Checklist for Newcomers to Japan: Documents, SIM, Banking, Housing

Quick Answer

During your first 30 days in Japan, you need to complete these 6 tasks in the following exact order: (1) receive your residence card (在留カード) at the airport → (2) get a SIM or eSIM with a Japanese phone number → (3) register your address at your ward/city office within 14 days → (4) enroll in National Health Insurance and receive your My Number → (5) open a bank account → (6) finalize your housing contract and home Internet.

Why you need a SIM card early: almost all subsequent procedures (opening a bank account, signing an apartment lease, signing up for home Internet, job hunting, e-wallets) require a Japanese phone number capable of receiving SMS. Without a Japanese number, you will get stuck at the banking and housing stages.

There is only one legally mandated task with a strict deadline: registering your residential address within 14 days of moving into your permanent place. While the remaining tasks carry no penalties, delaying them will cause significant inconvenience in your daily life.

Who This Guide Is For

This article is for you if:

• You have just arrived in Japan or are arriving in the next 1–2 months on a student visa, Specified Skilled Worker (特定技能), Technical Intern Trainee (技能実習), Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services (技術・人文知識・国際業務), or dependent/family visa.
• You are staying in Japan for 3 months or longer and hold a residence card (not a short-term tourist).
• You want a clear, step-by-step checklist of what to do first and what to do next, instead of piecing together scattered information across the web.
• You are a guarantor, intern supervisor, or a senior resident looking for a checklist to guide newcomers.

This guide is organized chronologically: from the moment you land through the end of your first month. Feel free to read through it once and bookmark it to check off each item as you go.

When This Does NOT Apply

This checklist is not intended for the following cases:

• Tourists or short-term business travelers staying under 90 days (visa exemption or "Temporary Visitor" stamp): you do not receive a residence card, cannot register an address, cannot open a standard bank account, and cannot sign up for long-term contract SIMs. You only need a travel SIM/eSIM or a pocket WiFi.
• Existing residents who are just moving apartments: you do not need to start over from scratch; simply file a moving-out notification (転出届) at your old ward/city office and a moving-in notification (転入届) at your new one within 14 days, then update your address with your bank, mobile carrier, and school/employer.
• Those arriving under programs where your company or school handles everything: many host companies for Specified Skilled Workers and supervising organizations for technical interns will guide you through all paperwork during your first week. You should still read this to know what to expect and verify what you have, but avoid going off to handle things on your own to prevent duplicate procedures.
• Japanese nationals or permanent residents who already have their documents: the sections on residence cards and status of residence do not apply.

Additionally, this article does not constitute legal visa advice. Procedures regarding status of residence, taxes, health insurance, and pensions vary by municipality and may change over time—please verify directly with your local ward or city office.

Step-by-Step Guide

Phase 1: Right at the Airport (Day 1)

1. Clear immigration and receive your residence card. If you enter Japan through major airports (Narita, Haneda, Kansai, Chubu, Fukuoka, New Chitose, Naha, Sendai, Hiroshima), your residence card will be issued immediately at immigration clearance. If entering through a smaller airport, your passport will be stamped with "在留カード後日交付" (residence card issued at a later date), and your card will be mailed to your address after you register your residence.
2. Immediately verify 4 key details on your residence card: full name (in the exact order as your passport), date of birth, status of residence, and expiration date. If you hold a student or dependent visa, check whether the back of your card is stamped with permission to engage in activities other than permitted under your status (資格外活動許可) to work part-time. If not, you can apply right at the airport immigration counter by submitting the application form for permission to engage in activity outside your visa status.
3. Activate mobile connectivity. Many people overlook this step only to regret it later. If you purchased an eSIM before flying, simply turn on your phone and install the profile to get connected the moment you land. If you haven't, use the airport's free WiFi to contact whoever is picking you up, but make it your priority to secure a Japanese phone number within your first 1–3 days.

