Relocating in Japan: Essential Procedures for Foreign Residents

Relocating in Japan comes with administrative requirements to update your address with various entities. As a foreign resident, these steps are essential to ensure uninterrupted access to government and private services. This guide explains each step in detail, with document names provided in both Japanese and English for clarity. At the end, you’ll find a comprehensive checklist to help streamline your move.

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1. Update Your Resident Record (住民票 / Juminhyo)

Process

1. Submit a Notification of Moving Out (転出届 / Tenshutsu Todoke)
   • Visit your current municipality office to file a 転出届 (Notification of Moving Out) and receive a 転出証明書 (Certificate of Moving Out).
   • When: Up to 14 days before your move.
   • Required documents:
     • 在留カード / Residence Card
     • パスポート / Passport
     • 印鑑 / Stamp
2. Submit a Notification of Moving In (転入届 / Tennyu Todoke)
   • Register your new address at the municipal office in your new location within 14 days after moving.
   • Required documents:
     • 在留カード / Residence Card
     • 転出証明書 / Certificate of Moving Out
     • 印鑑 / Stamp
3. For intra-city moves (市内転居)
   • No 転出届 (Notification of Moving Out) is required, but you must file a 転居届 (Notification of Change of Address).

Learn about the procedures for filing notifications of moving out and moving in when relocating in Japan.： Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications’ official guidelines.

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2. Update Your Residence Card Address (在留カード)

The address on your Residence Card is updated automatically during the 住民票 (Resident Record) process. Ensure you bring your card to the municipal office.

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3. Do You Need to Notify Immigration? (入管への通知)

For most foreign residents in Japan, notifying immigration about an address change is not required. Here’s why:

• When you update your 住民票 (Resident Record) at the municipal office, the new address information is automatically shared with the immigration authorities.
• The address on your 在留カード (Residence Card) is updated during the same process, eliminating the need for additional reporting.

Exceptions

In rare cases, you might need to notify immigration directly:

1. No Resident Registration (住民票未登録):
   • For example, short-term visa holders who do not register for a 住民票 (Resident Record) may need to inform immigration directly.
2. Special Residence Status (特定活動):
   • Certain special permissions might require direct notification to immigration.
3. During Status Change Applications (在留資格変更中):
   • If you are in the middle of applying for a status of residence change and move, you may need to inform immigration separately.

Check the process for updating your address on your Residence Card after moving. : Immigration Services Agency Official Page

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4. Update Your Health Insurance (健康保険 / Kenko Hoken)

National Health Insurance (国民健康保険 / Kokumin Kenko Hoken)

• Notify the municipal office of your new address. A new 保険証 (Health Insurance Card) may be issued.

Employee Health Insurance (社会保険 / Shakai Hoken)

• Inform your employer, who will handle the necessary updates with the insurance provider.

Find detailed information on updating your address for National Health Insurance. : Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare

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5. Update Your Pension Information (年金 / Nenkin)

The Employee Pension (厚生年金 / Kosei Nenkin), which is available to company employees and public servants, calculates insurance premiums based on salary, with most administrative procedures handled by the employer. On the other hand, the National Pension (国民年金 / Kokumin Nenkin) is designed for self-employed individuals, freelancers, and unemployed persons, requiring the enrollee to visit the municipal office to complete the necessary procedures themselves.

National Pension (国民年金 / Kokumin Nenkin)

• The municipal office will automatically update your address when you complete your 住民票 (Resident Record) procedure.

Employee Pension (厚生年金 / Kosei Nenkin)

• Notify your employer to ensure your address is updated with the pension office.

Learn more about the national pension system : Japan Pension Service

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6. Set Up Mail Forwarding (郵便物転送サービス)

Submit a 転居届 (Change of Address Notification) request with Japan Post to forward mail from your old address to your new one for up to one year. This can be done online or at a local post office.

Discover how to redirect your mail to your new address through Japan Post : JAPAN POST Relocation & Forwarding Services

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7. Notify Utility Providers (ライフラインの手続き)

Arrange for the disconnection of utilities (electricity, gas, water) at your old address and set up services at your new one. For gas, a technician may require you to be present during activation.

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8. Link Your My Number with Your Pension Number (マイナンバーと基礎年金番号の紐づけ)

By linking your マイナンバー (My Number) with your 基礎年金番号 (Pension Number), you simplify future procedures. This can be done at your municipal office or a pension service office.

Relocation Checklist

Start Your New Chapter in Japan with Confidence

Relocating in Japan involves a series of administrative tasks, but with proper preparation, the process can be smooth and straightforward. From updating your resident record and health insurance to linking your My Number with your pension number, each step is crucial for ensuring uninterrupted access to services. Use our checklist to keep everything on track and start your new chapter hassle-free.

At Tanabe Immigration Office, we specialize in supporting foreign residents in Japan with complex administrative procedures. While many of these tasks can be handled independently, we understand the challenges posed by language barriers, time constraints, and the desire for a smooth process, especially for those pursuing permanent residency. We also provide translation and explanations of pay slips and documents sent by government agencies.

If you’re looking for professional guidance, feel free to reach out to us. Let us help make your relocation and administrative processes worry-free so you can focus on settling into your new home!