Guide to Administrative Procedures for Starting Life in Japan
For foreign nationals starting their lives in Japan, administrative procedures are a very important first step. This article will highlight the administrative procedures that are required after entering Japan.
1. What Administrative Procedures Are Required Immediately After Entering the Country?
① Resident Registration (Resident Card)
When you arrive in Japan, you will first need to register as a resident at the municipal office of the city, town or village where you will be living (ward office, city hall, or town hall).
- When to get it done : Within 14 days of arrival in Japan
- What you'll need:
- Passport
- Residence card
- Rental contract etc. (a document that can verify your residential address)
When you register as a resident, a "resident card" is created and you are officially registered as a resident of that area.
② Receiving Your "My Number"
Once your resident registration is complete, you will receive your "My Number Notification Card (or Individual Number Notification)" by mail at a later date. Your My Number is required for many procedures, including taxes, social insurance, and opening a bank account.
If you plan to live in Japan for a long time, it may be useful to apply for a "My Number Card (with photo)".
2. Checking and Updating Your Residence Status
Residence status (Specific Skills) needs to be renewed periodically. When it's time to renew, don't forget to apply.
- Timing of renewal: Applications can be made up to two months prior to the expiration date of the period of stay written on the residence card.
- Examples of required documents:
- Residence card
- Passport
- Employment contract
- Documents from your employer (such as a support plan)
Important! If your period of stay expires, you will become an illegal resident, so be sure to prepare early.
3. Joining National Health Insurance
In Japan, you need to enroll in health insurance in order to go to the hospital. If you are not enrolled in an insurance plan through your workplace, you will need to go through an enrollment procedure at your city hall.
- Where to apply: The city hall where you registered your residence card
- What you'll need:
- Residence card
- Copy of residence certificate
- Passport
After joining, you will be issued an insurance card and will be responsible for 30% of your medical expenses.
4. Opening a Bank Account
You will need a Japanese bank account to have your salary transferred etc. Bring the following items to the bank:
- What you'll need:
- Passport
- Residence card
- Residence certificate (may be required)
- Phone number (mobile)
Please note that some banks may not allow you to open an account if your period of stay is short.
5. Mobile Phone Contract
Mobile phones are important tools for both work and personal use. Take the following documents with you to a mobile phone shop:
-
Residence card
- Passport
- Bank account or credit card
There are prepaid and contract types, so it is best to choose one based on your length of stay and budget.
6. Procedures Related to Daily Life Such as Taking Out the Trash and Moving
① Register How to Dispose of Garbage
Rules vary from region to region, so be sure to check the "Garbage Disposal Guide" distributed by your city hall.
② Notification of Moving
If your address changes, you must report your move-out or move-in within 14 days. If you forget, not only will your mail not arrive, but it could lead to other issues such as the information on your My Number being incorrect.
Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)
Q: What should I do if I lose my residence card?
A: You will need to immediately file a "lost property report" at the nearest police station, then apply for a reissue at the Immigration Bureau.
Q: What if there is no interpreter?
A: Many city halls have foreign language support and translation services available. Should any concerns arise, you can always consult a support group or a friend.
Summary: The First Month Is Key!
To ensure a smooth start to your life in Japan, it is very important to complete the administrative procedures in the first month.
-
Register as a resident and enroll in health insurance within 14 days of entering the country
- Verify your My Number and apply for a card
- Check the expiration date of your residence card and prepare for early renewal
- Don't forget to open a bank account and obtain a mobile phone
