Japan (JP)

Valid passport essential for entry, visa application, and all official registration in Japan. Keep the original safe; carry a photocopy for daily use. Renew before it has less than 6 months validity.

Required for family registration, citizenship applications, marriage registration, and some visa categories. Must be apostilled and officially translated into Japanese by a certified translator.

Required for spouse visa applications, dependent registration, and name change on residence card. Must be apostilled and officially translated into Japanese.

Issued at the airport upon entry to foreigners staying 3+ months. Contains your residence status, visa category, and period of stay. Must carry at all times — police can demand to see it. Register your address on the card at the ward office within 14 days.

Sent by post to your registered address within 2–3 weeks of address registration. Contains your 12-digit Individual Number (MyNumber/マイナンバー). Keep it safe — used for tax, pension, and social insurance. Apply for the physical MyNumber Card separately.

Required for many work visa categories (Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services, Highly Skilled Professional, Specified Skilled Worker). Submit originals or certified copies with certified Japanese translation. The Immigration Services Agency (ISA) assesses degree eligibility for visa purposes; individual employers and regulated profession boards (Japan Medical Association, etc.) may additionally require apostille.

Required for most work visas — must specify job title, salary, contract period, and employer details matching the visa category. The employer typically files the Certificate of Eligibility (COE/在留資格認定証明書) on your behalf.

Issued after enrolling in NHI at your ward office (or by employer for Shakai Hoken). Show at every medical visit to access the 70% public coverage. Replace immediately if lost — costs ¥500 to reissue.

IDP from your home country is valid for 1 year from arrival date. After 1 year of residency you must exchange for a Japanese licence at the driving licence centre (運転免許センター). Bring your foreign licence, IDP, passport, residence card, and certified Japanese translation of your foreign licence.

The blue pension booklet (or replacement notification) tracking your contributions to the National Pension or Employees Pension. Essential for claiming pension benefits, applying for the lump-sum withdrawal payment when leaving Japan, and proving contribution history under bilateral totalization agreements.

Official document from your ward office confirming your registered address and resident status. Required for bank accounts, driving licence exchange, school enrollment, and many official procedures. Costs ¥200–400 per copy; obtain fresh copies as needed (they expire for official use).

Japan has strict rabies-free import controls. Required documents vary by country of origin — from designated rabies-free countries, a health certificate and microchip record suffice; from most other countries, a 6-month quarantine process applies. Contact the Animal Quarantine Service (動物検疫所) at least 6 months before travel.