皆さん、こんにちは。
I would like to apply for a WHV as soon as my passport is renewed. I have done a lot of research on the different topics of this visa, but it seems that there are very different opinions on some topics/questions. I have already called the Japanese embassy to clarify some issues, but I was told that I need to check with the authorities when I am in Japan, which seems strange and not very helpful.
Some questions:
1. is it irrelevant where I get the money from (in my case \~€3000)? I’m planning to borrow some money from my parents, in addition to the money I’ve already saved, but I’m not sure if they care where I get the money from.
2. Do I need to set up a bank account? I’ve heard that you need to if you’re staying longer, which seems strange to me, especially as setting up such an account seems to be a lengthy process.
3. I have received mixed information about National Health Insurance (NHI), can I opt out? I plan to apply for travel insurance, but since 2015 long-term visa holders have had to sign up for NHI, at least that’s what the embassy website says. I’ve heard that you can be exempt if you have travel insurance, but I’m not sure if that’s true. In my case, I’ll be moving around a lot and won’t have a permanent address in Japan, which makes it difficult to get the bills in the mail.
4. This question is somehow related to 3: I will move a lot. Do I really need to register and unregister every time I move? I know I have to register two weeks after I arrive in Japan, but it seems kind of ridiculous to re-register every time I move, especially if I don’t need the NHI.
5. This question is also kind of related to 3. I plan to apply for an internship (if possible), and if that works out, I would move into a shared apartment to have some sort of permanent address. If I work for a “real” company, do I have to register with NHI? What are the chances they will help me set up a bank account?
Some information:
* I will soon finish my Master’s degree.
* I want to go to Japan next year for 4 to 6 months.
* I have already learned Japanese (A2), but I will take some more courses.
* I have already been to Japan twice (10 days and 2 months), so I already have some experience.
* I will mainly do unpaid work through workaway.com or similar sites (I haven’t contacted the hosts yet), in exchange for free accommodation and food (on working days).