Your first 14 days after arriving in Japan
Sequence resident registration, insurance or pension checks, phone connectivity, banking, utilities, and everyday setup without treating every task as equally urgent.
- Prepared by
- LifeLanding editorial team
- Last reviewed
- July 16, 2026
Quick answer
Start with the procedures tied to your address and residence status, then complete the services that depend on that address or phone number. The exact obligations differ by person, municipality, employment, and residence status, so confirm them with your municipal office, employer, school, and the linked official guidance.
- Address-dependent procedures usually come before long-term banking and service setup.
- Bring more identification and supporting documents than you expect to need.
- Keep receipts, application references, and the Japanese spelling of your registered address together.
A practical planning sequence
- 1
Days 1–3: stabilize access
Reach your accommodation, establish temporary connectivity, confirm your address plan, and contact your employer or school if any arrival information changed.
- 2
Days 2–7: visit the municipal office
Ask the municipality which resident registration, health insurance, pension, My Number, and related steps apply to you. Medium-to-long-term residents should confirm the applicable notification deadline rather than assume it.
- 3
Days 3–10: connect phone and payments
Choose a suitable phone arrangement and prepare for identity, address, payment, or contract requirements that vary by provider.
- 4
Days 4–14: complete banking and payroll setup
Ask your employer or school which bank details and documents are accepted. Account-opening decisions and timing vary by institution and individual circumstances.
- 5
Throughout: activate the home and daily routine
Confirm electricity, gas, water, internet, waste rules, nearby health services, and emergency information. Gas activation may require an appointment depending on the property and provider.
What to prepare
- Passport and residence card where issued
- Registered or planned address details
- Employment or enrollment documents
- Phone and email access
- Rental or accommodation documents
- Municipal office opening hours and official page
Use this to make the next decision
Prioritize the next task that unlocks another task. If banking needs a phone number and address, complete the applicable address and connectivity steps first.
Sources and review notes
- Immigration Services Agency — Daily Life Support Portal
Official multilingual links for municipal, housing, work, health, and daily-life procedures.
- Japan Pension Service — Enrollment in National Pension
Official English guidance on coverage categories and municipal enrollment where applicable.
This page provides general relocation planning information. Requirements, costs, routes, service availability, and individual circumstances can change. Confirm current details with the relevant office, provider, property manager, or licensed professional.