Moving to Japan: Complete Relocation Checklist for Foreign Residents

Moving to Japan: Complete Relocation Checklist

Relocating to Japan is exciting — but the process involves many steps across several government agencies and service providers. This checklist walks you through everything from before you leave home to your first month settled in Japan.

Before You Leave Your Home Country

• Secure your visa — Work, student, spouse, or dependent visa depending on your situation
• Research apartment options — Start looking at listings online (Shin Housing supports foreigners)
• Open a Japanese bank account (some banks allow remote opening before arrival)
• Get international health insurance for the gap period before Japanese coverage
• Arrange temporary accommodation — serviced apartment or guesthouse for your first weeks
• Ship belongings — Use an international moving service; Japan Customs has clear rules
• Get an international driving permit if you plan to drive

Upon Arrival in Japan

• Receive your Residence Card (在留カード) at the airport upon entry
• Register at your local ward/city office (市区町村役場) within 14 days of moving in
• Enroll in National Health Insurance (国民健康保険) at the ward office
• Enroll in National Pension (国民年金) — mandatory for most residents
• Set up a bank account — Japan Post Bank (ゆうちょ銀行) and Rakuten Bank are foreigner-friendly
• Get a Japanese SIM card or mobile plan
• Apply for My Number Card (マイナンバーカード) — the national ID card

Setting Up Your Apartment

• Sign your lease and pay initial fees (shikikin, reikin, agency fee)
• Set up electricity, gas, and water — contact providers before move-in day
• Set up internet — NTT Hikari or au Hikari for fiber
• Buy a hanko (seal) — required for many official documents
• Register your address with your bank, employer, and immigration

First Month To-Do List

• Notify your employer of your new address for tax and payroll records
• Register your vehicle or get an IC card for public transport (Suica/ICOCA)
• Explore your neighborhood — locate the nearest supermarket, pharmacy, and convenience store
• Learn garbage separation rules — each municipality has different sorting requirements
• Join your building's residents association (管理組合) if applicable

Shin Housing Makes the Process Easier

Our multilingual team assists foreign residents throughout the entire relocation journey — from finding the right apartment to understanding your lease and getting settled in Japan.

Start your Japan apartment search →