Starting a Job in Japan: Administrative Onboarding Checklist

Before starting employment in Japan, review your Residence Card (在留カード) to confirm that your visa category permits the intended job activity and working hours. Employers conduct identity and visa checks during onboarding. For work-restricted visa categories, additional official permissions may be required.

Employers typically request your Residence Card copy, assigned 12-digit Individual Number (My Number), direct deposit payroll bank account details, and contact information. Specific document formats or corporate forms vary by company.

For eligible full-time and qualifying part-time staff, employers process statutory enrollment in Employees' Health Insurance (健康保険) and Employees' Pension (厚生年金). Employers submit application forms directly to the pension office or insurance association on behalf of the employee.

Eligible employees are enrolled in Employment Insurance (雇用保険) through the employer. Provide your Employment Insurance Insured Number (雇用保険被保険者番号) if you have previously worked in Japan. Review workplace safety, internal compliance rules, and attendance reporting guidelines.

Keep copies or digital backups of all completed onboarding documents, tax forms, and employment contracts. Track incoming items such as your health insurance credentials or qualification confirmation document and pension notice.

If you change jobs, move address, or update personal information in the future, notify relevant administrative authorities and your employer. Foreign residents changing employers must also submit the required notification to the Immigration Services Agency within 14 days.