Ultimate checklist for moving to Japan as an expat: legal steps, housing, and adaptation

If you're planning to move to Japan as an expat in 2026 or 2027, this checklist for moving to Japan as an expat will help you organize every step, from legal procedures to cultural adaptation. Japan has specific requirements for visas, foreign resident registration, housing, and transportation, so preparing in advance is key to avoiding setbacks. Use this list in Foco to track each task, assign deadlines and priorities, and sync it with your calendar.

The peak moving season in Japan is typically between March and April (start of the fiscal and school year) and September (lease contract renewals). If you plan to move in 2026, book services like international shipping, rental agencies, and visa processing at least 3-6 months in advance. In 2027, deadlines may vary due to potential changes in immigration policies, so always verify official sources.

What this checklist for moving to Japan as an expat includes

This list covers: legal procedures (visa, foreign resident registration, tax ID), housing (leases, deposits, agencies), transportation (public transit, bicycles, car), cultural adaptation (language, customs, banking), and logistics (shipping belongings, utilities). Each task is designed to be actionable and specific, with no filler.

• Apply for a work, student, or spouse visa at the Japanese embassy or consulate in your country (minimum lead time: 1-3 months before travel)
• Book a flight at least 2 months in advance and check baggage requirements for international moves
• Hire an international shipping service for belongings (compare options like Yamato Transport or Sagawa Express)
• Research and contact rental agencies in Japan (recommended: UR Housing, Leopalace, or local agencies in cities like Tokyo, Osaka, or Kyoto)
• Prepare rental documents: passport, visa, employment contract, bank guarantee, or guarantor (Japan often requires a Japanese guarantor or a high deposit)
• Register as a foreign resident at the local city hall within 14 days of arrival (bring passport, visa, registration form, and passport-sized photos)
• Obtain your tax identification number (My Number) at the city hall (requires passport, visa, and application form)
• Open a bank account in Japan (recommended banks: Japan Post Bank, SMBC, or MUFG; you’ll need passport, visa, residence card, and personal seal (inkan))
• Sign up for a mobile phone plan (options: SoftBank, Docomo, Rakuten Mobile, or MVNOs like Line Mobile; bring passport and residence card)
• Get a public transport card (Suica or Pasmo) at a train station or vending machine (useful for trains, buses, and purchases)
• Buy a bicycle (affordable options at stores like Aeon or Don Quijote) and register it at the local police station (requires purchase receipt and passport)
• Enroll in a basic Japanese language course (schools like Berlitz, Go! Go! Nihon, or local community classes)
• Learn basic cultural norms: recycling rules, quiet hours, public restroom etiquette, and dining customs
• Set up utilities: electricity (TEPCO or Kansai Electric), gas (Tokyo Gas or Osaka Gas), and water (municipal management; some contracts require a deposit)
• Register with your country’s embassy or consulate in Japan for emergencies (bring passport and registration form)
• Join expat communities on social media (Facebook, Meetup) or platforms like GaijinPot for local support
• Purchase plug adapters (Japan uses Type A/B, 100V) and voltage converters if bringing appliances from other countries
• Visit a local health center for recommended vaccines (e.g., seasonal flu, hepatitis B) and get private health insurance if not covered by your employer
• Explore long-term transport options: car rental (requires international license or conversion to a Japanese license) or subscription services like Times Car Plus