Nomae Expats
Relocation

Relocation — 1.3

Move in 30 Days

A sequenced operational framework for a minimum viable relocation. Everything in the correct order — skipping steps or reordering them creates compounding problems.

30

Days to functional residency

14 days

First critical window

Banking

Hardest single step

12

Steps in sequence

Why Sequence Matters

Japan's bureaucratic systems are interdependent. You cannot get a bank account without an address. You cannot register your address without a residence card. You cannot get a residence card without arriving on the correct visa. Each step unlocks the next — and delays compound.

The 30-day framework is not about rushing. It is about not losing weeks to avoidable sequencing errors.

Before you arrive

Arrange temporary accommodation for the first 2–4 weeks. Monthly apartments (マンスリー) or serviced apartments are ideal — you need a residential address to register, but finding a long-term apartment requires a residence card. Do not plan to use a hotel address for registration.

The 30-Day Timeline

Day 1–3

Arrive and secure address

  • Check into your temporary accommodation (monthly apartment or serviced flat)
  • Confirm you have your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) — you should have received this before landing
  • Get your Residence Card (在留カード) — issued at major airports on arrival for most visa types
  • Do not leave the airport without confirming your residence card is in hand

Day 3–7

Ward office registration

  • Visit your local ward office (区役所 / 市役所) within 14 days of arrival — this is legally required
  • Register your address (住民登録) — bring your residence card and passport
  • Apply for MyNumber (マイナンバー) — the card arrives by mail in 3–4 weeks, but your number is assigned immediately
  • Enroll in National Health Insurance (国民健康保険) if not covered by employer — do this at the same visit
  • Collect resident registration certificate (住民票) — you will need multiple copies in the coming weeks

The 30-Day Timeline (continued)

Day 7–10

Banking

  • Apply for Japan Post Bank (ゆうちょ銀行) — most accessible for recent arrivals with no credit history
  • Apply simultaneously for Rakuten Bank or SBI Sumishin Net Bank online

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The 30-Day Timeline (continued)

Day 7–10

Banking

  • Apply for Japan Post Bank (ゆうちょ銀行) — most accessible for recent arrivals with no credit history
  • Apply simultaneously for Rakuten Bank or SBI Sumishin Net Bank online
  • Japan Post Bank: bring residence card, passport, and ¥1,000 minimum deposit
  • Expect 1–2 weeks processing for online bank accounts
  • Do not wait for your long-term apartment before starting banking — you can update your address later

Day 10–14

Phone and SIM

  • For immediate connectivity: purchase a data SIM (IIJmio, Mineo, or Rakuten Mobile) with your residence card
  • Full carrier contracts (Docomo, au, SoftBank) require a credit card or bank debit card — apply after banking is set up
  • Rakuten Mobile is the most foreigner-accessible carrier for a full contract without credit history
  • Keep your international SIM active until Japanese number is confirmed

Day 14–21

Apartment hunting

  • Now that you have a residence card and bank account in progress, you can apply for a long-term rental
  • Use a guarantor company (保証会社) — most agencies work with ORIX Hosho, Casasoft, or similar
  • Expect to pay: first month + last month + deposit (1–2 months) + agency fee (1 month) + key money (礼金) 0–2 months
  • Total move-in cost: typically 4–6 months of rent upfront
  • Foreigner-friendly agencies: Sakura House, Able, Fontana, or any agency working with guarantor companies

Day 21–25

Utilities and insurance

  • Gas, electricity, water: set up on move-in — agents provide instruction sheets in the apartment
  • Internet: NTT Flets + ISP or NURO Fiber — 2–4 week installation wait is normal
  • Health insurance: confirm enrollment is active from your ward office registration
  • Pension (国民年金): if not employed, you are required to enroll — can apply for exemption if income is low

Day 25–30

Update addresses, get credit card

  • Update your address at the ward office after moving to permanent apartment
  • Update address with bank(s) — essential for credit card eligibility later
  • Apply for Rakuten Card — most accessible credit card for foreigners; requires Japanese bank account
  • Register your MyNumber card when it arrives in the mail
  • If running a company: begin corporate bank account application now

What to Prepare Before Arriving

The 30 days run smoother if these are handled before you board:

  • Certificate of Eligibility (COE) — arranged with your visa sponsor or lawyer, takes 2–4 months
  • Monthly apartment booked for first 3–4 weeks — confirm they accept foreigners and provide an address certificate
  • International credit card with no foreign transaction fees for the first month
  • Passport with at least 2 years validity remaining
  • Translated copies of key documents (employment contract, business records) — may be requested at ward office
  • Cash: ¥100,000–200,000 — many initial fees are cash-only

The 14-Day Rule

Address registration at your ward office is legally required within 14 days of establishing residence in Japan. Missing this window does not typically result in immediate consequences, but it creates a legal gap in your residency record that can surface during visa renewals or PR applications.

Important

Never use a hotel address for residency registration.

What Will Take Longer Than Expected

  • Banking: 2–6 weeks from application to functional account. Apply to multiple simultaneously.
  • Internet installation: 2–4 weeks. Order on day one in your new apartment. Use a pocket WiFi in the interim.
  • MyNumber card (physical): 3–4 weeks after registration. Your number is usable without the physical card.
  • Corporate bank account: 1–3 months. This is the longest dependency in your first year.
  • Credit history: Building a credit record takes 6–12 months. Plan accordingly.

Consulting

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