Must-do after arriving in Japan (3): 3 steps for moving in｜Move into a dormitory, register your address, and enroll in the Japanese health insurance program (with recommendations from a real estate agent).

Highlights of this article

• The real experience of staying in the dormitory of Dongbei University of Technology and its facilities.
• Recommended low-cost housing agent "Village House" (no deposit, gratuity and agency fee)
• Procedures, Required Documents, and Timeline for Resident Registration (Turnover Period) and National Health Insurance Applications
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Guided Reading and Reading Suggestions

This article is suitable for international students and exchange students who have just arrived in Japan and are planning to move into a dormitory or rented apartment, and need to complete the residence registration and health insurance enrollment within 14 days. I will walk you through the whole process of "moving into a dormitory → registering for residency → enrolling in health insurance" with first-person experience, and I will clearly label the practical details, document checklist, and pitfall-avoidance tips, so that you can feel the warmth and find the information you need quickly.

It is recommended to read the Quick Checklist first, then complete it step-by-step according to the schedule, and finally refer to the FAQ to solve the frequently asked questions.

Quick Check Form (required within 14 days of moving into the dormitory)

• Meet with the dormitory manager to fill out the check-in form and receive your room key.
•  Apply for Dormitory Network (available by filling out the form on the same day)
•  Bring your passport and resident card to the city office to apply for residence registration (転入届).
•  Simultaneous application for national health insurance at the district office (if eligible)
•  Obtaining a Resident Card and Health Insurance Card with a Residential Address
•  If you cannot apply for a dormitory, you may consider low-cost agencies such as Village House.

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Moving into a dormitory (my real experience)

After two days in the hotel, I started to go to the dormitory.Tokyo University of Science (former Tokyo Institute of Technology) Umegaoka International Student Center"The dormitory is located at Fujigaoka Station on the Tokyu Tanazono City Line. It's a 15 to 20 minute walk from the station, and it's a downhill walk, so with two suitcases in tow, I finally arrived at the dormitory (left below is the location of the dormitory, right is the view along the way).

Dormitory Environment and Facilities

After meeting with the administrator, Auntie Akiko, and filling out the check-in form, I was officially a member of the dormitory. The following is a brief description of the facilities in the dormitory:

• Rooms: Single and double rooms are available, I was assigned to a single room on the first floor, the room is well equipped, the beds already have quilts, and the sheets can be changed once a week.
• Hostel Network: On the day you move in, there will be a relevant person to come to the dormitory to explain, as long as you fill out the form on the spot and talk about the cost to enjoy the Internet. It's pretty smooth to use.
• Sweepers: A variety of sweepers are available for free rental.
• Common areas: Bathrooms, kitchens, washing machines and dryers are shared, and the common areas are cleaned daily by the cleaning ladies, making the environment very clean and comfortable. In addition, there is a lounge on each floor where you can meet your fellow residents for a drink.

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💡 little reminder::

• No overnight stays for outsiders: The dormitory has a policy of not allowing outsiders to stay in the dormitory and violators will be expelled from the dormitory.
• About Refrigerator UseAlthough there are dormitory facilities in the common areas, I would recommend keeping personal belongings and food ingredients in the refrigerator in your room to prevent people from accidentally taking items from the common refrigerator. I've been burglarized so many times that I've put my belongings in my personal fridge because people take things from the communal fridge.

Recommended Housing Agencies

If you do not apply for a scholarship, or the school does not provide housing, "Village HouseThe "BIHLESS HUSBAND" can be a good choice. Here is the introduction of "Vileジハウス・Manage Mentor Co.

(1) Background of Cheap but Peace of Mind

The reason for the low price of "Village House" is the acquisition of a large number of employment-promotion residences that were built as part of the employment insurance business in the past in order to reduce operating costs. These residences were originally public housing for laborers, but due to government policy, it was decided that they would be transferred or abolished by FY2021 and acquired by Fortress Investment Group, a U.S.-based investment company that is a member of the Softbank Group. The residences were then converted into low-cost rental housing, "Village House," which was able to provide low rents by reducing costs through bulk purchasing.

(2) Features

• Coverage of real estate across the country: Offering properties in a wide range of areas, from urban to rural. From small suites for singles to spacious layouts for families, there is something to suit every need.
• Starting a new life with zero initial cost: Normally, a tenancy agreement would involve a number of initial costs, such as deposits, gift money and brokerage fees, to name but a few. However, Village House'sDeposit, Gift and Agency Fee WaivedIf you look at the table below, you can see the difference in fees from a normal agency. Therefore, you can start your new life with less burden.

