Moving to Japan? Here’s what you need to know about resident registration (juminhyo):
- Why it matters: You need it to open a bank account, set up utilities, enroll in health insurance, get a phone plan, and rent an apartment.
- Deadline: Register within 14 days of arriving or changing your address.
- Where to go: Your local municipal office (kuyakusho or shiyakusho).
- What to bring:
- Valid passport
- Residence card
- Proof of address (e.g., lease agreement)
- Optional: Personal seal (inkan)
Process:
- Visit the municipal office.
- Fill out the registration form.
- Submit documents at the foreign resident counter.
- Receive your Juminhyo (Resident Record).
Next steps:
- Enroll in National Health Insurance.
- Register for the National Pension System.
- Keep your information updated within 14 days of any changes.
Skipping this process can result in fines or loss of access to essential services. Start your registration as soon as you settle in to avoid any issues.
Registration Requirements
Who Must Register
If you’re a foreign national living in Japan, you’re required to complete resident registration. It’s an essential step for anyone moving to the country.
Registration Deadlines
You have 14 days from the day you establish your residence in Japan to complete the registration process. Make sure to meet this deadline to avoid any issues.
Required Documents
Basic Documents
To register at your municipal office, you’ll need the following:
- Valid Passport: Ensure it includes your personal details and visa status.
- Residence Card (在留カード): This is the card you received upon arriving in Japan.
- Proof of Address: Provide one of these:
- Apartment lease agreement
- A letter from your employer if you’re in company housing
- Documentation from your school for student housing
- Application Form: You can get this at the municipal office or download it from their website.
- Personal Seal (印鑑): While optional, having one is often recommended.
Special Case Documents
If you’re submitting non-Japanese documents, they must include official Japanese translations.
For Family Registration:
- Marriage certificate
- Birth certificates for children
- Family register documents showing relationships
For Students:
- Student ID card
- Certificate of enrollment
- Scholarship documentation
- Proof of financial support
Keep in mind, requirements can differ between municipal offices. It’s a good idea to contact your local office ahead of time to confirm what you’ll need. Once you’ve gathered everything, visit your municipal office to complete your registration.
Registration Steps
Finding Your Municipal Office
To locate your municipal office, first identify your ward or district (区 - ku). Here’s how you can do it:
- Use Google Maps or visit your city’s official website.
- Look for signs that say 区役所 (kuyakusho) or 市役所 (shiyakusho).
Most municipal offices operate on weekdays from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. Double-check the hours of your specific office before heading out.
Completing Your Registration
Head to the foreign resident counter (外国人登録窓口) and follow these steps:
- Get a ticket from the automated machine or at the service counter.
- Fill out the resident registration form (住民登録票).
- Submit your completed form and required documents to the clerk.
- Wait while your information is verified and processed.
The entire process usually takes 30–45 minutes if you have all the necessary paperwork. Translation help may be available at the information desk. Once everything is verified, you can collect your Juminhyo.
Receiving Your Juminhyo
After registration, you’ll be issued your Resident Record (住民票 - Juminhyo). This document is essential for:
- Opening a bank account.
- Setting up utilities.
- Enrolling in national health insurance.
- Signing apartment contracts.
You’ll typically receive your Juminhyo right away. The first copy is free, but additional copies cost between ¥300 and ¥500. Keep it in a safe place since you’ll need it for various services.
Note: If you need to leave before picking up your Juminhyo, confirm when it will be ready or arrange for it to be delivered to your registered address.
sbb-itb-d7b828c
How To Register Your Address | Living in Japan
::: @iframe https://www.youtube.com/embed/CuqI_vGeCZA :::
After Registration
Once you’ve completed your registration, the next step is to set up access to key social services.
Health Insurance Setup
If you’re staying in Japan for more than three months, you must enroll in the National Health Insurance (国民健康保険). Visit the insurance counter at your local municipal office with the necessary documents to complete your enrollment.
Pension Registration
Residents aged 20 to 59 are required to register for the National Pension System (国民年金). Head to the pension counter at your municipal office to handle the registration. Make sure to check which documents you’ll need and follow the outlined process.
Keeping Records Current
Once you’ve registered, it’s important to keep your information up to date. Just like registering on time, updating changes promptly helps you avoid fines and interruptions in services.
What Needs Updating?
Notify your municipal office within 14 days if any of the following change:
- Your address within Japan
- Your name due to marriage or other legal reasons
- Your household details (e.g., births, deaths, divorces)
How to Update
To update your records, visit your local municipal office with these items:
- Your Residence Card (在留カード)
- Your My Number Card or notification (if applicable)
- Relevant official documents (e.g., marriage certificate)
- Your personal seal (印鑑), if you have one
- A valid photo ID
Typically, updates are completed in one visit. For address changes, you’ll need to submit a move-out notification (転出届) at your current municipal office before registering at your new address.
Consequences of Not Updating
Failing to update your records can lead to:
- Fines up to ¥50,000
- Loss of access to government services
- Issues with banks and utility companies
If you plan to leave Japan for more than a year, you must file a moving-out notification. Not doing so could impact your resident status when you return.
Keep copies of all notifications and updated documents for your records. While some municipalities offer online status checks, most updates are handled in person.
Summary and Next Steps
Completing your resident registration is the gateway to accessing important services in Japan. Here’s a quick guide to help you wrap up the process and move forward.
Essential Registration Tasks
- Head to your local municipal office.
- Bring all required documents.
- Fill out the registration form.
- Get your Juminhyo (resident certificate).
- Apply for your My Number Card.
Post-Registration Steps
Once your registration is confirmed, tackle these key tasks:
- Sign up for National Health Insurance.
- Register for the National Pension System.
- Set up utilities and open a bank account.
- Keep copies of all your registration documents for future use.
Key Reminders
- Meet all registration deadlines to stay compliant.
- Always carry your Residence Card with you.
- Report any changes (like address or job) within 14 days.
- Keep duplicates of all official paperwork for your records.
Completing your registration ensures access to vital services. With this done, you can focus on settling into your new life in Japan - whether that’s starting a job, enrolling in school, or setting up your home. Don’t forget to periodically check and update your records to stay on top of everything.