Here are some answers to the questions we are frequently asked by our clients.
Coming to Japan
Immigration
- What process do I need to follow when entering Japan with my long term visa (i.e., a visa term longer than 3 months)?
- Is there anything else that needs to be done after I receive my residence card?
- Can I register under my temporary address as I won’t be moving into my long term residence for a month or so but I do need a bank account right away?
- Could I register for my family members as well?
- What do I need to do if I am exiting Japan for business trips or vacation and would still like to come back as a resident?
Property Search (general)
- What’s the Difference between Serviced and Unfurnished?
- Which type of apartment suit me the best? Serviced unfurnished?
- How do I rent serviced apartments?
- What is included in the rent for serviced apartments?
- What do you need to keep in mind when renting a property in Japan?
- What kind of fees are we talking about?
- What is key money?
- Can you pay these fees by credit card?
- Do the payments need to be completed by the lease start date?
- Are there other fees that need to be kept in mind?
- What are the typical fees for a guarantor company?
- Can you get all of the deposit back when you move out?
Property Search in JPY 100,000-250,000 per month price range
- What kind of residential property am I to expect when searching in the range of JPY 100,000 to JPY 250,000 per month?
- What about large electric appliances such as a refrigerator, or washer and dryer?
- What is the best way to search for properties in this price range?
- Would these agents speak English?
- What kind of initial payments would I be expected to make before moving in?
- What is the typical process for receiving the keys and moving in?
- What about utilities? How do I activate them?
- How do you pay for utilities?
Property Search in JPY 400,000 per month and above price range
- What kind of residential property am I to expect when searching in the range of JPY 400,000 per month and above?
- What is the best way to search for properties in this price range?
- Do you suggest that I work with multiple agents?
- What kind of initial payments would I be expected to make before moving in?
- What is the typical process of receiving the keys and moving in?
- What about utilities? How do I activate them?
- How do you pay for utilities?
Insurance
- What kinds of things are normally covered by home insurance?
- How long is the insurance valid for?
- How much are the insurance premiums?
Car, Drivers License
- How can you obtain the certificate to show you have a parking space (Shako Shomei)?
- Is there any document required apart from Shako Shoumei?
- What is the written driver’s license conversion test like?
- Which country’s international licenses are not accepted in Japan?
- How do you prove that you’ve actually stayed in that country for over 3 months since the license issue date?
- Which countries’ license holders are exempted from taking the written and driving (road) test?
- What is the process of obtaining the Japanese License?
Leaving Japan
- What should be done with your incoming mail after you leave?
- If you’ve made a stain on the wall paper or carpet, do you have to pay for the full cost for replacement?
- Could you have a friend or someone in your office take care of utility service cancelation on your behalf when you leave Japan?
