Preparing to study at a Japanese language school in Tokyo involves navigating several official procedures before and after your arrival. To transition smoothly, you must understand the exact steps from obtaining your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) to registering your new address and setting up your health insurance. This guide outlines the complete timeline and essential steps for international students arriving in Japan in 2026.
How do I get my Certificate of Eligibility (COE)?
The very first step in your journey to Tokyo is obtaining a Certificate of Eligibility (COE). This document is issued by a regional immigration bureau in Japan and serves as proof that you meet the basic requirements for entering the country.
In most cases, the Japanese language school you plan to attend will act as your proxy and submit the application on your behalf. However, you must provide them with the necessary supporting documents. A key part of this process is demonstrating your financial stability. You will need to submit evidence showing that you or your financial sponsor can cover all your living and tuition expenses during your stay. This typically includes a savings balance certificate, an annual income certificate for the past year, and documents explaining the source of these funds. For more details on these requirements, you can refer to the Study in Japan (JASSO) Immigration Guide.
What are the steps to apply for a Student visa?
Once the immigration bureau issues your COE, your school will send it to you. With this document in hand, you can officially apply for your Student visa. You must submit your visa application to the Japanese embassy or consulate in your home country or region of residence.
When applying, you will need to present your passport, the visa application form, photographs, and your COE (a copy is also accepted). The "Student" status of residence is designated for individuals studying at language schools, vocational colleges, junior colleges, or universities. The Minister of Justice determines the specific period of stay for each applicant, which will not exceed four years and three months. Please note that visa regulations and individual eligibility can vary. You should always confirm the latest requirements and procedures with official sources, such as the Japanese embassy or your school.
What happens when I land at the airport in Japan?
When you arrive at the airport in Japan, you must present your passport, your visa, and your COE. To make your entry smoother, you can use the "Visit Japan Web" online service to complete your quarantine, immigration, and customs declarations in advance.
If you land at a major airport—such as Narita, Haneda, New Chitose, Chubu, Kansai, Kobe, Hiroshima, or Fukuoka—you will receive a Landing Permission stamp in your passport and your physical Residence Card (Zairyu Card) immediately. If you enter through any other airport, your passport will receive a stamp indicating that your Residence Card will be issued at a later date. In either case, you are required by law to carry your Residence Card with you at all times during your stay in Japan.
What procedures must I complete after moving in?
Once you have found a place to live, you must visit the local municipal office administering your address within 14 days to register your residence. If your card was not issued at the airport, bring your stamped passport to the office to complete this registration.
After registering your address, you will receive a 12-digit social security and tax number known as "My Number" via a notification card sent to your home. This is different from your Residence Card number. You will need your My Number for various official tasks, such as opening bank accounts, receiving overseas money transfers, or starting a part-time job.
Additionally, all foreign residents staying in Japan for three months or more must join the National Health Insurance (NHI) program, also known as Kokuho. You can sign up for this at your local municipal office after completing your address registration. The insurance covers 70% of your medical bills, meaning you only pay 30% out of pocket. Your monthly premium is calculated based on your previous year's income. Even if you have no income as a student, you must declare this at the ward office to qualify for premium reductions. For more information on health coverage, visit the Study in Japan (JASSO) Insurance Guide.
Your school may also recommend additional student insurance plans, such as Gakkensai (personal accident insurance for education and research) or personal liability insurance, which covers incidents like bicycle accidents or accidental damage to your apartment.
Finding a place to stay
Securing accommodation is a crucial step that you should arrange after your Certificate of Eligibility or visa is issued, but before you board your flight to Tokyo. Many newcomers stay in a furnished monthly apartment first to make their transition into Japan as smooth as possible. For a hassle-free arrival, OHAYO Stay offers furnished monthly apartments and rooms in Tokyo. Booking is completed entirely online using a passport or ID and a credit card, with no guarantor, no key money, and no agency fee required. Please note that most homes have a minimum stay of 30 nights (shown on each listing). Having your accommodation confirmed early allows you to register your address at the local ward office within the required 14-day window without any unnecessary stress.
FAQ
How long can I stay in Japan on a Student visa?
The exact period of stay is determined individually by the Minister of Justice, but it cannot exceed a maximum duration of four years and three months.
What should I do if my Residence Card is not issued at the airport?
If you land at an airport that does not issue the card immediately, your passport will be stamped. You must bring this stamped passport to your local municipal office within 14 days of finding a place to live to register your address and receive your card.
Do I need to register for National Health Insurance if I have no income?
Yes, registration is mandatory for anyone staying in Japan for three months or more. You must also declare your low or zero income at the municipal office to ensure your monthly insurance premiums are reduced.
Sources
- Study in Japan(JASSO)「Immigration and Students Visas｜Study in Japan Official Website」(checked 2026-10-07)
- Study in Japan(JASSO)「Insurance｜Study in Japan Official Website」(checked 2026-10-07)
This article was created by OHAYO Stay based on the sources above (edited, reorganized and translated). It is not an official publication.
Rules and dates can change. Always confirm with the official source before you apply.