Moving to Japan checklist 2026: visa, housing and first steps as an expat

Moving to Japan in 2026 demands careful planning, especially to navigate visa processes, housing searches, and bureaucratic procedures. This moving to Japan checklist covers everything from visa applications to cultural adaptation, including opening a bank account, city registration, and setting up utilities. Perfect for expats who want to organize their relocation in advance and arrive prepared.

Japan has peak moving seasons: April (start of the fiscal and school year) and October (second semester) see high demand for housing, which can drive up rental prices or reduce availability. If you plan to relocate in 2026, start your visa process at least 3-6 months ahead, as processing times vary by consulate and visa type (work, student, spouse, etc.).

How to use this checklist in Foco

Import this guide as a 'project' in Foco to manage every step of your move to Japan. Use Panorama mode to see all pending tasks (visa, housing, paperwork) with their assigned colors, or switch to Focus mode to concentrate on one area. Leverage the Kanban view to organize columns like 'Documentation', 'Logistics', and 'Adaptation', or the Calendar view to schedule critical deadlines (e.g., consulate appointments or lease signings).

• Check visa requirements on the website of your nearest Japanese consulate (e.g., work, student, or spouse visa) and prepare documents: valid passport, application form, passport-sized photo, Certificate of Eligibility (COE) issued by your employer or institution in Japan, and proof of financial stability
• Schedule an appointment at the Japanese consulate to submit your visa application (processing time: 5-10 business days; may extend during peak seasons in 2026)
• Translate and apostille legal documents required for your visa and registration in Japan: birth certificate, criminal record check, university degree, or employment contract (depending on visa type)
• Search for housing on portals like Suumo, Homes, or GaijinPot Housing, filtering by location (proximity to train stations), budget, and requirements for foreigners (many landlords require a Japanese guarantor or a deposit equivalent to 3-6 months' rent)
• Contact real estate agencies specializing in expats (e.g., Sakura House, LeoPalace) to schedule virtual or in-person viewings during an exploratory trip to Japan (recommended before moving)
• Prepare documents for signing a lease: passport, visa, residence card (if already issued), proof of income (pay stub or bank statement), and details of a Japanese guarantor (or hire a guarantee service like GTN or Japan Housing Finance Agency)
• Register at your local ward office or city hall within 14 days of arriving in Japan, presenting your passport, visa, foreign resident registration form (外国人登録), and proof of address (lease contract or employer letter)
• Obtain your residence card (在留カード) at the airport upon arrival in Japan (if entering through Narita, Haneda, Kansai, or Chubu) or at the local immigration office if arriving via another airport
• Open a bank account in Japan at banks with English services: Japan Post Bank, Shinsei Bank, or SMBC Prestia (requirements: residence card, passport, personal seal (inkan/hanko), and proof of address, such as a utility bill or lease contract)
• Set up essential utilities: electricity (TEPCO or local provider), gas (Tokyo Gas or regional supplier), water (managed by the municipality), and internet (companies like SoftBank, Nuro, or Sakura Mobile offer expat-friendly plans)
• Register for Japan's National Health Insurance (国民健康保険) at your local ward office, paying the monthly fee (varies by income and municipality; in 2026, expect 20,000-40,000 JPY/month for expats)
• Get a Japanese phone number with a mobile plan (providers like Rakuten Mobile, UQ Mobile, or Docomo offer SIM cards for foreigners with a passport and residence card; avoid long-term contracts if your stay is temporary)
• Purchase a personal seal (inkan/hanko) at a store like Hankoya or Amazon Japan, required for banking, contracts, and registrations (you can order it online before arrival and pick it up at a physical store)
• Learn Japan's recycling system: separate waste into categories like burnable, non-burnable, PET bottles, cans, and paper (each municipality has specific rules; check your city's website to avoid fines)
• Enroll in a basic Japanese course (N5 level) if you don't speak the language, either at schools like Coto Language Academy or via apps like Bunpo or LingoDeer (helpful for daily errands and avoiding misunderstandings)
• Register with your country's embassy or consulate in Japan to receive emergency alerts and consular assistance (e.g., earthquakes, typhoons, or health crises)
• Explore transportation options: purchase a Suica or Pasmo card for trains and buses, or rent a bicycle (common in cities like Kyoto or Fukuoka; check if your municipality requires bicycle registration)
• Adapt to local customs: learn etiquette for trains (silence, no eating), public baths (shoes off), and restaurants (say 'itadakimasu' before eating and 'gochisousama' after)
• Join expat communities on platforms like Meetup, Facebook Groups (e.g., 'Foreigners in Tokyo'), or apps like InterNations to network and get practical advice (e.g., where to buy home-country products)