First 30 days in Japan
Operational first-month plan for Japan — registration, banking, healthcare, and housing based on tier-1 relocation data (2026-04). Not legal advice; verify deadlines on official sources linked on compare pages.
COL index 78/100 · avg rent ~$1500/mo in dataset.
Relocation capital estimate
Setup, deposit, and first-month buffer from tier-1 relocation data.
- Setup costs
- 8,000 JPY (USD equivalent)
- Deposit (est.)
- 2,400 JPY (USD equivalent)
- First month buffer
- 1,620 JPY (USD equivalent)
- Recommended capital
- 12,020 JPY (USD equivalent)
- Minimum safe savings
- 22,000 JPY (USD equivalent)
- Emergency fund
- 15,000 JPY (USD equivalent)
- Deposit estimate: 2 month(s) rent (~$2,400).
- Budget 1–2 weeks temporary housing while searching for a long-term lease.
- Mandatory health coverage ~$180/mo in month one.
- Budget 4–7 months' rent equivalent at signing per MLIT guidance, plus guarantor company fees.
Verified relocation information
Field-level sources with confidence levels — not a generic link list.
Housing deposit rules
Shikikin (deposit) ~1–2 months refundable. Reikin (key money) 1–2 months non-refundable in Kanto. Agency fee ~1 month. Total upfront often 4–7 months' rent.
View source — MLIT Japan — housing and land policy →Healthcare coverage
National Health Insurance (NHI) enrollment required within 14 days at ward office if not on employer Shakai Hoken. Patient pays ~30% copay.
View source — Tokyo Metropolitan Government — health insurance →Visa & residence rules
Residence card (在留カード) issued on entry. Status of residence determines work scope, renewal requirements, and family visas.
View source — Immigration Services Agency — residence procedures →Registration deadline
Register address at municipal office within 14 days of finding housing. Required for NHI, banking, and visa renewals.
View source — Immigration Services Agency — residence procedures →First 24 hours
Immediate priorities after landing
1.Secure temporary accommodationCritical
Book a short-stay flat or hotel with a registerable address if required for admin.
2.Save critical documents offlineCritical
Passport, visa or residence permit, employment letter, and insurance proof on phone and paper copies.
3.Get local connectivity
Purchase a mobile plan (docomo or au).
First week
Registration, banking, and healthcare
1.Start residence registrationCritical
Complete address registration within 14 days where applicable. Required for banking, tax ID, and healthcare.
2.Open or schedule bank accountCritical
Residence permit required — allow ~21 days after registration.
3.Enroll in mandatory health coverageCritical
Mandatory insurance — budget ~$180/mo. National Health Insurance (NHI) if not on employer Shakai Hoken; enroll within 14 days at ward office. Patient pays ~30% copay.
4.Register address at ward officeCritical
Required within 14 days for National Health Insurance.
First month
Housing, documents, and stability
1.Long-term housing searchCritical
Shikikin ~1–2 months refundable; reikin (key money) 1–2 months non-refundable in Kanto; agency fee ~1 month.
2.Gather rental documents
Residence card and passport; Proof of employment and income; Guarantor or guarantor company contract; Emergency contact in Japan.
3.Tax and payroll setup
Banking docs: Residence card (在留カード), Registered address proof (jūminhyō), Passport, Hanko/seal (often required), My Number notification (sometimes requested).
4.Guarantor companyCritical
If required by landlord, sign guarantor (保証会社) contract before lease signing.
Required documents
Bank account
- Residence card (在留カード)
- Registered address proof (jūminhyō)
- Passport
- Hanko/seal (often required)
- My Number notification (sometimes requested)
Apartment rental
- Residence card and passport
- Proof of employment and income
- Guarantor or guarantor company contract
- Emergency contact in Japan
Residence registration
- Residence card
- Rental contract
- Completed moving-in notification (tenshutsu-tōdoke / tenshutsu)
Data as of 2026-04 · Last reviewed 2026-04-15