Moving to Tokyo involves more paperwork than a short visit, but the process is well-established once you know the steps.
Before You Arrive
Secure your visa status first (work visa, Digital Nomad Visa, or student visa depending on your route) — this determines nearly everything else. Have your employer or school send required documentation early, as Japanese bureaucracy runs on paper and stamps more than most Western newcomers expect.
Finding Housing
Foreigner-friendly agencies like GaijinPot Housing, Sakura House, and Real Estate Japan specialize in helping newcomers navigate Japan’s rental system, which can require a Japanese guarantor and significant upfront costs (key money, deposit, agency fees) at traditional agencies. Share houses and furnished apartments through these agencies avoid most of this friction for the first few months.
Registering as a Resident
Within 14 days of moving into permanent housing, register your address at the local ward office — this issues your Residence Card details and is required before you can open a bank account, get a phone contract, or enroll in health insurance.
Bank Account and Phone
Opening a Japanese bank account typically requires your Residence Card and proof of address — Shinsei Bank and Japan Post Bank are commonly recommended as more foreigner-friendly than some traditional banks. A phone contract usually follows once you have a bank account and address registration.
The Bottom Line
Budget your first month for using cash, a prepaid SIM, and possibly a short-term furnished rental while you work through address registration, bank account, and phone setup in sequence — each step generally unlocks the next.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the whole setup process typically take?
Most newcomers are fully set up (bank, phone, registered address) within 2-4 weeks, assuming visa status is already sorted before arrival.