If you have recently moved to Japan or changed your address within the country, one of your most important early tasks is to register your address at your local city hall. Knowing how to register an address change at city hall in Japan is not just a bureaucratic formality — it affects your access to healthcare, banking, tax records, and much more. This guide walks you through everything you need to know, step by step.
What Is Juminhyo (住民票) and Why Does It Matter?
Your juminhyo is your official resident record in Japan. It is maintained by your local municipal office (city hall, ward office, or town office) and contains your name, address, date of birth, nationality, and residence card number. For foreign residents, it serves as proof of address and is required for a wide range of everyday tasks, including:
- Opening a Japanese bank account (such as Japan Post Bank / Yucho or a regional bank)
- Signing up for a SIM card or mobile plan (including services like GTN Mobile)
- Enrolling in the National Health Insurance (Kokumin Kenko Hoken) program
- Sending money abroad through services like Wise or Remitly
- Filing taxes and receiving official government correspondence
Without a properly registered address, many of these services will be unavailable to you. It is worth treating this as a top priority when you arrive or move.
Who Needs to Register?
Under Japan's Basic Resident Registration Act, most foreign nationals who hold a residence card (zairyu card) and are staying in Japan for more than three months are required to register at the municipal office. This includes most visa categories such as work visas, student visas, spouse visas, and long-term resident visas. If you are on a short-stay tourist visa, you are generally not required — or eligible — to register. When in doubt, confirm your specific situation with your local municipal office or immigration authority.
When Must You Register or Update Your Address?
- New arrival in Japan: Register within 14 days of moving into your new address.
- Moving within the same municipality: Report the change (called iten todoke) within 14 days of moving.
- Moving to a different municipality: Submit a move-out notification (tenshutsu todoke) at your old municipal office before you leave, then a move-in notification (tennyu todoke) at your new municipal office within 14 days of arriving.
Missing these deadlines can result in fines or complications with your residence card, so try to complete the procedures as soon as possible after your move.
Step-by-Step: How to Register an Address Change at City Hall in Japan
Step 1 – Find Your Local Municipal Office
Depending on where you live, this will be a city hall (shiyakusho), ward office (kuyakusho), town office (choyakuba), or village office (sonyakuba). Most offices are open Monday to Friday during business hours (typically around 8:30 to 17:15), though some have extended or weekend hours. Check the official website of your municipality to confirm opening times before you go.
Step 2 – Gather the Required Documents
The documents you will need may vary slightly by municipality, but generally include:
- Residence card (Zairyu Card): Your primary identification document as a foreign resident.
- Passport: Bring it as a backup — some offices request it.
- Move-in or move-out notification form: Available at the municipal office counter or sometimes downloadable from the official website.
- Move-out certificate (tenshutsu shomeisho): Required only if you are moving between different municipalities. You receive this from your previous municipal office.
- Seal (hanko/inkan) or signature: Some offices accept a signature instead of a seal, but confirm this in advance.
If someone else is submitting the form on your behalf (for example, a landlord or employer), they will typically need a letter of authorisation (inin-jo) as well.
Step 3 – Go to the Correct Counter
At the municipal office, look for the resident registration counter, often labelled jumin todoke or shimin madoguchi. Many larger offices now have numbered ticket systems. Staff at major city halls in urban areas often speak some English, but it is helpful to bring a simple written note explaining your purpose (for example, "I would like to register my new address / I have moved in").
Step 4 – Fill in the Notification Form
The form typically asks for your name, new address, old address, date of moving, and personal details. Forms are usually in Japanese, but some municipalities provide multilingual forms or assistance in English, Chinese, Korean, and other languages. The Association for International Affairs in your area may also provide support.
Step 5 – Submit and Receive Confirmation
Hand over the completed form and your documents. The clerk will update your record and may update your residence card on the spot (new address sticker on the back). The process usually takes around 10–30 minutes if the office is not busy.
Obtaining a Copy of Your Juminhyo
Once registered, you can request a printed copy (juminhyo no utsushi) of your resident record whenever you need it — for example, when opening a bank account. This typically costs a small fee per sheet (confirm the current fee with your municipal office, as amounts vary). Copies can usually be obtained at the municipal office counter, via convenience store kiosks (with your My Number Card), or by post.
Common Questions and Tips
| Situation | What to Do |
|---|---|
| Moving within the same city | Submit a change-of-address form (iten todoke) at your local city hall within 14 days. |
| Moving to a different city or ward | Get a move-out certificate from your old office first, then register at your new office. |
| Cannot visit in person | Authorise a proxy with a written letter; requirements vary by municipality. |
| Need an English-language form | Ask at the counter or check your city's official multilingual support page. |
| Unsure of your visa eligibility to register | Contact your local municipal office or the nearest Immigration Services Agency office. |
How Your Registered Address Connects to Other Essentials
Your juminhyo address is the foundation for nearly every administrative step you take in Japan. Once your address is properly registered, you can move forward with enrolling in health insurance, opening a bank account, and signing up for a phone plan. Services like Wise and Remitly require a verified Japanese address to let you send money internationally, so getting your registration right early saves time and frustration later.
Summary: Getting Your Address Registration Right From the Start
Registering your address at city hall in Japan might feel daunting at first, especially with a language barrier, but the process is straightforward once you know what to bring and where to go. To recap the key points:
- Register within 14 days of arriving at or moving to your new address.
- Bring your residence card and passport, and pick up or download the relevant notification form.
- If moving between municipalities, get a move-out certificate from your old office first.
- Request a printed copy of your juminhyo whenever you need it for banking, SIM cards, or other services.
- Always confirm the latest procedures and fees on your municipal office's official website, as details can vary by location and change over time.
Every foreign resident in Japan has gone through this process, and you will get through it too. Take it one step at a time, and do not hesitate to ask the staff at the counter for help — they are there to assist you.