Phase 2: Days 1–3 — Getting Connected and Securing a Japanese Phone Number

1. Determine which type of service you need. If you only need Internet access for navigation, online classes, or calling home via Zalo/LINE, a data SIM or data eSIM is sufficient. However, if you need to open a bank account, sign an apartment lease, apply for part-time jobs (baito), or register for e-wallets, you need a Japanese phone number that can receive voice calls and SMS—meaning a voice & data SIM.
2. Sign up for a SIM/eSIM. For newcomers, the fastest option is to order online and have the SIM shipped to your residence, or use an eSIM to get connected within minutes. Explore your options on our products page: monthly data SIM, monthly eSIM, 12-month prepaid SIM, and pocket WiFi.
3. If you are in shared housing or don't have home Internet yet, pocket WiFi is an excellent interim solution for your first 1–3 months: it requires no installation, no landlord permission, and can connect multiple devices simultaneously.
4. Save your Japanese phone number in your notes in the format 090-xxxx-xxxx. You will need to write this number down on dozens of forms during your first month.

Phase 3: Within 14 Days — Ward/City Office (The Most Crucial Step)

1. Register your residential address (住民登録 / 転入届). Bring your residence card and passport to the Residents' Division (住民課 or 市民課) at your local ward/city office. The staff will print your address on the back of your residence card. From this moment on, you are officially registered as a resident ("住民") of that municipality.
2. Enroll in health insurance. If you are an international student or not enrolled in social insurance through your employer, register for National Health Insurance (国民健康保険) on the same day at the National Health Insurance and Pension counter (保険年金課). With this insurance, you only pay 30% of medical costs. If your company enrolls you in Employees' Health Insurance (社会保険), you can skip this step.
3. Inquire about the National Pension (国民年金). As a rule, all residents in Japan aged 20 and older must enroll. International students can apply for the Special Payment System for Students (学生納付特例) to postpone contributions. Inquire directly at the counter during the same visit to avoid falling behind on payments.
4. Request 2–3 copies of your Certificate of Residence (住民票). You will need these when opening a bank account, signing a housing contract, or applying for jobs. Getting them right away saves you an extra trip.
5. Wait for your My Number notification. After registering your address, an Individual Number (個人番号) notification document will be mailed to your address. You can also apply for the plastic My Number Card (マイナンバーカード)—this card is extremely handy as official photo ID and can be used for various online administrative procedures.

Phase 4: Weeks 2–3 — Banking and Daily Life Setup

1. Open a bank account. The easiest option for newcomers is typically Japan Post Bank (ゆうちょ銀行), thanks to its nationwide network of branches and familiarity with foreign applicants. Other options include MUFG, SMBC, Mizuho, or a local bank specified by your employer or school for salary deposits.
2. Keep the 6-month rule in mind. Many major banks require you to have lived in Japan for more than 6 months before you can open a fully functional account with international remittance capabilities. If you are newly arrived, state clearly that your account is for "receiving salary" or "paying tuition" and bring documentation from your school or employer—they will often handle your application more flexibly.
3. Set up electricity, gas, and water. Electricity and water can be set up online or over the phone. For gas, however, a technician from the gas company must visit in person to turn on the valve, and you must be present—schedule this appointment early, or you risk taking cold showers for a week.
4. Set up e-wallets and transit IC cards. PayPay, along with a Suica/PASMO card (or local IC transit card), will save you a lot of time. E-wallets require a Japanese phone number for SMS verification.
5. Update your address with your school or employer, as well as with your mobile carrier if you signed up for a SIM before securing your official address.

Phase 5: Weeks 3–4 — Housing and Fixed Home Internet

1. Review your housing contract terms. If you live in a dormitory or company housing, make sure you understand the house rules and your monthly payment amount. If renting privately, keep your lease agreement (賃貸借契約書) safe—it serves as proof of address for many other administrative procedures.
2. Check if your apartment already has Internet. Many rental listings state "インターネット無料" (Free Internet) or "光配線済み" (Fiber-optic wiring completed)—meaning the connection is either already active or fiber cables have already been run into the building. Confirm with the landlord or management company before signing a new Internet contract.
3. If your apartment does not have Internet, you have 3 options: (a) sign up for fixed fiber-optic broadband—fast, but requires landlord approval and an installation wait time; (b) use a plug-in 4G/5G home WiFi router; (c) use a monthly pocket WiFi—portable, requires zero installation, and has no 2-year contract lock-in.
4. Recalculate your total telecommunications expenses. If you are paying for a data SIM, pocket WiFi, and home Internet all at once, you are likely overlapping services unnecessarily. If you live alone and don't use your computer heavily, a high-capacity data SIM or a single pocket WiFi device is usually more than enough.

