Procedures to Become Residents of Japan
Foreigners residing in Japan for more than 3 months, are required to complete 4 procedures after entry. These procedures are mandatory and not optional.
- Obtain a Residence Card
- Registrar as a Resident
- Get Health Insurance
- Enroll in National Pension
The Residence Card is usually obtainable at the airport upon arrival. All other procedures can be completed at the municipal office in the residing town, allowing you to finish all processes in half a day.
The details and important points for each procedure are specified following.
Obtain a Residence Card
The Residence Card (在留カード/Zairyu card) is usually issued at the airport upon arrival for those staying beyond 3 months with a visa.
Entering from New Chitose, Narita, Haneda, Chubu, Kansai, Hiroshima, or Fukuoka airports:
Upon immigration, a seal indicating “Landing Permission” is affixed to the passport, and the Residence Card is issued.
Entering from any other airport:
At immigration, a seal indicating “Landing Permission” is affixed to the passport, and a stamp indicating “Residence Card to be issued later” is applied. The card is sent to the registered address after completing the resident registration at a later date.
This resident card must be carried at all times during the stay and is used for various occasions including administrative procedures and opening a bank account.
Registrar as a Resident
Within 14 days of determining your address, complete the “Moving In Notification” at the municipal office of the city or town where you reside. Usually, resident registration is handled at the citizen service counter at the ward office. However, in areas with a large number of foreign residents, there may be a separate foreign resident counter available.
Required Documents
- Passport
- Residence Card (not required if not issued at the airport)
Get Health Insurance
All residents in Japan, regardless of nationality, are obligated to enroll in health insurance. This provides coverage for 30% of medical and hospitalisation expenses in the designated healthcare scope.
Usually, there is a counter for the Medical Insurance Division at the municipal office.
Insurance Premiums
Premiums vary per individual, and it is advisable to check with the municipal office.
Types of Insurance
- National Health Insurance: Designed for students, individuals not employed, and self-employed individuals. Enrollment procedures can be completed on the same day as resident registration at the local municipal office.
- Social Insurance: Available for employees. Companies handle the enrollment process, and premiums are deducted from salaries. Not all employees are enrolled, so check with your employer.
Enroll in National Pension
All individuals aged 20 to 60 with resident registration in Japan are obligated to enroll in national pension, regardless of nationality. It provides financial support in situations such as old age or inability to work due to illness or injury. Please apply at the Pension Division counter.
Pension Insurance Premiums
The monthly premium is ¥16,980 (as of fiscal year 2024), with exemptions available for students and low-income individuals. Confirm details at the municipal office. The amount you can receive in the future varies based on the amount paid.
Types of Pension
- National Pension: Designed for students, individuals not employed, and self-employed individuals. Enrollment procedures can be completed on the same day as resident registration at the local municipal office.
- Employees’ Pension: Available for company employees. Companies handle the enrollment process, and premiums are deducted from salaries. Not all employees are enrolled, so check with your employer.
Other procedures recommended to be done
Opening a Bank Account
To facilitate rent payments and salary deposits, it is advisable to open a bank account in Japan. Most banks do not charge account maintenance fees. Mega-banks with nationwide branches and net banks with English support are especially recommended.
For more details, refer to: Bank in Japan: A Guide to Opening Your Account and Choosing the Best Bank
- SMBC Trust Bank -Prestia: Inherited from Citibank, this bank provides comprehensive English services. Note that account maintenance fees may apply under certain conditions.
https://www.smbctb.co.jp/en/index.html - Japan Post Bank (ゆうちょ銀行/Yucho ginkou): Operated by the postal service, with over 200 branches nationwide.
https://www.jp-bank.japanpost.jp/en_index.html - SBI Shinsei Bank (SBI新生銀行/Shinsei ginkou): Greatly reputed bank, especially for its reasonable commission fees.
https://www.sbishinseibank.co.jp/english/
- Rakuten Bank: Established by one of Japan’s most prominent companies, Rakuten. Account opening is available in English, with strong ties to travel and shopping services.
https://www.rakuten-bank.co.jp/english/ - Sony Bank: Offers a variety of foreign currency deposit options and competitive overseas remittance fees.
https://moneykit.net/en/
Obtaining a My Number Card:
The My Number Card is an official identification card in Japan. After completing resident registration, you will receive a “My Number Notification” at your registered address. Using the 12-digit personal number on this card, you can apply for a My Number Card at municipal offices or online. While obtaining this card is not mandatory, it can simplify some administrative procedures.
Contracting with a mobile company
Foreign mobile phones may not work in Japan or can be very expensive to use. If you’re staying in Japan for a long period, it’s a good idea to sign a contract with a local mobile carrier. You can learn how to choose and purchase a SIM card for your phone in the guide “Buying a SIM Card in Japan and Accessing Mobile Networks.“
