(Don’t be shy to reach out to us to find out more and/or sign up for your “Settle In” services package – we’re here to help!)
Settling in, getting yourself and your family comfortable, and starting your new life as soon as possible after arrival enables you to focus on your work, your studies, or both. Our consultants are here to help you do that with as few hassles as possible.
Local Registration
Registration at the local ward office is required for anyone staying in Japan longer than 90 days and needs to be completed within 14 days of arrival. We will accompany you to your local municipal office and ensure this task is completed quickly and efficiently. If you have kids, we’ll help with their registration to kindergartens and/or schools, as well.
Purchasing your Personal Seal
Personal seals can be purchased at a “hankoya” (seal shop), but it’s unlikely you’ll find your name on any of the pre-made seals available for purchase. In this case, you’ll want to have a seal custom-made at the shop or online. The vast majority of these online seal shops will only have Japanese pages on their websites. However – we will assist you by ordering the correct size seal(s) made of your choice of materials.
Seal Registration
Your seal needs to be officially registered to be used when opening a bank account, establishing a company, taking out a loan, purchasing expensive items such as real estate property or a car, and signing official documents. In these circumstances, you may also be required to provide an official seal certificate as proof of its registration. We will accompany you to the local municipal office to conduct this registration on your behalf.
Opening a Bank Account
Financial accounts are necessary for many basic activities. Accounts are necessary for funds transfers, cash deposits, and withdrawals, as well as applying for a credit or debit card. Unfortunately, not many bank tellers will be able to assist in any language other than Japanese, and bank forms will rarely be available in any other language as well. We will accompany you to the local branch office and assist you in opening up your individual bank account or assist you in applying for an online bank account instead if one would satisfy your requirements.
Mobile Phone/SIM Card Purchase and Contract
There are many mobile phone companies and services available in Japan – certain mobile phones purchased overseas may or may not work in Japan and with Japanese SIM cards. We will support you in finding out the best solution for your mobile connectivity needs and in applying for a mobile phone or SIM card contract if one is required.
Living Area Orientation
We will support you in obtaining all necessary information regarding your new neighborhood – supermarkets, nearby hospitals providing services in English, public transportation, local community centers, free or affordable Japanese classes if required, and much, much more. Let our consultants know what you need assistance with, and they’ll make sure you and your family are comfortably familiar with your new living area.
30 days Support Line
We will be available to support you, free of charge, as part of the “Settle Down” package for a period of 30 following the completion of all services registration and provision, as described above. Following this period of time, we will also offer you affordable ongoing representation services – effectively functioning as your designated contact person for kindergarten & schools, utility companies, mobile phone companies, or any other third parties, for as long as you wish – as well as reviewing and translating documentation sent to you, assisting you in replying, filling in forms as required, and communicating with any third parties, for as long as you need us.
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Don’t be shy to reach out to us to find out more and/or sign up for your “Settle In” services package – we’re here to help!
