After Arrival
Phase 2 of 2
Arrival at Airport
2~3 hours
Complete immigration procedures and collect your residence card.
Apply for Work Permit at the airport if you plan to work part-time
Get the Part-time Work Permit stamp on the back of your residence card
Finding Your New Home
~14 days
Finding a new place can feel overwhelming, but do not worry. Let's break it down to make it an exciting step towards settling in.
Search online (e.g., SUUMO for apartments, oakhouse for shared houses etc) or visit local agencies
Make sure they accept foreigners as many landlords refuse lease to non-Japanese
Residence card
Emergency contact in Japan
Review term length and early-termination penalties
Pay agreed fees and sign
Buy new furniture: Nitori, IKEA, Yamada Denki
Buy second-hand furniture: Mercari, Second Street
City Hall Paperwork
3~4 hours
Complete within 2 weeks of your living place decided.
Make sure you have your new address
Bring your Residence Card (Zairyū Kādo) which you received at the airport, passport, and know your school address
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 a Japanese bank account for daily transactions.
Residence Card (with registered address)
Your Katakana name
Getting a Phone Number
1~3 hours
Set up a Japanese phone number and mobile plan.
Residence Card (with registered address)
Bank account or credit card information
Part-time Work Permit
~2 weeks
Apply for permission to work part-time alongside your studies.
Didn't apply at the airport? Do it here before starting any job
Navigating Daily Life
ongoing
Learn essential daily life skills for living in Japan.