💡 Fee ComparisonThe Village House saves you from paying the initial 200,000 to 300,000 yen (deposit, gratuity, brokerage fee, etc.), which is a typical agent's initial fee, and you only need to pay the first month's rent and the management fee.

firms	Club A	B Club	Club C	Village House
deed	¥242,000	¥152,000	¥91,500	¥16,500
deposit	¥45,000	¥0	¥0	¥0
Gift	¥45,000	¥0	¥0	¥0
Intermediary handouts	¥49,500	¥49,500	¥0	¥0
Key Replacement Fee	¥11,000	¥11,000	¥0	¥0
next month's rent	¥45,000	¥45,000	¥45,000	¥0 (Note 1)
Next month's rent	¥45,000	¥45,000	¥45,000	¥15,000 (Note 2)
Day of the month*	¥1,500	¥1,500	¥1,500	¥1,500
Total	¥484,000	¥304,000	¥183,000	¥33,000

(Note 1) Includes a maximum of $30,000 moving subsidy.

(Note 2) Includes a one-month free rent program. Free rent is a way to attract tenants to move in as soon as possible by adjusting the rental conditions to make it easier to rent, in order to avoid the property being left vacant for a long period of time. Rather than leaving the property vacant for almost a year before the next busy season, it is better to offer free rent for the first 1 or 2 months to ensure a stable rental income.

• Easy to review
  • Ready to rent without guarantor: Uses the company's own criteria to screen tenants.
  • No Guarantee Company Required: It is very possible to rent a home without problems, even if there are problems with rent, credit card delinquencies, or personal bankruptcy.
  • It's okay to have a low income.: Generally, if the monthly income is about one-third of the rent, it will pass the screening.
• Supporting foreigners with peace of mind: Village House also provides strong support for foreigners who are starting a new life in Japan. There are staff members who provide multilingual services (Chinese and English) so that foreigners will not be bothered by the language barrier when going through the procedures.
• Committed to environmental protection and community contribution: Contribute to the revitalization of the community and environmental protection through the renovation of unused houses and old apartments. Not only do we provide a comfortable living environment, but we are also highly regarded for our active participation in solving social problems.

(3) Points to note

The term of most rental flats is usuallytwo yearsIf you cancel the contract early, there will be a default fee. After all, this company is more interested in the concept of cheaper upfront fees so that customers can stay longer. However, I personally think that the termination fee of this company may be cheaper than one month's rent of a normal real estate agent, so I think it is cheaper to sign the contract first and then terminate it early than signing a six-month contract with other real estate agents. However, it is always a good idea to ask for a clear contract when consulting this company.

If you're looking to start a new life with low initial costs, or if you're looking for a place to live across the country, you're welcome to browse Village House's housing information - it's free to inquire, and it's good to have another option to compare.

Please click "メールでお問い合わせ" at the bottom of the page to start your inquiry, and someone will contact you to help you!

After clicking the link below and entering the page, please click "メールでお問い合わせ" at the bottom of the page to start the consultation, and then you will be served by a person.

>>More than 100,000 rooms in 47 prefectures nationwide!<<

(Link to Chinese translation: no deposit, no gift money, no renewal fee, over 100,000 properties in 47 prefectures in Japan!)

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Registration of Residents (Turning to a New Resident)

Do you remember the resident card you received at the airport? If there is no address on the back of the card, it is because a foreigner who has just arrived in Japan has not yet completed his/her residence registration. Before registration, the address field on the card will be blank and the card will not be fully valid.

The day after I moved into the dormitory, Mr. Honda took me to the district office to apply for the residence registration. This is a very important step, as only after completing the residence registration can you register your address on your resident card, open a bank account, sign a cell phone contract, and so on.

Who are the foreigners who need to apply for Resident Registration?

For mid- to long-term (more than 3 months) stayers with a resident card, it is necessary to start living in Japan. Within 14 daysTo register as a resident. The following are the specific categories:

• Mid- to long-term residents
• Special Permanent Resident
• Holders of Temporary Asylum or Temporary Residence Permit
• Residents in transition by birth or loss of nationality

Resident Registration Process

• Preparation of Papers
  • Bring your passport and resident card to the district office.
  • If you are bringing a family member with you, you will need a document proving your relationship with the head of the household (Japanese: seibei-master) (please translate into Japanese).
  • If a Japanese person is doing the procedure on your behalf, you will need to provide a separate letter of authorization and identification documents for the agent.
• Go to the city hall or ward office where the house is located: Please make sure you have a good address, as some places have branches or sub-offices, which are convenient and away from the crowds.
• Fill out the transfer form (転入届): Fill out and submit the transfer form to the window clerk. You can learn how to fill out the form from the example below:

Here are some Japanese translations so that students who are new to Japan won't be nervous.

