Zagdim Reader Desk · Japan settling in
Settling in after arrival in JapanResident registration, ID cards and utilities
Whether you have just arrived in Japan or are moving home within it, your address, identity documents, insurance, mobile phone and utilities are each handled separately. The Zagdim Reader Desk first establishes your move-in date and status of residence, then shortlists Japanese professionals where needed.
Information checked: 29 October 2026
01 · ABOUT
Just arrived in Japan: where do the formalities start?
The formalities start from where you actually live. A mid- to long-term resident (中長期在留者) must notify the municipality where the home is located of the address within 14 days of moving in. You cannot notify before moving in, and a virtual office or borrowed address cannot be registered.
Mobile phone, electricity and water are separate contracts, and each provider sets its own identity and payment requirements. The specified residence card (特定在留カード) must be applied for by you; it is not issued automatically.
- Late notificationIt can still be filed late, but may attract a fine of up to ¥200,000 (about US$1,250).
- Consistent documentsCheck name, address and expiry date item by item.
- Employee insuranceEmployees may be enrolled in health insurance by their company.
Residence applications and card-related procedures; address notification is handled separately by the local municipality.
Logos belong to the respective bodies and are shown only to identify where a matter is handled. Zagdim is not affiliated with them.
Which situation are you in now?
Closest to your situation:
Just arrived, home arranged
- Do firstNotify your address within 14 days of moving in; those to whom National Health Insurance applies enrol in the same period.
- What to preparePassport, residence card, and tenancy agreement or details of your home.
- AfterwardsThe Individual Number notification (個人番号通知書) arrives by simplified registered post and someone must sign for it; then arrange your mobile phone and utilities.
Next steps
- Tell the Reader Desk your move-in date
Moving within Japan
- Do firstFile the change of address within 14 days of moving into the new address; the moving-out notification and other procedures for the old address are confirmed separately.
- What to prepareResidence card, My Number card (if you have one), the new tenancy agreement and the move-in date.
- In additionUtilities are applied for afresh according to the supply point of the new home.
Next steps
- Tell the Reader Desk the municipalities of your old and new addresses and your move-in date
Family coming with you
- What to prepareEach person’s residence card, family relationship documents with translations, and insurance details.
- Check firstWhether each family member falls under the company’s health insurance or National Health Insurance.
Next steps
- List the family members coming with you and each person’s status of residence
Short stay
People on Temporary Visitor status (短期滞在) or with a period of stay of 3 months or less are not issued a residence card, have no duty to notify an address and are not covered by National Health Insurance, so they do not usually need this service.
Next steps
- Confirm your accommodation and medical insurance arrangements first
07 · EXPERTS & PROFESSIONALS
Which Japanese professionals are involved?
Depending on the case, different Japanese professionals are involved.
Administrative scrivener
行政書士 · gyōsei shoshiAssists with administrative documents within the statutory scope; filing immigration applications on your behalf requires the relevant separate qualification.
Labour and social security attorney
社会保険労務士 · sharoshiConfirms social insurance procedures where starting a job or enrolment is involved.
MATCHING
How Zagdim shortlists the right professionals
What you need
Zagdim Reader Desk- Clarifying the need
- Matching providers
- Follow-up at key points
The right professionalZagdim Reader Desk
Establishes what you need · sets out a written checklist by move-in date · introduces a professional where needed
No charge to readersProfessionals in Japan
Professional advice and handling
Quote · contract · payment · receiptTell the Reader Desk where you live first
- You tell the Reader DeskThe city where you will live and your move-in date
- The Reader Desk checksWhich matters need a professional, and whether one can be arranged locally
- The Reader Desk repliesIf no suitable provider is available, we say so plainly
08 · CONSULTATION
What to have ready before you get in touch
Have the points below ready, then arrange a time by WhatsApp or email.
- Your arrival or move-in date, and whether your home is confirmed
- Status of residence and period of stay
- Family members coming with you and each person’s documents
- Employed, studying or self-employed
The Zagdim Reader Desk handles contact and follow-up.
Send us your details
The more you tell us, the better the Zagdim Reader Desk understands your situation before we speak.Four steps after you get in touch
- Contact the Reader DeskExplain your move-in date and status of residence.
- A written briefWhat needs doing is listed by deadline, marking what you do yourself and what needs a professional.
- Introduction to a professional by locationBefore the introduction, the written quote, out-of-pocket costs and conditions for extra charges are confirmed with the provider.
- Quote and engagementYou decide whether to engage, and contract with and pay the professional directly.
