If you are a foreign resident living in Japan, you will almost certainly need a juminhyo (certificate of residence) at some point. Whether you are opening a bank account, signing a lease, enrolling in school, or applying for a new phone plan, this single document comes up again and again. This guide explains exactly what a juminhyo is, who can get one, when you need it, and how to obtain yours — step by step, without stress.
What Is a Juminhyo?
A juminhyo (住民票) is an official record of your registered address in Japan. Every person who is registered at a local city, ward, town, or village office has a juminhyo on file. When you request a copy, the office prints out a certificate showing your name, address, date of birth, nationality, and (for foreign residents) your residence card number and visa status.
Since 2012, foreign residents with mid-to-long-term visas — including work visas, student visas, spouse visas, and permanent residency — are included in the same juminhyo system as Japanese nationals. Short-term visitors (tourists) are not registered and therefore cannot obtain one.
When Do Foreigners in Japan Need a Juminhyo?
You may be asked to present a juminhyo in many everyday situations. Here are the most common ones:
- Opening a bank account — Banks such as Japan Post Bank (Yucho), SMBC, and online banks often require proof of address. A juminhyo is the most widely accepted document for this.
- Renting an apartment — Landlords and real estate agencies frequently request it as part of your application.
- Getting a SIM card or mobile plan — Some carriers, including major carriers and providers like GTN Mobile, may ask for address verification.
- International money transfers — Services like Wise or Remitly may require a proof-of-address document for identity verification.
- Enrolling children in school — Public schools need to confirm your registered address.
- Applying for a My Number card — Your registered address is confirmed through the juminhyo system.
- Marriage registration or other civil procedures — City hall will need to verify your address record.
What Information Appears on a Juminhyo for Foreigners?
When you request a copy of your juminhyo, it typically includes:
- Full name (in Roman letters and katakana)
- Date of birth
- Nationality and region of origin
- Registered address in Japan
- Residence card number
- Visa category (status of residence) and expiry date
- Date of registration
You can request the full version with all details, or a version with some items omitted — for example, you can ask that your residence card number be left off if you do not need it for a particular purpose. Tell the staff what it is for, and they can advise which version suits your needs.
How to Get Your Juminhyo: Step by Step
Getting a juminhyo is straightforward. Here is what to do:
Step 1 — Go to Your Local City or Ward Office
You must apply at the city hall, ward office (kuyakusho), town office, or village office where you are registered. This is the office where you originally submitted your address when you moved in. If you are unsure which office that is, check the address on your residence card — your registered area is listed there.
Step 2 — Find the Resident Registration or Certificate Counter
Look for a counter labelled something like "住民票の写し" or "証明書発行" — most offices have English signage or multilingual staff available. Do not hesitate to ask at the information desk.
Step 3 — Fill in the Application Form
Pick up the application form at the counter. You will need to write your name, registered address, and what the certificate is for. Forms are usually simple, with tick boxes. If Japanese is difficult for you, ask a staff member for help — many offices in larger cities have multilingual support.
Step 4 — Present Your ID
You will need to show a valid form of identification. For foreign residents, your residence card (zairyu card) is the standard ID. A passport is also acceptable at most offices. Bring both just in case.
Step 5 — Pay the Fee and Collect Your Certificate
There is a small fee per copy — it is typically a few hundred yen, though fees vary by municipality. Please confirm the exact amount at your local office, as fees can change. You will usually receive your juminhyo within a few minutes.
Other Ways to Get a Juminhyo
In addition to visiting the office in person, some municipalities offer these options:
- Convenience store kiosks (コンビニ交付) — If your city participates in this service and you have a My Number card, you can print your juminhyo at 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, Lawson, and other major convenience stores. This is available early in the morning and late at night, which is very convenient.
- Postal mail application — Some offices allow you to apply by post and have the certificate mailed to your registered address. Check your local office's website for details.
- Representative (proxy) application — If someone else needs to collect it on your behalf, they must bring a signed letter of authorisation (委任状, ininjō) from you, plus their own ID and yours.
Common Situations and Questions
I Just Moved — Which Office Do I Go To?
You should always go to the office covering your current registered address. If you recently moved and have not yet updated your address registration, do that first (it is required by law within 14 days of moving). Only after updating your registration will a new juminhyo with your correct address be available.
My Name Is Not in the System — What Should I Do?
If you have only just arrived in Japan and have not yet registered your address, you will not have a juminhyo yet. Visit your local city or ward office, bring your passport and residence card, and complete the address registration process first. After that, you can immediately request a copy of your juminhyo.
Do I Need a Juminhyo in Japanese or English?
Juminhyo are issued in Japanese. Most institutions in Japan accept the Japanese version. If you need a translated version for overseas purposes, you will need to arrange an official translation separately — city halls do not provide English translations. For services operating inside Japan, the Japanese document is almost always sufficient.
Summary: Getting Your Juminhyo as a Foreign Resident
A juminhyo is one of the most important documents you will use as a foreign resident in Japan. It proves where you live and is required for everything from opening a bank account to signing a rental contract. The good news is that getting one is quick and simple — visit your local city or ward office, bring your residence card, fill in a short form, pay a small fee, and you will have your certificate within minutes. If your city supports it, a My Number card lets you skip the trip entirely and print one at a nearby convenience store.
As long as you keep your address registration up to date whenever you move, obtaining a juminhyo will never be a major obstacle. Take it one step at a time, and do not hesitate to ask city hall staff for help — many offices have multilingual support for foreign residents. You have got this.
Note: Fees, available services, and procedures vary by municipality and may change. Always check the latest information on your local city or ward office's official website before visiting.