After Arrival
Phase 2 of 2
Arrival at Airport
2~3 hours
What to expect at the airport to officially begin your life here.
Finding Your New Home
~14 days
Find your new place to settle in.
Search online (e.g., SUUMO, oakhouse) or visit local agencies
Make sure they accept foreigners
Residence card
Emergency contact in Japan
Review term length and early-termination penalties
Pay agreed fees and sign
Buy new: Nitori, IKEA, Yamada Denki
Buy second-hand: Mercari, Second Street
City Hall Paperwork
3~4 hours
Complete within 2 weeks. Become an official local resident.
Make sure you have your new address
Bring your Residence Card and passport
Keep the 12-digit number that you receive 2-3 weeks later
Apply for the My Number Card online, after receiving Your Individual Number Notice
Opening a Bank Account
setup 1~2 hours, card in 1~2 weeks
Open your bank account after registering your address.
Residence Card (with registered address)
Your Katakana name
Getting a Phone Number
1~3 hours
Having a Japanese phone number (voice plan) is essential.
Residence Card (with registered address)
Bank account or credit card information
Navigating Daily Life
ongoing
Important tips for a smoother daily life in Japan.
Setting Up Your Business
6~12 months
Prepare to legally establish your company to transition to the Business Manager Visa.
Prepare at least 30 million JPY in company capital
Hire at least one full-time employee who is Japanese or long-term resident
Draft a complete business plan with financial projections
Prepare Articles of Incorporation
Deposit your 30 million JPY capital into a personal bank account
Verify above the business plan by a qualified professional such as an accountant, if doing it on your own
Submit all documents to the Legal Affairs Bureau (Houmukyoku) to officially incorporate