Foreign Resident Registration

Last UpdateApril 15, 2010

This system has been established to clarify the residential and personal status of foreigners living in Japan.
Where to Register/Inquiries: Citizens' Registration and Affairs Section (Tanashi Bldg.)
Tel: 042-460-9820

Initial Registration

All foreign residents must register within 90 days of arriving in Japan.
Who should register: The registrant (Procedures for foreign residents who are under the age of 16 may be completed by a family member living in the same household who is over the age of 16.)
What to bring: The registrantfs passport, two photos (4.5 cm high x 3.5 cm wide, upper body, from the front, with no headwear, from the same negative taken within the last six months. Black and white or color.)

*Photos do not need to be provided for individuals younger than 16.

Updating a Registration

(1) Register within 14 days of moving to a new address (in cases where the applicant is under 16 or is unable to apply personally, a family member who lives together with the applicant may make the registration).
What to bring: Foreign Resident Registration Certificate
(2) Register within 14 days from the day on which your visa status was changed or on which your length of stay was renewed by the Regional Immigration Bureau (in cases where the applicant is under 16 or is unable to apply personally, a family member who lives together with the applicant may make the registration).
What to bring: Foreign Resident Registration Certificate, passport, certificate of eligibility
(3) Register (excluding special permanent residents and permanent residents) within 14 days from the day on which your occupation or the name or address of your employer changed (in cases where the applicant is under 16 or is unable to apply personally, a family member who lives together with the applicant may make the registration).
What to bring: An identification card or other document indicating your new occupation or the new name or address of your employer. Foreign Resident Registration Certificate.
(4) Update your registration within 14 days of the day you change your name or nationality (if the registrant is under the age of 16, a family member may update the registration). What to bring: Passport, two photos (4.5 cm high x 3.5 cm wide, upper body, from the front, with no headwear, from the same negative taken within the last six months. Black and white or color), Foreign Resident Registration Certificate, document verifying the changes being made
Note: Photos do not need to be provided for individuals younger than 16.

Application for Confirmation (Renewal)

Individuals who registered one year ago and whose renewal time has come, non-permanent residents who have reached their fifth birthday from the date of their last renewal or initial registration, permanent and special permanent residents who have reached their seventh birthday, and individuals who turn 16 while in Japan must apply for a renewal. Application period: Within 30 days from the day on which their next renewal application period begins. Those who turn 16 must register in person within 30 days of their 16th birthday.
What to bring: Passport, two photos (4.5 cm high x 3.5 cm wide, upper body, from the front, with no headwear, from the same negative taken within the last six months. Black and white or color), Foreign Resident Registration Card

Application for Reissuance

Registrants should apply for a new Foreign Resident Registration Certificate if their card becomes extremely dirty or is damaged, or if there are any changes or revisions to their name or nationality.
What to bring: Passport, two photos (4.5 cm high x 3.5 cm wide, upper body, from the front, with no headwear, from the same negative taken within the last six months. Black and white or color), Foreign Resident Registration Card

Application for Replacement

Returning the Foreign Resident Registration Card

When an individual obtains Japanese citizenship or dies, their card should be returned to the Citizens' Registration and Affairs Section of the City Office within 14 days.

Certificate of Foreign Resident Registration

This is a document that verifies the information registered by a foreign resident. It is used when submitting documentation to schools and the Regional Immigration Bureau. Who can request a certificate: The registrant or a family member living in the same household (A letter of proxy must be provided if the request is being made by the registrant's agent.)
Issuing locations: Citizen Registration Section (Tanashi, Hoya), Hibarigaoka Ekimae Branch, Yanagibashi Branch
Processing fee: 300 yen per copy

sample of card

Inquiries

Foreign Resident Registration Desk, Citizen Registration Section (Tanashi Bldg.)
Tel: 042-460-9820

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