THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND BEFORE ARRIVING
Whether you are coming to Japan for one month, six months, four years, or even longer there are a couple of things that you need to keep in mind before arriving.
- The sections below are divided based on visa categories with
- short term stay meaning less than 90 days and
- mid to long term stay meaning more than 90 days.
- The following also assumes the reader has already received official acceptance to a Juntendo University program.
- You may have more questions after reading this. For more information please check Juntendo University’s Global page. If you still have questions please contact Juntendo University International Center (JUIC).
Short Term Stay in Japan
Housing
- The Japanese Embassy or Consulate may require short term residents in Japan to confirm their housing situation prior to their arrival in Japan for visa purposes.
- Short term residents who will not be using Juntendo University housing should contact Juntendo University International Center (JUIC) about their housing situation before their arrival.
Obtain a Visa
- Short term residents will need to apply for a Visa at the Japanese Embassy or Consulate in their home country.
- The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) lists countries whose nationals have visa exemption arrangements with Japan.
Identification
- Japanese law requires short term residents carry identification with them at all time. More information about identification may be found on the following link.
Insurance
- Short term residents should acquire insurance prior to coming to Japan.
- Juntendo University will not be responsible for any medical costs short term residents may incur.
Internet
- Short term residents are highly recommended to find a portable internet device for communication purposes, such as a portable wireless or a sim card, that they will be able to use during their stay in Japan before coming to Japan.
Money
- Short term residents should make sure they will have access to a bank account and credit card in their home country while in Japan in the case of an emergency.
Mid to Long Term Stay in Japan
Housing
- Visa regulations require mid to long term residents in Japan to register their address at their local Municipal Office within 14 days after their arrival.
More information about the procedures may be found on the following link. - Mid to long term residents who will not be using Juntendo University housing should contact JUIC about their housing situation before their arrival.
Obtain a Visa
- Complete the Certificate of Eligibility procedures.
- The Certificate of Eligibility will list the Residence Status and Period of Stay of the mid to long term residents.
- After receiving the certificate of eligibility, apply for a visa at a Japanese Embassy or Consulate. Visa procedures usually take around 5 days.
Residence Status / Period of Stay
- Residence Status: Mid to long term residents must make sure that they abide by the set of activities outlined by their residence status. More information about how to change your residence status may be found on the following link.
- Period of Stay: Mid to long term residents must make sure that they either renew their period of stay or return to their home country before their period of stay ends. More information about how to extend your period of stay may be found on the following link.
Identification
- Mid to long term residents will receive a Residence Card after arriving at their port of entry in Japan.
- Japanese law requires mid to long term residents carry their residence card with them at all time. More information about the law may be found on the following link.
- Mid to long term residents who need to update information on their Residence Card or lose their residence card will need to notify the Immigration Bureau. More information about the procedures may be found on the following link.
National Health Insurance
- Mid to long term residents who will be staying in Japan for at least 3 months must register in Japan’s National Health Insurance program. More information about the program may be found on the following link.
- Juntendo University will not be responsible for any medical costs mid to long term residents may incur.
National Pension System
- Mid to long term residents in Japan must register in the National Pension System regardless of whether they intend to live in Japan long term. More information about the system may be found on the following link.
Money
- Mid to long term residents are not required to open a bank account. Some Japanese scholarships require a Japanese bank account. Scholarship students should check with their scholarship to determine whether a Japanese bank account is needed. More information about the banking system in Japan may be found on the following link.
- Mid to long term residents should make sure they have access to a bank account and credit card in their home country in the case of an emergency.
Family
- Mid to long term residents who are thinking of having a family member accompany them to Japan should contact JUIC before their arrival about the housing situation and visa status of their family member.