Quick Answer

Register your address at city hall within 14 days of arrival — everything else (bank account, phone contract, health insurance) depends on this step. Bring your passport and residence card. The full setup takes about 2–4 weeks to complete.

The first weeks in Japan are exciting and overwhelming in equal measure. You’re trying to absorb a new city, a new job (or school), a new language — and simultaneously navigate an administrative system that operates in Japanese, requires documents you’ve never heard of, and where step B genuinely can’t happen until step A is done. Nobody hands you a manual.

This checklist is that manual. Every step, in the right order, so you don’t lose weeks figuring out the sequence the hard way.

Week 1: The Non-Negotiables

Before you start: You need a fixed address in Japan before you can do most of this. If you haven’t sorted housing yet, read our guide on renting an apartment in Japan as a foreigner — it covers upfront costs, guarantor options, and foreigner-friendly agencies.

1. Register Your Address (住民登録)

Go to your local city hall (市役所) within 14 days of moving in. Bring:

  • Residence card (在留カード)
  • Passport
  • Your new address

This creates your official record in Japan. Everything else depends on this.

2. Get a Japanese Phone Number

You need this for bank accounts, credit cards, and most Japanese services.

Options:

  • Budget option: IIJmio, NURO Mobile — from ¥850/month
  • Unlimited: Rakuten Mobile — ¥3,278/month

See our SIM card guide for details.

3. Open a Bank Account

Japan Post Bank is the easiest for new arrivals — available at any post office, accepts foreigners with just a residence card.

See our bank account guide.

Week 2: Financial Setup

4. Get a Credit Card

Apply for Epos Card first — highest approval rate for foreigners, no annual fee.

See our credit card guide.

5. Set Up Money Transfer

If you’re sending money home, set up Wise or Remitly now. Much cheaper than bank transfers.

See our money transfer guide.

6. Set Up Utilities

Apply for electricity and gas immediately after moving in. Gas requires an in-person appointment.

See our utilities guide.

Month 1: Important Admin

7. Enroll in Health Insurance

You’re legally required to have health insurance. If your company doesn’t provide it, enroll in National Health Insurance (国民健康保険) at your city hall.

8. National Pension Enrollment

Also handled at city hall. Required for all residents aged 20–59.

See our pension guide.

9. Get a My Number Card

Apply at city hall. Takes 1–2 months to arrive. Useful for taxes, health insurance, and government services.

See our My Number guide.

10. Get a Suica Card

For trains and buses. Buy at any JR station or add to your iPhone/Android wallet.

See our Suica guide.

Month 2–3: Nice to Have

11. Get Internet Set Up

Fiber internet takes 2–4 weeks to install. Start the application early.

12. Apply for a Driver’s License (if needed)

If you drive, convert your foreign license to a Japanese one at your local Driver’s License Center.

13. VPN

Set up a VPN if you want to access streaming services from your home country.

See our VPN guide.

Complete Checklist

  • Register address at city hall (within 14 days)
  • Get Japanese SIM / phone number
  • Open Japanese bank account
  • Apply for credit card
  • Set up electricity
  • Schedule gas activation appointment
  • Apply for health insurance
  • Register for national pension
  • Apply for My Number card
  • Get Suica IC card
  • Apply for fiber internet
  • Convert driver’s license (if needed)
  • Set up VPN
  • Set up money transfer app

Bottom Line

Do the city hall registration first — it unlocks everything else. Then get a phone number and bank account. The rest can follow over the first month. Don’t try to do everything on day one; prioritize address registration and a phone number and the rest can wait.

Travel insurance for trips outside Japan: If you leave Japan temporarily, your health insurance won’t cover you abroad. SafetyWing Nomad Insurance is a popular, affordable option for expats — starting from around $45/month.

Want this checklist as a printable PDF? → Get the free Japan Life Setup Checklist — delivered to your inbox.