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Foreign Resident Registration

Initial Registration

All foreign residents who plan to live in Japan for a designated period or longer must complete the registration procedures.
Please apply in person (for those who are under 16 years of age, application should be completed by someone of the same household who is 16 years of age or older). After completing registration procedures, you will be issued a foreign resident registration card.

Reason Application Period Application Counter Necessary Documents
When entering Japan Within 90 days after entering Japan The Ward Office or Branch Ward Office of your current address
  • Two photographs (for those who are 16 years of age or older)
  • Passport (for those who have one)
When a child is born Within 60 days after the birth The Ward Office or Branch Ward Office of your current address
  • Documentation certifying the birth
  • Passport (for those who have one)

Changes and Correction in Registration

If there are any changes in the registered information after completing foreign resident registration, or if any information needs to be corrected, then complete the stipulated procedures for change or correction in registration. Please apply in person (For those who are under 16 years of age, application should be completed by someone of the same household who is 16 years of age or older).

Reason Application Period Application Counter Necessary Documents
When there is a change of address Within 14 days after the change The Ward Office or Branch Ward Office of your new address
  • Your foreign resident registration card
When there is a change other than a change of address Same as above The Ward Office or Branch Ward Office of your current address
  • Your foreign resident registration card
  • Documentation certifying the change
When there is a mistake in registered information As soon as possible The Ward Office or Branch Ward Office of your current address
  • Your foreign resident registration card
  • Documentation verifying the correct information

* When there is a change or correction in your name, sex, date of birth or nationality, or when there is no longer any blank space on the back of your foreign resident registration card, you must also bring two photographs (taken within the past six months, 4.5 cm long x 3.5 cm wide, upper body shot, facing front, without a hat, without scenic background) as well as your passport (for those who have one).


Renewal (Confirmation), Exchange or Reissue of Foreign Resident Registration Cards

The foreign resident registration card must be renewed after a designated period of time. If your foreign resident registration card becomes soiled or lost, then you must complete the stipulated procedures for an exchange or reissue of your card. Please apply in person (For those who are under 16 years of age, application should be completed by someone of the same household who is 16 years of age or older).

Reason Application Period Application Counter Necessary Documents
Renewal (for those who are under 16 years of age) Within 30 days after becoming 16 years of age The Ward Office or Branch Ward Office of your current address
  • Your foreign resident registration card
  • Two photographs
  • Passport (for those who have one)
Renewal (for those who are 16 years of age or older) Within 30 days of the date written on your card The Ward Office or Branch Ward Office of your current address
  • Your foreign resident registration card
  • Two photographs
  • Passport (for those who have one)
When your foreign resident registration card is soiled beyond recognition   The Ward Office or Branch Ward Office of your current address
  • Your foreign resident registration card
  • Two photographs
  • Passport (for those who have one)
When your foreign resident registration card is lost Within 14 days after realizing that the card is missing The Ward Office or Branch Ward Office of your current address
  • Two photographs
  • Passport (for those who have one)

Procedures for Visas

The Regional Immigration Bureau conducts procedures for acquisition of, changes in and renewal (extension) of status of residence and period of stay, as well as application procedures for a re-entry permit. After completing the appropriate procedures for your visa, please apply for changes in your registration at the Ward Office or Branch Ward Office of your current address.

Certificate of Registered Items in the Foreign Resident Registry

The Certificate of Registered Items in the Foreign Resident Registry, which certifies the address and personal identification of the foreign resident, can be obtained at the Ward Office or Branch Ward Office. There is a fee to receive a copy. If someone receives the certificate on your behalf, a letter of attorney is required. However, if the person is a family member of the same household, there is no need for such a letter.



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