peace of mind.
If you are looking to hire foreign talent wishing to work in Japan, leave it to U-Match!
U-Match matches companies with suitable candidates and supports applications for the Certificate of Eligibility (COE) and work visas.
Even companies new to hiring foreigners can use our services with confidence.
For more details, please visit the “Services” page or feel free to contact us via the inquiry form.
