Moving to Japan from the USA

Practical checklist for Americans moving to Japan — work visa, Highly Skilled Professional, Digital Nomad, the Certificate of Eligibility, Resident Card, hanko, and your first 30 days.

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Visa & legal right to stay

Get a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) sponsored by an employer, school, or family
Must
The COE is what makes the actual visa quick at the consulate.
Choose a path: Engineer/Specialist in Humanities, Highly Skilled Professional (point-based), Digital Nomad (6 months), or Spouse visa
Take the COE to a Japanese consulate in the US for the actual visa stamp
Must
Enter Japan within 3 months of the COE issue date
Must

Paperwork to gather before you fly

University diploma + transcripts (most work visas)
Must
Employer offer letter and detailed job description
Apostilled marriage/birth certs for dependents
Travel/expat insurance covering the gap before NHI
Plan to get an inkan/hanko (personal seal) after arrival — many banks still require one

Money & banking

Most Japanese banks (MUFG, Mizuho) require 6 months of residency before opening
Must
Open Japan Post Bank or Shinsei on day one — both accept new arrivals
Get a Japanese phone number first — banks won't open without it
Set up Wise for cheap US→JPY transfers
Register at the local tax office only if self-employed; employees are handled via gensen choshu (withholding)

Housing

Furnished short-stay (Sakura House, MonthlyApartment) for the first month
Use Suumo, Homes, or GaijinPot Housing for long-term rentals
Budget reikin (key money, 1–2 months, non-refundable) + shikikin (deposit) + agency fee + guarantor fee
Total move-in cost is typically 4–6 months of rent.
Use a guarantor company if you don't have a Japanese guarantor
Must

Healthcare

Enroll in National Health Insurance (NHI) at city hall within 14 days of registering
Must
Costs ~30% of care; premiums income-based.
If employed, your employer enrolls you in Shakai Hoken (better coverage)
Find an English-friendly clinic (Tokyo Medical Surgical Clinic, AOI Universal Clinic in Tokyo)

First 30 days on the ground

Receive your Zairyu Card (Resident Card) at the airport on arrival
Must
Register your address at city hall within 14 days
Must
Enroll in NHI and the pension system at the same visit
Must
Get a Japanese SIM (IIJmio, Sakura Mobile, Mobal)
Pick up a Suica or Pasmo card for transit
Convert your US driver's license at the unten menkyo center
Most US states require the written + practical test; a few are exempt.
Order a hanko before opening major bank accounts

FAQ

How realistic is the new Digital Nomad visa?

It's 6 months, non-renewable, requires ~¥10M/yr income, and doesn't grant a Resident Card. Treat it as a long visit, not a move.

Can I open a bank account before 6 months?

Yes, but only at Japan Post Bank or Shinsei. Major city banks generally refuse newcomers.

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NextLatitude is for organization and guidance only. Visa rules, tax thresholds, and procedures change — always confirm with the relevant consulate or a licensed professional before acting. Last reviewed 2026-06-01.