Japanese	Chinese Translation	Points to note when filling out the form
Client's Name on the Window	name and surname	Your name must be recorded in the same way as on your resident card, otherwise it will cause unnecessary trouble.
Residence in Koraikara	new residence	Please double-check that there are no errors, otherwise you will have to update the procedure again, which is very time-consuming.
Residence in Imade	Previous residence	You can write a foreign address, but there are places where it's okay to write only Taiwan.
続柄	Relationship with Head of Household	Write "self", "householder", "wife", "children", etc.

• Waiting for Audit: Usually it takes about 30 minutes, but depending on the location and the busyness of the day, especially if foreigners are checking in at the same time, it may take 1-2 hours or even longer, so please be sure to allow plenty of time.
• Obtaining a resident card with an addressAfter you have completed the procedures, you will find your current address on the back of your resident card. This is the only way to use your Re-entry Card, which is your ID card for foreigners in Japan, and you should carry it with you so that you do not lose your ID when you are randomly inspected.

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Enrollment in National Health Insurance

After completing the residence registration process, I was guided to the NHS window to wait for my card to be checked and collected.

Like Taiwan, Japan has a mandatory health insurance program, but the system is a bit different from Taiwan, and is briefly described below.

Basic structure of the Japanese health insurance system

There are three main types of health insurance in Japan, and they are applicable to different people:

1. Employee Insurance (Social Security)
   • Applicable to: Regular employees (including those who work more than a certain number of hours).
   • Insurer: Your company or employer helps you enroll in a "Health Insurance Package" or "National Health Insurance Association (協會けんぽ)".
   • Premium: approx. 9.5%-10%(Employers and employees each pay half of the cost, and individuals pay about half of the cost) 4.75%-5%).
   • Features: IncludesHand on Gold for Injuries(You will receive salary compensation if you are unable to work due to illness).
2. National Health Insurance (NHI, Kokuho)
   • Target: self-employed, unemployed,Student, working vacation makers, etc.
   • Insurer: The city hall or district office where you live.
   • Premiums: according to Previous year's income, household size, district Calculation, municipalities differ greatly.
   • Features: No salary compensation, but can apply for remission(e.g., students or low-income earners).
3. Healthcare System for the Late-Breaking Age Groups
   • Target: Elderly people aged 75 or above, not related to international students, so we'll skip it here.

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Which section is applicable to students?

• Majority of students: Because they do not have a formal job or work less than the standard working hours, they need to join the National Health Insurance (NHI)The
• be an exception: If you are formally employed in a part-time job (e.g., contract staff, regular job), your employer will help you to join the Employee insurance(Higher premiums but better coverage).

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Estimated Costs of National Health Insurance (for International Students)

(1) Calculation of Premium

NHS premiums are included:

1. income tax: Calculated on the basis of the previous year's income (This portion is calculated on the basis of the previous year's income for international students who do not have any Japanese income. 0).
2. equalization: By family size (single students are usually counted on their own).
3. Equalization cut: Fixed amount per household.
4. asset-sharing: Some districts will add assets (not usually the case for international students).

(2) Actual cost

• Depending on the city.Annual income: 15,000 to 50,000 yen(Monthly average: 1,250-4,200 yen)
• Usually higher in large cities such as Tokyo 23 and Osaka City.
• Smaller cities may be cheaper

💡 take note of::

• Since fees vary greatly by region, be sure to check with the municipal office in your area of residence.
• Available for application Student Remission(proof of enrollment required), premiums may be further reduced 30%-50%The

(3) Method of payment

• Usually paid in 6-10 installments per year (every 2 months)
• Choose to pay at supermarkets, bank transfer, or credit card

Health insurance coverage (items available to international students)

Outpatient and Inpatient: Insurance Benefits 70%You're on your own. 30%(For example, if you pay 10,000 yen for a cold, you pay 3,000 yen.)

• dentistsBasic treatments (fillings, extractions) are covered; cosmetic dentistry (e.g., orthodontics) is covered at your own expense.
• pharmaceutical productsPrescription drugs can be purchased with an insurance card, out-of-pocket 30%The
• High-cost medical care system: If the monthly deductible for medical expenses exceeds the limit (usually applicable to international students) 35,400 yen), may apply for a refund.

