If you live in Japan as a foreign resident, you will almost certainly need a juminhyo (住民票) at some point. Whether you are opening a bank account, signing a rental contract, or registering for a new phone plan, this single document proves where you live and who you are. This guide explains exactly what a juminhyo is, when you need one, and how to get it — step by step, in plain English.
What Is a Juminhyo?
A juminhyo is an official resident certificate issued by your local municipal office (city hall, ward office, or town office). It is a printed record of your registered address in Japan, along with personal details such as your name, date of birth, nationality, and residence card number.
Since 2012, foreign residents registered in Japan's residency system are included in the same juminhyo system as Japanese nationals. This means that if you have properly registered your address at your local office, you are entitled to request a copy of your own juminhyo.
When Will You Need a Juminhyo?
You will be asked to provide a juminhyo in many common everyday situations. Here are the most frequent ones:
- Opening a Japanese bank account — banks such as Japan Post Bank (Yucho) or regional banks may ask for it as proof of address
- Signing an apartment rental contract — your landlord or real estate agent may request it
- Getting a SIM card or mobile phone contract — especially for long-term plans
- Applying for a driver's licence or My Number card
- Enrolling children in school
- Certain visa-related procedures
- International money transfers — some services may ask for address verification
It is a good idea to keep a copy or two handy, as it tends to be requested at unexpected moments.
Requirements Before You Apply
Before you can receive a juminhyo, the following must be in place:
- You must be registered in Japan's resident registration system. When you first move to Japan (or move to a new address), you are required to register at your local municipal office within 14 days. This is called jūsho-todoke (address registration).
- You must hold a valid residence status — for example, a work visa, student visa, spouse visa, or permanent residency.
- Your residence card must be current and valid.
If you have not yet registered your address, you will need to do that first before requesting a juminhyo.
How to Get a Juminhyo: Step by Step
Step 1 — Find Your Local Municipal Office
Go to the city hall (市役所), ward office (区役所), or town office that covers the area where you live. You can find your local office by searching the name of your city or ward plus "city hall" or "ward office." Most offices are open on weekdays during regular business hours (typically around 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.). Some offer limited Saturday hours — check the official website of your municipality to confirm.
Step 2 — Prepare Your Documents
Bring the following:
- Your residence card (在留カード, zairyu card) — this is your most important ID document
- Your passport is also helpful to bring as a backup
- If someone else is collecting the document on your behalf, they will need a signed letter of authorisation (委任状, inin-jo) from you, plus their own ID
Step 3 — Fill in the Application Form
At the office, pick up the application form for a juminhyo (住民票の写し交付申請書). Staff can usually point you to the correct form. Fill in your name, address, and what information you need on the certificate. You can request either just your own record or a record of your entire household — choose based on what was asked of you.
If you are not confident with Japanese, point to this phrase at the counter: 「住民票の写しをください。」 (Juminhyo no utsushi wo kudasai.) It means "Please give me a copy of my resident certificate." Many large municipal offices also have staff who speak basic English or have translation support available.
Step 4 — Pay the Fee
There is a small fee per copy — typically a few hundred yen, though the exact amount varies by municipality. Please check your local office's official website for the current fee. Pay at the counter when you submit your form.
Step 5 — Receive Your Juminhyo
In most cases, you will receive your juminhyo on the same day — sometimes within just a few minutes of submitting your form. It is an A4-sized printed document with an official stamp.
Alternative Ways to Get a Juminhyo
Visiting the office in person is the most straightforward method, but there are other options depending on your municipality:
- Convenience store kiosks — If you have a My Number card, many convenience stores (such as 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, and Lawson) have multi-function kiosks where you can print a juminhyo 24 hours a day. This is a very convenient option if your municipality supports it.
- Online application — Some municipalities allow online requests with home delivery by post. Check your local city hall website.
- By post — Some offices accept written requests by mail. Requirements vary, so confirm directly with your municipal office.
Important Things to Know
- A juminhyo is usually only valid for a short period — commonly three months from the date of issue. Always check what the requesting organisation requires.
- Make sure your registered address is up to date. If you have moved recently, update your address registration first, otherwise the document will show your old address.
- You can specify whether you want your residence card number or My Number included — or excluded. Think about what the recipient actually needs and avoid sharing more personal information than necessary.
Summary: Getting Your Juminhyo Is Simpler Than It Sounds
Obtaining a juminhyo as a foreign resident in Japan is a straightforward process once you know the steps. Register your address at your local municipal office, bring your residence card, fill in a short form, pay a small fee, and you will have your certificate in hand the same day. If you have a My Number card, the convenience store kiosk method makes it even easier.
This document comes up again and again in daily life in Japan — for banking, housing, phone contracts, and more — so it is well worth knowing how to get one quickly and confidently. You are navigating a new system in a new country, and every document you understand is one more step towards feeling settled and secure here. You have got this.
Note: Fees, office hours, and available services vary by municipality and may change. Always confirm the latest details on your local city hall's official website before visiting.