Essential Guide for Foreigners Working in Japan: What To Do Right After Arriving
- 小雨 趙
- 1 日前
- 読了時間: 5分
更新日：5 時間前
When you decide to start working in Japan for the first time, there’s a lot to prepare before settling into your new daily life. It's easy to feel overwhelmed and unsure of where to begin. This guide breaks down the essential steps and procedures you should take right after arriving. Use this article as your go-to checklist for smoothly setting up a new life in Japan.
1. Obtaining your residence card
The transition process starts immediately. Upon arrival in Japan, you will be issued a residence card at the airport. Your residence card is your identification for living and working in Japan. You will be required to present it for many procedures, such as opening a bank account, registering as a resident, and signing a mobile phone contract, so be sure to keep it in a safe place.
Additionally, under the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act, you are required to carry your residence card with you at all times. If you are asked to show it by a police officer or immigration officer and you do not have it with you, you may be subject to penalties, so be sure to carry it with you when you go out. During this step you must verify that your name, address, residence status, and expiration date are correct. If there are any errors, you must report them to an immigration officer immediately.
2. Registration at City Hall
After arriving in Japan and securing a place to live, you’ll need to register your residency at your local city, town, or village office within 14 days. This step—known as a “moving-in notification”—is essential for accessing public services like taxes, health insurance, and social security. It’s one of the first and most important procedures to complete as a new resident. When you register your residency, it’s highly recommended to apply for a My Number Card (Individual Number Card) at the same time. This card is essential for many everyday tasks—like filing taxes, opening a bank account, and even accessing healthcare.
Japan is transitioning to a system where the My Number Card replaces traditional health insurance cards, and after December 2, 2024, new health insurance cards will no longer be issued. Getting your My Number Card early will make future procedures much smoother and help you stay ahead of the curve. In any case if you’re covered by workplace social insurance or Japan’s National Health Insurance, your My Number Card will make it easier to use your insurance and access medical treatment. Once you’ve applied and received your issuance notice, you’ll need to visit your local city hall or designated counter to verify your identity and collect your card.
3. Settling into your new home
To make things easier, consider using a real estate agency that specializes in helping foreign residents. For example, BEST ESTATE.JP offers multilingual support, can introduce you to locations without a guarantor, and can also accommodate contracts from overseas. Operated by GTN (Global Trust Networks), the service also provides ongoing support after you move in—so you can start your new life in Japan with confidence and peace of mind.
4. Understand community rules and emergency procedures
In Japan, each region has its own rules and customs for daily life—and garbage disposal is especially important. Municipalities have specific guidelines for separating burnable, non-burnable, and recyclable waste, as well as designated collection days and required garbage bags. Failing to follow these rules can result in your trash not being collected, or even cause conflicts with neighbors.
Fortunately, many local governments provide multilingual resources—including Japanese, English, and Chinese—to help residents understand these rules. You can find information by searching online for “garbage disposal rules for [your city or ward].” For example, Shinjuku Ward offers multilingual guidance here.
In addition to daily life rules, it’s key to prepare for natural disasters like earthquakes and typhoons. Familiarize yourself with local evacuation shelters and disaster protocols. Municipal websites and apps such as Safety Tips for Travelers and the Tokyo Metropolitan Disaster Map provide real-time updates and shelter locations in multiple languages.
5. Prepare your bank account, mobile plan, and credit card
To start your life in Japan smoothly, it’s important to prepare key services as early as possible. Opening a bank account is one of the first steps, as it’s essential for receiving your salary, paying rent, and handling everyday transactions. To open an account, you’ll need your residence card and proof of address, such as your resident registration certificate—so be sure to have these documents ready in advance.
Securing a mobile phone and internet connection is also crucial for both work and daily life. GTN MOBILE offers multilingual support and flexible plans tailored for foreigners, making it easy to apply even before arriving in Japan. You can pick up your SIM card at major airports or have it delivered to your home, ensuring you’re connected from day one.
While obtaining a credit card can be challenging for newcomers, GTN provides reliable support for applying for the GTN EPOS Card. This card is designed specifically for foreign residents and offers benefits like no annual fees, reward points, and discounts at partner stores. It’s ideal for online shopping, paying utility bills, and managing daily expenses.
By setting up your bank account, communication services, and credit card early on, you’ll greatly improve the convenience of your daily life and reduce the stress of settling in. With the help of support services designed for foreigners, you can navigate these procedures with confidence and start your new life in Japan with peace of mind.
Our Support Services
At Globarx Co., Ltd., we provide comprehensive support for accepting and retaining Specified Skilled Workers through the following services:
Document Preparation and Procedure Assistance: We handle essential procedures such as visa applications and employment contracts quickly and efficiently.
Post-Arrival Living Support: We assist with housing arrangements and daily life needs to help workers adapt smoothly to life in Japan.
Regular Follow-Up: We conduct periodic interviews to ensure that workers feel secure and supported in their workplace.
Support in Seven Languages: Our services are available in English, Chinese, Vietnamese, Sinhala (Sri Lanka), Burmese (Myanmar), Tagalog (Philippines), and Indonesian.
Career Support for Foreign Nationals: In addition to Specified Skilled Workers, we also support career advancement and industry transitions for those with other residence statuses, such as Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services.
We are committed to creating an environment where foreign workers can thrive in Japan, helping to resolve labor shortages and contribute to the growth of your company. We will do our utmost to introduce the best candidates tailored to your needs.
If you have any questions or would like to discuss your situation, please feel free to contact us.
Email: andrew@globarx.co.jp（Andrew Smith）
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■ About the Author
Andrew Smith
Originally from Louisiana, USA, Smith is an English educator and content creator based in Ehime, Japan. With a background in media production and experience as an NBA digital reporter, he moved to Japan in 2020 driven by his passion for Japanese culture. After four years teaching English across all age groups, he joined Globarx in 2025, where he now leads business English initiatives（Globarx English） and social media outreach for North America.