💡 take note of::

• Special Benefits (depending on type of insurance)
  • High-cost medical care system: Refund of medical fees if the monthly medical fees exceed the out-of-pocket maximums
  • Childbirth and childcare for one hour.: Lump sum payment of approximately 500,000 yen at the time of childbirth (subject to conditions)
  • Hand on Gold for Injuries::Employee Only CoverageThe NHS doesn't have one.
• Non-payable itemsHealth checkups, vaccinations (e.g. HPV vaccine), cosmetic surgery, differential beds, orthopedic equipment (glasses and contact lenses, etc.), and some advanced medical treatments.

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What if I am overcharged?

(1) Common reasons for overcharging

• Calculation Error: The previous year's income should be zero but there is a system error.
• No exemption applies: Eligible for student waiver but not logged in
• Re-entry: Being enrolled in both insurances (e.g., the school enrolls you but you also enroll yourself)

(2) Solution Steps

1. Confirmation of the contents of the notification form
   • Carefully check the calculation details on the Notice of Inclusion.
   • Confirmation of the amounts of income tax, equalization tax, and equalization tax
2. Preparation of Papers
   • resident card
   • Passport
   • Proof of enrollment
   • Proof of income (or no income statement)
   • Previous year's tax return information (if any)
3. To the City Hall
   • Go to the window of "National Health Insurance Division" or "Health Insurance and Pension Division".
   • Description of the situation: "保険料が高すぎると思います」(I think the premium is too high)
   • Asked if there was any calculation error or could apply for a waiver.
4. If an overcharge is recognized
   • The City will either recalculate and refund the overcharged premiums or offset the premiums.
   • Refunds are usually made within 1-2 months to the designated account.

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(3) Other practical Japanese

Chinese	Japanese	Romanization
National Health Insurance	National Health Insurance	Kokumin Kenkō Hoken
Certificate of Insurance	Insurance Certificate	Hokenshō
I forgot my insurance card.	Forgot your insurance card?	Hokenshō wo wasuremashita
Premiums are too high.	Hikikomori is very high	Hokenryō ga takasugimasu
Can it be reduced or exempted?	Reduced Dekimasu?	Genmen dekimasu ka?
I'm an international student.	I am a foreign student.	Watashi wa ryūgakusei desu
Please give me a receipt.	Collection of Taxes and Levies	Ryōshūsho wo kudasai
Is this covered by insurance?	What is the application of this material for insurance?	Kono ryōkin wa hoken tekiyō desu ka?

Tips for International Students (Review)

1. Within 14 days of entry: Apply for National Health Insurance at the City Hall (late premiums may be retroactively applied).
2. Attention for part-time workers: If the number of hours worked per week exceeds 28 hours.If you are not a member of the organization, you may be required to enroll in the Employee's Insurance (higher premiums but better coverage).
3. Application for Remission: Bring your "proof of enrollment" and "proof of deposit" to the City Hall to have your premium reduced.
4. EmergenciesIf you don't have your insurance card with you, you can pay the full amount upfront and apply for a refund later with the receipt.

Trivia

• Most foreign students use national health insuranceMonthly fee 1,500 - 3,500 yen(Exemptions may be applied for).
• Out-of-pocket for doctor's visit 30%Remember to bring your insurance card/My Number Card to avoid being overcharged.
• Refunds for high value medical treatmentIf the monthly out-of-pocket payment exceeds 35,400 yen Remember to apply.

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Completion Procedures

After a long day of waiting, I finally received my resident card and health insurance card with address registration, which signified that my official residency status in Japan had been confirmed. These documents made me eligible for important applications such as opening a bank account and signing a cell phone contract, laying the foundation for the rest of my life.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for Readers

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Related Resources

• Student dormitory・sumai
• Umegaoka International Student Center (うめがおか りゅうがくせいかいかん)
• How to get the most out of the video game? Kara Kuri explains.
• Accounting System for Residences of Foreign Residents｜Burning In, Turning Out
• Forwarding from Abroad｜Aoba City
• When the National Health Insurance (Kokumiken Kokuho-Ken) of Yokohama City (Yokohama) is enrolled and when it is yameru (hayashi).
• For Foreign Students Studying in Japan ＜List of Possible Systems for Foreign Students in Japan＞ (Updated on November 27)

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