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Settling In

After You Arrive in Japan

Your first steps in Japan: residence card (the ID card for foreigners living in Japan), address, health insurance, pension, university and a bank account. Here is the order to do them in.

Welcome • Japan

After You Arrive in Japan

Arrival Plan

First 24 hours to 2 weeks

University Enrollment

Your first weeks

Residence Card

For your whole stay

Your First Steps in Japan

Do these steps in order. The first ones have legal time limits.

Residence card

Get it at the airport, or by post after you tell the city or ward office your address. Carry it at all times.

University

Report to your international office and enroll.

Address

Tell the city or ward office your new address (moving-in notification) within 14 days.

Health insurance and pension

Join National Health Insurance (NHI) and the National Pension at the city or ward office.

Bank and phone

Easier once your address is on your residence card.

Post-Arrival Resources

Comprehensive guides for each aspect of settling into your new life in Japan.

Arrival Plan
First 24 hours to 2 weeks

Your first day, first 3 days and first 2 weeks.

Learn More
University Enrollment
Your first weeks

How enrollment and orientation work.

Learn More
Residence Card
For your whole stay

Your card, extensions and staying after you graduate.

Learn More
Address Registration
Within 14 days

The 14-day rule at the city or ward office.

Learn More
Bank and SIM
Your first weeks

Opening a bank account and getting a phone.

Learn More

Adaptation Timeline

A structured approach to settling in Japan during your first few months.

Arrival
Day 1
Land and reach your home.
Passport control and residence card.
Customs: no meat, vegetables or fruit.
Optional: apply for permission to work at the airport.
First days
Days 1 to 3
Report to your university.
Visit the international office.
Ask about enrollment and orientation.
Within 14 days
By day 14
Do the legal steps.
Tell the city or ward office your new address.
Join National Health Insurance (NHI).
Join the National Pension, or ask to pay later.
After that
Weeks 2 to 4
Settle in.
Open a bank account and get a phone.
Give your university a copy of your residence card.
Support Services

Support Resources

Essential support services and resources to help you during your stay in Japan.

Your university's international office

Your first stop for forms, enrollment and your residence card details.

City or ward office

Moving-in notification (your new address), National Health Insurance, National Pension and My Number (your 12-digit personal number).

Regional immigration office

Permission to work, longer stays, changing your visa type and lost cards.

Emergencies

Call these numbers from any phone.

Contact

110 police, 119 ambulance and fire

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about post-arrival life in Japan.

Need help with your first weeks in Japan?

Talk to us before you fly. We help you plan each step.

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Complete Guide to Japan

Explore all aspects of studying in Japan with our comprehensive guides

Post-Arrival - Detailed Guides

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Need Assistance?

Need Help Settling In Japan?

Qogent is with you even after you land in Japan, offering post-arrival assistance and guidance.

Contact Qogent Support