An operational step-by-step checklist outlining your relocation path. Mark items as completed to save your progress as you transition to Japan.
A sponsor is mandatory for mid-to-long term residence. This must be an employer offering corporate job contracts, an accredited educational institution, or a Japanese spouse national.
Collect all necessary documents—financial records, degree certificates, photographs, and sponsoring agency signatures. Provide translated versions in Japanese or English.
Your sponsor will typically file this inside Japan. Processing times range between 1 to 3 months. Once approved, the physical COE letter will be shipped to you.
Take your physical COE, passport, photographs, and embassy application forms to your closest Japanese Embassy or Consulate in your home country. Visa issuance takes roughly 3 to 7 business days.
Secure one-way or return flights. Arrange temporary accommodations—such as a monthly share house, hotel, or serviced apartment—for your first 2-4 weeks.
Create an online account on the digital Visit Japan Web portal. Input flight details, passport info, and address. Generate QR codes to skip written customs and immigration queues.
Exchange cash (Yen) as cash is highly preferred in local clinics and transport. Order a pocket Wi-Fi rental or eSIM for airport pick-up to remain connected immediately upon landing.
Scan your passport and Visit Japan Web QR code. At major entry airports (Haneda, Narita, Kansai, Chubu), medium-to-long term residents will receive their physical Residence Card (Zairyu Card) printed at the counter.
Navigate to the airport postal counters or kiosks to pick up your pre-ordered pocket Wi-Fi. Purchase a transit card (Suica/Pasmo) or board a limousine bus to reach your temporary housing.
Submit your paper declaration or scan the digital customs QR code to clear customs control. Reach your housing, purchase basic groceries, and rest to adjust to the local timezone.
Visit the local Kuyakusho (Ward Office) or City Hall within 14 days of moving. Register your address to print it on the back of your Residence Card. Crucial before you can complete bank or phone setups.
Open After Landing StepsWhile at the ward office, sign up for public health insurance (Kokumin Kenko Hoken). You will receive an insurance card covering 70% of medical and dental expenses instantly.
Purchase a local voice SIM card (using your Residence Card + registered address). Visit Japan Post Bank (Yucho Ginko) or an expat-friendly bank to open a domestic checking account.