Checklist for moving to Japan from the US or Europe: visa, housing, and essential paperwork

Moving to Japan from the US or Europe in 2026 demands careful planning, especially if you’re securing a work visa, renting an apartment, or navigating local bureaucracy. This checklist for moving to Japan covers everything from Japan visa requirements for expats to practical details like housing contracts, deposits, bank account setup, and city registration. Japan has strict deadlines (like registering as a foreign resident within 14 days of arrival) and unique customs (such as key money or two-year lease agreements), so each step must be completed in order with the correct documents.

If you’re coming from Europe or the US, immigration is the first hurdle: a work visa (such as the Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services visa) requires a job offer from a Japanese company and apostilled documents. Apartment hunting in Japan for foreigners is also challenging—many landlords require a Japanese guarantor or deposits equivalent to 4-6 months’ rent. Basic services like a local SIM card or public transport (with a Suica/Pasmo card) also require in-person paperwork. This guide helps you organize everything in Foco, where you can set deadlines, attach scanned documents, and collaborate with your employer or real estate agent.

What this checklist for moving to Japan includes

Immigration paperwork (work visa, foreign resident registration), apartment hunting (contracts, deposits, key money), bank account setup, city registration, and cultural adaptation (SIM card, transport, basic etiquette). Each task is designed to be completed in logical order, with notes on required documents and real deadlines in Japan (e.g., foreign resident registration must be done within 14 days of arrival).

• Confirm work visa type (e.g., Engineer/Specialist in Humanities) and requirements with your sponsoring company in Japan
• Request a job offer letter (Certificate of Eligibility) from your Japanese employer and ensure it’s apostilled
• Gather visa documents: valid passport, application form, passport-sized photo (4.5x4.5 cm), Certificate of Eligibility, and proof of funds (bank statement)
• Submit visa application at the Japanese embassy or consulate in your country (US or Europe) and pay the fee (approx. 3,000 JPY in 2026)
• Book a flight to Japan, avoiding peak moving seasons (April, September, and December due to high demand)
• Register at your local ward office within 14 days of arrival with your passport, visa, and foreign resident registration form (gaikokujin toroku)
• Obtain your Residence Card at the airport or immigration office if arriving at an airport without this service
• Search for housing through foreigner-friendly real estate agents or platforms like Leopold or Suumo
• Visit preselected properties and negotiate lease terms (deposit shikikin, key money, agent commission, and contract duration)
• Sign the lease and pay deposits (typically 4-6 months’ rent: 1-2 months’ deposit, 1-2 months’ key money, and 1 month’s agent fee)
• Set up utilities: electricity (TEPCO or local provider), gas (Tokyo Gas), water, and internet (SoftBank or NTT)
• Open a bank account in Japan (Japan Post Bank, SMBC, or MUFG) with your passport, Residence Card, and personal seal (hanko)
• Apply for a local SIM card (Sakura Mobile or Mobal) or a mobile phone contract (requires Residence Card and bank account)
• Purchase a Suica or Pasmo transport card at train station machines or 7-Eleven stores for trains and buses
• Update your address for essential services: Residence Card, bank account, and national health insurance (kokumin kenko hoken)
• Attend cultural orientation (if offered by your employer) or research basic etiquette: removing shoes indoors, strict recycling rules, and quiet hours
• Learn basic Japanese phrases for daily errands (e.g., sumimasen, arigato gozaimasu, eigo ga hanasemasu ka?)
• Buy essential household items (futon, appliances, kitchenware) at stores like Nitori or IKEA (locations in Tokyo, Osaka, etc.)
• Notify your US or European bank about your move to avoid card blocks and set up international transfers (Wise or Revolut)
• Check if your home country has a tax treaty with Japan to avoid double taxation (consult a local accountant)