Required Documents

Here is the set of documents you should keep in a clear plastic folder and carry along whenever handling administrative procedures:

Specifically for Registering a SIM/eSIM in Japan

• A valid residence card (typically requires at least a few months of remaining validity).
• Passport (in certain cases).
• A delivery address in Japan.
• Payment method: credit card, debit card, or bank transfer—see payment details on our support page.
• For voice SIMs, identity verification may be required by law; see instructions on our voice SIM registration page.

Estimated Costs

The figures below are common reference estimates as of the last source check. Actual costs vary depending on location, income, and service providers—please verify before spending.

Practical tip: prepare enough cash for your first month (rent, food, transportation, document fees), as your bank account may not be ready immediately and cash is still required in many places.

Deadlines & Processing Times

Where to Go & Where to File

Ward Office / City Office (市役所・区役所)

This is where you handle nearly all administrative paperwork: address registration, health insurance, pension, My Number, certificates of residence, and child registry. You must go to the office of the specific ward or city where you reside; you cannot go to just any office. Standard working hours are 8:30 AM to 5:15 PM, Monday through Friday (closed on weekends and national holidays). Many municipalities with large foreign populations (Shinjuku, Toshima, Adachi, Kawaguchi, etc.) provide foreign language help desks or tablet-based interpretation—simply say "English, please" or "ベトナム語、お願いします".

Immigration Services Agency (出入国在留管理庁)

This agency handles visa extensions, changes of residence status, part-time work permits, and replacement of lost residence cards—not your ward office. Be sure to book an appointment in advance or arrive very early, as lines are typically very long.

Banks and Post Offices

Japan Post Bank services are available at major post office counters (ゆうちょ銀行 or 郵便局貯金窓口), usually open from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Commercial banks typically operate from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Aim to visit early in the morning earlier in the week, and avoid month-ends as well as the 25th (payday in Japan, when banks are exceptionally crowded).

SIM, eSIM, and WiFi

You can sign up online and have your SIM delivered to your home address, or visit our store in person. HD TELECOM is located in Shin-Okubo, Tokyo—a highly convenient area for foreigners in Tokyo and the Kanto region. If you live elsewhere, signing up online with postal delivery is your fastest option. For payment and bank transfer details, check our support page.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Waiting past 14 days to register your address. The consequences go beyond a formal warning: you won't be able to open a bank account, obtain official documents, or enroll in health insurance on time—meaning you would have to pay 100% of any medical bills out-of-pocket during that period.
• Failing to check the back of your residence card. If your address is not printed on the back, your card is considered incomplete, and many institutions will reject your applications.
• Buying a 15–30 day tourist SIM expecting it to work long-term. Many newcomers make this mistake: the plan expires right when you are in the middle of filing paperwork, cutting off communication with your school or employer. Long-term residents should opt for a monthly plan or a 12-month prepaid plan.
• Using only a data SIM (no phone number) and getting stuck at the bank. Banks, PayPay, job application apps, and even the gas company all need to call or text you via SMS. If you plan to work or open a bank account, choose a voice & data SIM from the start to avoid redoing paperwork later.
• Registering a SIM with a friend's address and forgetting to update it. Official correspondence, invoices, and replacement SIMs will end up being sent to the wrong address.
• Signing a 2-year fiber broadband contract right after arriving. If you move, change schools, or switch jobs during your first year—which is very common—you will face hefty early cancellation and equipment removal fees. For the first 6–12 months of settling in, a pocket WiFi or a high-capacity data SIM offers far greater flexibility.
• Ordering fixed Internet without your landlord's permission. Fiber-optic installation often requires drilling holes or running exterior wiring. Proceeding without prior approval can cost you cancellation fees or cancelled appointments.
• Skipping health insurance because "I'm healthy, I don't need it." A single hospital visit without insurance can easily cost hundreds of thousands of yen. Moreover, having a clean record of health insurance and tax payments is a crucial factor when renewing your visa.
• Failing to keep your paperwork organized. Apartment leases, insurance receipts, tax certificates, employment contracts—keep everything in one folder. You will need them when extending or changing your visa.
• Moving without completing moving-out/moving-in procedures. An incorrect address on your residence card leads to mismatched insurance and tax records and lost mail.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which should I do first: get a SIM or go to the ward office?

Get your SIM first. Put simply, application forms at the ward office, bank, and housing agencies all have a field for "phone number." Having data and a Japanese phone number within your first 1–3 days will ensure every subsequent step goes smoothly. Just remember that address registration must still be completed within 14 days.

