Work Visa in Japan: Complete Settlement Guide (2026)

Last updated: March 2026

If you are coming to Japan on a work visa (Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services, Intra-company Transferee, etc.), your employer will handle many administrative steps for you — but not all. This guide covers what your company typically does and what you need to do yourself.

First step: Ask your employer's HR department what they will handle. Many companies assist with address registration, bank account opening, and housing. Knowing this upfront avoids duplication.

What Your Employer Typically Handles

  • ✓ Employee Health Insurance (社会保険) — enrollment and premium deduction
  • ✓ Employee Pension (厚生年金) — enrollment and premium deduction
  • ✓ Commuter pass — reimbursement (confirm with HR)
  • ☐ Bank account — many companies assist or specify which bank to use
  • ☐ Housing — some provide company housing (社宅) or relocation support
  • ☐ Guarantor — some companies act as guarantor for apartment rental

What You Need to Do Yourself

1

Register at your Ward Office (within 14 days)

Even if your company provides temporary housing, register your address immediately. Your company may assist, but you still need to go in person with your Residence Card and passport.

Full guide →

2

Get a phone/SIM (Week 1-2)

A Japanese phone number is required for your bank account, deliveries, and many company systems. You can sign up for a monthly plan with your Residence Card.

Phone plan guide →

3

Open a bank account (Week 2-4)

Your employer may specify which bank to use for salary deposits. If your company sponsors the account opening, you can often bypass the 6-month residency rule at major banks. SMBC Prestia and Shinsei Bank offer English online banking.

Banking guide →

4

Provide My Number to your employer

Your My Number notification arrives by mail 2-3 weeks after ward office registration. Your employer needs this for tax withholding. Apply for the My Number Card as well — it serves as photo ID.

5

Find housing (if not company-provided)

Budget 4-6 months' rent upfront. Ask if your company provides a guarantor or housing allowance. If not, foreigner-friendly platforms like GaijinPot Apartments can help.

Renting guide →

Work Visa Specifics

Visa Duration

Typically 1, 3, or 5 years. Renewal is handled at the Immigration Bureau — start the process 3 months before expiration. Your employer's HR may assist.

Work Restrictions

You can only work in the field specified by your visa category. Side jobs require "Permission to Engage in Activities Other Than Those Permitted" (資格外活動許可) from immigration.

Tax

Income tax is withheld by your employer. If you have income from other sources, you need to file a tax return (確定申告) by March 15 each year. Resident tax (住民税) is calculated based on the previous year's income.

Pension

Enrolled in Employee Pension (厚生年金) through your employer. If you leave Japan, you may be eligible for a lump-sum withdrawal payment (脱退一時金) — apply within 2 years of departure.

Get your personalized checklist

Track every step with documents needed and deadlines.

Work Visa Checklist