Free interactive tool
The right steps,
in the right order.
Moving to Japan? Get a personalized checklist based on your visa type — with deadlines, required documents, and recommended services for each step.
Based on official sources. No signup required. Updated for 2026.
days. That's how long you have to register at your ward office after moving in. Late registration can result in a fine of up to ¥50,000. Learn what to do →
Select your visa type
Get a checklist tailored to your situation
Work
For engineers, IT professionals, translators, and other specialists
Student
For those enrolled in Japanese educational institutions
Spouse
For those married to a Japanese citizen
Working Holiday
For young adults from eligible countries (typically 18-30)
SSW
For workers in designated industries (nursing, construction, food service, etc.)
HSP
Points-based visa for highly skilled foreign professionals
How it works
Choose your visa
Work, Student, Spouse, Working Holiday, SSW, or Highly Skilled Professional
Get your checklist
See exactly what to do, when to do it, and what documents you need — tailored to your visa
Track your progress
Check off steps as you complete them. Your progress is saved in your browser.
Everything you need, nothing you don't
Other sites give you scattered blog posts. SettleJapan gives you a structured system.
Steps per checklist
From residence card to remittance. Every mandatory step covered.
Visa types
Work, Student, Spouse, Working Holiday, SSW, and HSP.
In-depth guides
Phone plans, banking, housing, insurance, utilities, and more.
City guides
Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, Fukuoka, Kyoto — neighborhoods, rent, transport.
Why SettleJapan?
Official sources only
Based on Immigration Services Agency and municipal government websites. Not Reddit hearsay.
Visa-specific guidance
Health insurance, pension, work rules — they differ by visa. We show exactly what applies to you.
Deadlines that matter
14-day ward office deadline. 6-month banking rule. We keep you on track so nothing slips.
Always free
No registration, no paywall. We recommend services we trust and may earn a commission — at no cost to you.
Don't wing it.
400,000 people move to Japan every year. The ones who struggle are the ones without a plan.
Get Your Checklist