Getting Started
Just arrived in Japan?
Start here.
A step-by-step roadmap for your financial life in Japan. Follow this timeline during your first 3 months to get set up properly — and avoid costly mistakes.
Week 1–2: Essentials
The things you need to do right away
Open a bank account
You'll need a Japanese bank account to receive your salary, pay rent, and set up utilities. Most foreigners start with Japan Post Bank (ゆうちょ銀行) or Shinsei Bank — both have English support.
Banking guide →Get enrolled in health insurance
Health insurance is mandatory in Japan. If you're employed, your company enrolls you in 社会保険. If not, you need to register for 国民健康保険 at your city hall within 14 days of getting your residence card.
Health insurance guide →Understand your first payslip
Japanese payslips are notoriously confusing. Learn what 厚生年金, 健康保険, 所得税, and 住民税 mean — and how much of your salary they take.
Payslip explained →Tip
Month 1: Get Organized
Build the foundation for financial clarity
Set up cashless payments
Japan has gone heavily cashless. Get a Suica/PASMO card for trains and convenience stores, and set up PayPay — Japan's most widely accepted QR code payment app. Many places now accept only cashless.
Cashless guide →Start tracking your income for tax purposes
Whether you're an employee or freelancer, start keeping records from day one. Save your payslips, receipts for work expenses, and any side income. Japan's tax year runs January–December.
Tax filing guide →Check if you need to file taxes
Most employees don't need to file 確定申告 — your employer handles 年末調整 (year-end adjustment). But freelancers, multi-job holders, and high earners must file. Use our free tool to check in 60 seconds.
Tax Filing Checker tool →Important
Month 2–3: Start Building
Begin growing your wealth tax-free
Open a NISA account
NISA is Japan's tax-free investment account — similar to a Roth IRA or ISA. The new 2024 NISA gives you up to ¥3.6M/year in tax-free investment allowance. Even as a foreigner on a visa, you're eligible.
NISA guide →Consider iDeCo
iDeCo is Japan's personal pension system with powerful tax deductions. Your contributions are 100% tax-deductible, reducing your income tax and 住民税. Best for those planning to stay in Japan long-term.
iDeCo guide →Get rental insurance
Most landlords require 火災保険 (fire insurance) when you sign a lease. But it also covers water damage, theft, and personal liability. Costs only ¥4,000–10,000/year — a must-have.
Best insurance guide →NISA tip
Month 6+: Level Up
Advanced moves for long-term residents
Explore ふるさと納税 for tax savings
ふるさと納税 (hometown tax) lets you "donate" to rural municipalities in exchange for gifts (wagyu, rice, fruits) while getting an equivalent tax deduction. It's basically free stuff from the government.
ふるさと納税 guide →Consider buying property
Yes, foreigners can buy property in Japan — there are no ownership restrictions. With mortgage rates still under 1%, buying can be cheaper than renting in many areas. Use our calculator to compare.
Buy vs Rent guide →Plan for the long term
Optimize your pension contributions, review your insurance coverage, and think about whether you'll stay in Japan permanently or leave. If you leave, you may be eligible for 脱退一時金 (pension refund) — worth up to 5 years of contributions.
Pension system overview →Leaving Japan?
Not sure where to start?
Ask FinBuddy AI about your specific situation. Tell us your employment type, visa status, and how long you've been in Japan — we'll give you a personalized action plan.