After Arrival
Phase 2 of 2
Welcome to Japan!
The first few days can feel emotional and fast — but with a clear plan, you'll feel grounded and in control.
Arrival at Airport
2~3 hours
What to expect at the airport to begin your life here.
Residence Card is your most important ID proving legal residence in Japan
Follow the signs for foreign residents, NOT re-entry
Apply for Work Permit at the airport if you plan to work part-time
Get the Part-time Work Permit stamp on the back of your residence card
Narita to Shinjuku about 1,500 JPY by cheap trains/buses, around 30,000 JPY by taxi
Use Yamato Transport luggage delivery (around 2,000-3,500 JPY)
Collect baggage and head out.
Welcome to your new home in the Land of the Rising Sun!
City Hall Paperwork
3~4 hours
Now, let's help you officially become a local! This part consists of City Hall Procedure, and you have to complete them within 2 weeks of your arrival.
Read our guide
Make sure you have your new address
Bring your Residence Card (Zairyū Kādo) which you received at the airport, passport, and copy of your Spouse's Residence Card
Needed for pension application and bank account opening
Save your Katakana name carefully
Staff updates the address on your Residence Card the same day
Official certificate proving your registered address
You will enroll in the same type as your spouse/inviter
Enroll if your inviter is enrolled at National Health Insurance
Bills: often 1,000-3,000 JPY/month
Keep the 12-digit number that you receive 2-3 weeks later
Apply for the My Number Card online, after receiving Your Individual Number Notice
This card is used as your Health Insurance Card and other important identification card
Pick up your My Number Card, usually a month later
That's it! Congratulations on officially becoming a resident of your new city!
You've checked off the biggest items on your first-week-in-Japan to-do list.
Opening a Bank Account
setup 1~2 hours, card in 1~2 weeks
Opening a bank account should be your priority after registering your address.
We recommend opening a Japan Post Bank account first, since most other banks require phone number.
Please read our Guide
The following is about opening an account at Japan Post Bank
Residence Card (with registered address)
Your Katakana name
Or visit their branch with someone who speaks Japanese
Cash card arrives by mail in about 1-2 weeks
Give yourself a pat on the back!
You've just completed some of the most crucial and often stressful steps, bringing you closer to making Japan your home.
Getting a Phone Number
1~3 hours
Having a Japanese phone number (voice plan) is a must. Read our Guide
Residence Card (with registered address)
Bank account or credit card information
Most carriers support only Japanese customer support
You can buy NyuuLy Mobile SIM online with full English customer support
Part-time Work Permit
~2 weeks
Apply if you plan to work part-time.
Didn't apply at the airport? Do it here before starting any job
Work limits: up to 28 hours/week
Immigration will stamp on the back of your residence card
Navigating Daily Life
ongoing
Now that you're settled, here are some important tips for a smoother daily life in Japan.
Japan has strict garbage sorting rules
Burnable: kitchen waste, paper scraps, soiled plastics, clothing
Recyclables: PET bottles, glass bottles, cans, paper/cardboard
Non-burnable: metals, ceramics, non-bottle glass, small appliances
Suica/PASMO for transit
Bicycle: Register anti-theft
Great Job! Onwards and upwards!
We at NyuuLy are here to support you every step of the way, so feel free to reach out and don't forget to Enjoy Japan!
If you ever feel uncertain or need help, remember you can always AskMe.