🎓Student Visa Checklist

You will receive your Residence Card (在留カード) at the airport upon arrival if you land at Narita, Haneda, Kansai, or Chubu airport. At other airports, it will be mailed to your registered address.

You must register your address at the local Ward Office (区役所) or City Hall (市役所) within 14 days of moving in. Failing to do so can result in a fine of up to ¥50,000. You will need your Residence Card — your address will be printed on the back.

Everyone living in Japan must be enrolled in health insurance. Depending on your visa and employment, you will be covered by either National Health Insurance (国民健康保険, NHI) at the ward office, or Employee Health Insurance (社会保険) through your employer.

All residents aged 20-59 must enroll in the pension system. Depending on your employment, this is either National Pension (国民年金) or Employee Pension (厚生年金). You may be eligible for a lump-sum withdrawal when you leave Japan.

Having a Japanese phone number is essential for daily life — you need it for bank accounts, deliveries, and most online services. Options range from prepaid SIMs to full monthly contracts. English-friendly services like Sakura Mobile make this much easier.

You will need a Japanese bank account for salary deposits, rent, and utility payments. Some banks require 6 months of residency for foreigners, but there are exceptions. English-friendly options include SMBC Prestia, Shinsei Bank, and Japan Post Bank (Yucho Ginko).

Your My Number (マイナンバー) is a 12-digit identification number. A notification letter will be mailed to your registered address 2-3 weeks after ward office registration. You can then apply for a My Number Card (マイナンバーカード), which serves as photo ID and enables various government services.

If you are renting your own apartment, you will need to set up electricity, gas, water, and internet. Some landlords or management companies may handle initial setup. Gas requires an in-person inspection to turn on.

If your employer or school does not provide housing, you will need to find your own. Expect upfront costs of 4-6 months' rent (deposit, key money, agent fee, insurance). English-friendly services like GaijinPot Apartments, wagaya Japan, and Real Estate Japan specialize in helping foreigners.

If you need to send money abroad (or receive money from your home country), services like Wise offer much lower fees than traditional bank transfers. Set up an account early so it is ready when you need it.