Besides passport and visa, what other important documents must I bring to Japan? (e.g., English or Japanese versions of birth certificate, marriage certificate, academic credentials)

Hey, great question! Many people only think about passports and visas, but when they actually arrive in Japan and need to handle various procedures, they realize they're missing other crucial documents, which can be a real headache.

What you need to bring besides your passport and visa largely depends on whether you're coming for a short-term visit or for long-term residence (work, study, etc.). Let me break it down for you.

I. Documents Best Prepared Regardless of Short or Long Stay

These documents might be needed upon entry or shortly after arriving in Japan.

• Original Certificate of Eligibility (COE)

  • What is it? If you're coming for work, study, or to join family, you should have received this document before applying for your visa. Think of it as a "pre-approval letter" from the Japanese Ministry of Justice, confirming you have a legitimate reason to reside in Japan.
  • Why it's important: The immigration officer at the airport will collect this original document when you enter Japan. Without it, you might be denied entry even if you have a visa. So, never check it in your luggage! Always carry it with you.

• Flight Itinerary and Hotel Booking Confirmation

  • Why it's important: Immigration officers might ask about your travel plans. Showing these helps prove you're a legitimate visitor with a clear itinerary and accommodation. Have a printed copy or save it on your phone.

• Driver's License & Japanese Translation

  • Planning to drive in Japan? Your domestic license alone isn't enough to rent or drive a car in Japan. You need to get an official Japanese translation of your license from an authorized institution in your home country (e.g., a notary public in China, or the DMV/automobile association in other countries/regions).
  • Note: An International Driving Permit (IDP) is not valid for drivers from all countries/regions (e.g., it's not valid for mainland Chinese licenses). Confirm well in advance what document is required for your region. The safest option is an official translation issued by JAF (Japan Automobile Federation).

II. If You're Coming for Long-Term Residence (Work, Study, Family Reunion, etc.)

This section covers the key points mentioned in your question. These documents are absolute "lifesavers" when handling various procedures after arriving in Japan.

• Educational Certificates / Degree Diplomas / Academic Transcripts (Originals & Translations)

  • Why it's important:
    1. Visa Renewal/Changing Jobs: If you want to change jobs or apply for a new work visa later, the Immigration Bureau will require these to prove your educational background meets the requirements for the new position.
    2. Further Studies: These are essential application materials if you plan to pursue graduate studies or attend a vocational school in Japan.
  • Recommendation: Prepare English versions; having Japanese versions is even better. Getting translations done in Japan can be expensive and inconvenient.

• Marriage Certificate (Original & Translation)

  • Why it's important:
    1. Applying for a Dependent Visa: This is the most critical use. You'll need it to prove your marital relationship when your spouse comes to Japan or when you go to Japan as a spouse.
    2. Mobile Phone Contracts, Renting, Taxes, etc.: You may need to present it when applying for family mobile plans, public housing, or handling tax matters (e.g., dependent declarations).
  • Recommendation: Similarly, prepare English or Japanese translations. This document is crucial.

• Birth Certificate (Original & Translation)

  • Why it's important:
    1. Applying for Children's Visas: Proves the parent-child relationship, which is necessary for applying for dependent visas.
    2. Legal Procedures (e.g., Inheritance): While less common, it's the fundamental document for proving kinship in situations like inheritance.
  • Recommendation: Bring it just in case, especially if bringing children.

• Employment Certificate / Letter of Separation / Income Certificate / Tax Payment Certificate (Originals & Translations)

  • Why it's important:
    1. Proving Work History: Required when applying for certain highly skilled professional visas or specific work visas to verify your work experience.
    2. Proving Financial Capability: Needed when renewing your visa or acting as a guarantor for your family's visa applications to prove you have sufficient financial means to live in Japan. Income and tax certificates from your home country can serve as supporting documents.
    3. National Health Insurance Reduction: During your first year in Japan, since you won't have an income record there, you can use proof of low income from your home country to apply for a reduction in National Health Insurance premiums at the ward office.

• Criminal Record Certificate (Police Clearance)

  • Why it's important: Generally not needed. However, it may be required when applying for Permanent Residency (PR) or for certain specific professions (e.g., teaching). This document has validity (usually 6 months), so don't get it too early, but know how to obtain it for future needs.

Summary Checklist & Recommendations:

Final Tips:

1. About Translations: Japanese government offices primarily accept Japanese translations. English versions are sometimes accepted, but Japanese is the safest. Get them done by a certified translation service or notary public in your home country beforehand.
2. Originals and Copies: For all important documents mentioned above, you absolutely must bring the originals! Also, scan or photograph everything and save copies in the cloud (e.g., Google Drive, iCloud) or email. Make several photocopies as backups. Use copies for routine procedures, present originals when crucial, and you'll have digital backups if anything gets lost.

Hope this information helps! Best wishes for a smooth experience in Japan!