It's a mandatory step, don't miss it
Once you have a place, registering your address is the one administrative task you should be taking care of first. You are legally required to do so and you could face a fine, deportation – or both – if you don’t. Just saying.
Technically you need to do the registration with your local Ward Office within 14 days of arriving in Japan. But relax, you are not expected to register the first AirBnb you will be staying at.
The Ward Office only requires the registration of a permanent address, which is by their definition an address where you intend of staying a minimum of 3 months. Therefore, it’s more like within 14 days of arriving at your permanent address.
Technically you need to do the registration with your local Ward Office within 14 days of arriving in Japan. But relax, you are not expected to register the first AirBnb you will be staying at.
The Ward Office only requires the registration of a permanent address, which is by their definition an address where you intend of staying a minimum of 3 months. Therefore, it’s more like within 14 days of arriving at your permanent address.
There is a limit to how long you can postpone your registration though. Ultimately, the Japan Immigration Bureau needs to receive – via the Ward Office – a registered address within 90 days of your arrival. It’s important that you keep this mind and register at least a hotel or a friend’s house if you don’t think you will have your permanent residence by that deadline.
Note that the Ward Office will send your ‘My Number’ notification by post once you are registered, so choose a place where you can receive it.
Tokyo and other major Japanese cities are split into wards, which all have a dedicated Ward Office. For example, if you live in Shibuya-ku you can only register at the Shibuya Ward Office.
Tokyo and other major Japanese cities are split into wards, which all have a dedicated Ward Office. For example, if you live in Shibuya-ku you can only register at the Shibuya Ward Office.
Here is a handy list of all the Tokyo wards with addresses and links to their pages to find the office hours:
No appointment needed. Check opening hours and take your Residence Card with you.
No appointment needed. Check opening hours and take your Residence Card with you.
You’ll need to fill in a request form for a proof of residence (住民票 – juminhyo). The forms should be made available as you enter the office. Although I haven’t been to all the ward offices, there is usually someone available to assist you with finding the right form, filling it and helping you with any questions.
When you’re ready, get a ticket with a number at the machine and wait for your turn to be called.
Your landlord, your employer and your banker will all be asking you for a juminhyo, so when you fill in the request form make sure to ask for 3 copies. This will save you a few trips back to the Ward Office.
Your landlord, your employer and your banker will all be asking you for a juminhyo, so when you fill in the request form make sure to ask for 3 copies. This will save you a few trips back to the Ward Office.
The Shinsei bank asked me for a juminhyo with ‘My Number’ on it to authorize the emission of a payment card. On the juminhyo request form, there is a box to tick for that. But you’ll need to have your ‘My Number’ card with you – which is impossible if you’re registering for the first time. Opening a bank account is still feasible with a simple juminhyo though.
Your ‘My Number’ card will soon make your life much easier. The card is especially convenient as it can be used as proof of identity and to obtain official certificates including a resident record or a seal registration certificate at convenience stores.
Your ‘My Number’ card will soon make your life much easier. The card is especially convenient as it can be used as proof of identity and to obtain official certificates including a resident record or a seal registration certificate at convenience stores.
Once your address registered, the Ward Office mails you a notification. Complete the application that comes in the notification mail. Send it back in the envelope provided and you will receive a confirmation when your card is ready.
To pick it up, take a photo I.D. and your notification card with the ‘My Number’ information on it to your Ward Office along with the notification postcard telling you that your card is ready.
You new ‘My Number Card’ now has an IC chip that copy machines at convenience stores can read to deliver your next juminhyo.