Can I buy a SIM before having a permanent address in Japan?

Yes, as long as you have a delivery address (a friend's house, dormitory, or long-term hotel). Alternatively, use an eSIM—no physical delivery is needed, as it installs directly onto your phone. Once you settle on a permanent address, simply update it with your mobile carrier.

Is a Japanese phone number mandatory to open a bank account?

In practice, it is virtually mandatory. The bank needs to be able to reach you, and most online banking services require SMS verification sent to a Japanese number. Foreign phone numbers are generally not accepted.

Can newly arrived international students open a bank account right away?

Japan Post Bank is generally the most accessible choice for newcomers. Bring your residence card (with your address registered on the back), passport, student ID or certificate of admission, personal seal (hanko), and Japanese phone number. Some major commercial banks require you to have resided in Japan for over 6 months for certain services.

My apartment has no Internet and fiber installation takes a month. How can I attend online classes?

Use a monthly pocket WiFi or a high-capacity data SIM with hotspot tethering. Both work immediately without any installation work. Many customers find this setup completely adequate and drop the idea of installing fiber altogether.

What happens if I register my address after the 14-day deadline?

You should still go immediately, as soon as possible, and explain your delay honestly. While late notification can technically incur regulatory penalties, the bigger issue is that it delays your health insurance enrollment and other procedures. Inquire directly at your local ward office for specific guidance.

Should I get a data SIM or a voice & data SIM?

If you only study, use LINE/Zalo, and don't need regular phone calling: a data SIM is sufficient and more economical. If you work, do part-time jobs (baito), open a bank account, register for e-wallets, or rent an apartment: choose a voice & data SIM to have a Japanese number for incoming calls and SMS verification.

What should I do if I move while under a SIM contract?

Yes—notify your mobile carrier of your new address so you can continue receiving official correspondence, invoices, and replacement SIMs when needed. With pocket WiFi or SIM cards, there is no hardware reinstallation; simply take your device with you.

What should I do if I lose my residence card?

Report the loss to the police to obtain a Certificate of Loss Report, then visit the Immigration Services Agency to apply for a replacement within 14 days of discovering the loss. Bring your passport and ID photos.

References & Official Sources

• Immigration Services Agency of Japan (出入国在留管理庁) — Residence card information and notification of changes: isa.go.jp
• Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (総務省) — Basic Resident Registration System (住民基本台帳) for foreign residents: soumu.go.jp
• My Number Portal (マイナンバーカード総合サイト / Digital Agency): myna.go.jp
• Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (厚生労働省) — National Health Insurance and Employees' Health Insurance: mhlw.go.jp
• Japan Pension Service (日本年金機構) — National Pension and Special Payment System for Students: nenkin.go.jp
• Japan Post Bank (ゆうちょ銀行) — Account opening requirements: jp-bank.japanpost.jp
• Multilingual portals of your local ward or city office (Shinjuku, Toshima, Kawaguchi, etc., all have dedicated English or Vietnamese portals).

Important note: Regulations on residency, health insurance, pension, taxes, and bank account eligibility may change and vary across municipalities. This article is intended as general guidance only. Before undertaking any procedures, please verify requirements with your local ward/city office, the Immigration Services Agency, or the relevant bank.

Source Verification Date

The official sources above were last verified on June 15, 2025. Fees and processing times reflect reference figures as of that date.

Get Started

On the checklist above, the one thing you can take care of fastest—even before touching down in Japan—is securing your connectivity. Getting your data connection and Japanese phone number lined up early makes the remaining 5 steps far smoother and stress-free.

If you're not sure which option suits you best, consider:

• Monthly eSIM — get online the moment you touch down, with no need to wait for physical delivery.
• Monthly data SIM — flexible for your first 1–3 months before your living arrangements settle down.
• 12-month prepaid SIM — ideal for long-term stays, pay once and forget about monthly bills.
• Voice & data SIM — if you need a Japanese phone number for banking, job applications, or apartment leases. See how to register here.
• Monthly pocket WiFi — a great alternative to fixed broadband while waiting for installation, or a long-term solution if your building cannot install fiber.

Explore all options on our products page. If you have questions about required documents, payment methods, or bank transfers, visit our support page—HD TELECOM is based in Shin-Okubo, Tokyo, with Vietnamese-speaking staff ready to walk newcomers through everything from scratch. You can also find more useful guides on our blog.