Settling Into Japan: Residence Card, City Hall, Bank Account and Phone

Your first two weeks: the admin checklist

Arriving in Japan comes with a short burst of paperwork. Doing it in the right order — residence card, then city hall, then bank and phone — makes everything else easier.

These deadlines are set by law and administrative rules, so treat them as fixed. This is general information, not immigration advice — verify the current steps on the official sources.

• Receive your residence card (at the airport or later by mail)
• Register your address at the city/ward office (within 14 days)
• Enrol in National Health Insurance and get your My Number
• Open a bank account
• Get a phone or SIM

Your residence card (zairyu card)

The residence card (zairyu card) is your official ID as a mid-to-long-term resident. At major international airports you receive it on arrival; at smaller entry points it is mailed after you register your address.

Carry it at all times, and report changes (address, name, status) within the required window. If you lose it, report to a Regional Immigration Services Bureau promptly.

Japan periodically updates its resident-ID system, so check the Immigration Services Agency site for the current card and procedure — this is general information, not immigration advice.

City hall: resident registration, My Number and insurance

Once you have an address, go to your local city or ward office within 14 days to file your moving-in notification. This resident registration is the key that unlocks other services.

At or soon after registration you also enrol in National Health Insurance and are issued a My Number — a personal ID number used for tax and administration. Keep your My Number private and safe.

Bring your residence card and passport. Requirements differ slightly by municipality — check your city or ward office's page.

Opening a Japanese bank account

A local bank account makes it easy to receive a scholarship or part-time-job pay and to pay rent and bills. Japan Post Bank and other banks are commonly used by students.

Banks usually ask for your residence card, your registered address, a personal seal (hanko/inkan) or signature, a phone number and sometimes proof of study. Some banks apply a waiting period for new residents before certain features, such as transfers, are enabled.

Requirements and timing vary by bank; ask your university which banks near campus are used to serving international students, and confirm the documents with the branch.

Getting a phone or SIM

You have two broad choices: a full carrier contract (more features, a credit check, and often a bank account required) or a prepaid or low-cost SIM (faster to start, fewer requirements). Many students begin with a low-cost SIM and switch later.

To sign up you typically need your residence card and, for a contract, a bank account or card and a registered address. Compare data plans and any minimum contract length before signing.

Keep your documents in order

Keep your passport, residence card, insurance card, My Number and bank details safe, and carry your residence card daily. Report address changes at the city office and to your university.

If you leave Japan temporarily, check the re-entry rules before you travel. Verify any procedure that affects your visa on the official Immigration site — this is general information, not immigration advice.