FAQ

◆ Visa and Certificate of Eligibility (CoE)

  • Can I apply for a visa while I am on a business trip to a different country?
     

    You can apply for your visa in the country of your residence or in the country of your nationality.

  • Can you support my family members’ visas?
     

    Yes, OIST supports your family members’ visas if they are relocating with you or within three months from the CoE issuance. If they relocate later, you will need to apply for their CoEs after arriving in Okinawa.

  • Should I apply for a multiple visa because I know I will be out of Japan sometimes during my stay?
     

    This is not necessary. Your legal residence is based on your Residence Card, valid throughout your stay.

  • I have an unmarried partner coming along. Will you arrange her/him the CoE?
     

    No. Japan does not issue dependent visas for unmarried partners. You must provide official documents proving marriage.

  • I live in Mainland Japan and need to change my visa status upon taking up the OIST employment. Could I apply for a visa change in Okinawa?
     

    You must apply at the immigration office with jurisdiction over your registered address. To apply in Okinawa, you'd need to move your address, sign a lease (OIST cannot co-sign before your employment), and pay rent independently.

 ◆ Relocation Logistics (Flights, Shipment, Reimbursement)

  • Can I book my flights by myself and get reimbursed?
     

    No. The Relocation Team books your flights in accordance with OIST travel regulations.

  • Can I fly with Skymark?
     

    OIST books ANA or JAL due to corporate contracts. Skymark is not normally used unless no alternative exists—please consult the Relocation Team.

  • I only have a couple of boxes to send. Can I send them by postal service and get reimbursed?
     

    No. Even for small shipments, please use a designated mover.

  • Can I arrange a local mover by myself and get reimbursed?
     

    No. The Relocation Team coordinates quotations, and reimbursement is not available for self-arranged movers.

  • One of the movers suggests the online survey/virtual survey for quotation while the other made appointment to visit my place. Can I proceed with each mover as is?
     

    Yes. While onsite surveys are preferred, virtual surveys are acceptable. Be sure both movers are fully informed of your items.

  • I do not plan to ship anything. Can I use the moving allowance for buying furniture and appliances once I arrive in Okinawa instead?
     

    No. The moving allowance is only for household shipments.

  • Can OIST cover my family's relocation?
     

    Yes, if (1) your remaining contract is over 6 months at the time of their relocation travel, and (2) they arrive within 1 year from your own relocation travel start date.

  • When can I relocate to Japan?
     

    You may relocate up to 14 days before your hiring date. You must be in Okinawa and present at OIST on or before your start date.

◆Arrival & Initial Setup

  • Can I send a personal package to OIST since I do not have an address in Okinawa?
     

    No. OIST cannot receive personal packages due to inspection requirements. Send via your relocation shipment or arrange pickup from a local post office.

  •  What is included in the initial cost?
     

    Deposit, fire insurance, rent, common service fee, parking fee, car parking brokerage fee, brokerage fee. Depending on your move-in date, you may also pay part of the first month's rent and the next month’s full rent.

  • What’s the payment method for the initial cost?
     

    Bank transfer, convenience store payment, or cash.

  • How does the whole contract and moving-in process go?
     
  • When do I get the permanent employee ID?
     

    About 2 weeks after your start date. HR will notify you.

◆Housing & Furnishings

  • Do housings in Japan come with furniture? Is it uncommon to rent furnished properties here?
     

    Most Japanese rental properties are unfurnished.

  • What kind of furniture is included in furnished apartments?
     

    Usually stove and air conditioner. Some may have additional appliances depending on the unit.

◆Daily Life & Practical Info

  • I have some electronics items like iron, electric kettle and sandwich maker. Will they work in Japan?
     

    If you use a universal adapter with voltage converter, they may work. Japan uses 100–110 V. See: Voltage in Japan

  • How much cash should I carry?
     

    Food costs reference: Tokyo Cost Guide. Bring some cash or send funds to your Japanese bank after opening one. Initial housing costs may require flexibility. More info in your welcome package and at OIST Relocation Web

  • What all payment methods are available there other than credit card?
     

    You can use cash and credit cards at most shops.

  • Can I get cash (Japanese yen) in Seven Eleven using any credit card of India?
     

    Most international credit cards work at Seven Bank ATMs, but it’s not guaranteed. More info: Seven Bank ATM Info. Japan Post Bank ATMs may also work.

  • Where can I get an access card for my family?
     

    Resource Center: Family Member Access Card

  • Where can I get a bus pass for my family?
     

    Facilities Section: Shuttle Bus Pass

  • Where can I get information on the local bus?
     

    Resource Center: Okinawa General Information