Once you’ve finished moving into your new home, don’t forget to handle address-related procedures at the local ward or city office. In Japan, the basic rule is to file a notification of moving in (or notification of relocation) at your local municipal office within 14 days of starting to live at your new address. You’ll also usually need to update the address on your residence card, and potentially handle procedures related to health insurance and pension, so it’s reassuring to take care of all of this together, soon after moving in.
- The basic rule is to file a notification of moving in (or relocation) within 14 days of starting to live at your new address.
- The residence card address change is handled together with the notification of moving in/relocation.
- If you have a My Number card, you’ll also need to complete related procedures for the address change.
- If you’re enrolled in National Health Insurance or National Pension, check on the address-change procedures as well.
- Procedures generally require your residence card, passport, and lease contract.
Notification of moving in / relocation: 14 days is the rule
Once you start living at your new address, the rule is to file, within 14 days, a notification of moving in (if you moved from a different municipality) or a notification of relocation (if you moved within the same municipality) at your local ward or city office. This notification updates the address on your residence certificate (jūminhyō), so that address information is correctly reflected wherever it’s needed for administrative services and various contracts. Right after a move, you’re often busy unpacking, but it’s reassuring to keep the deadline in mind and take care of it early. The counter’s name and department in charge of this can differ by municipality, so it’s worth checking the website in advance.
Don’t forget the residence card address change
When you file your notification of moving in or relocation, you’ll also update the address on your residence card at the same time. In most cases, this is completed by having staff at the counter write your new address on the back of your residence card. Since the residence card is used as an identity document in many everyday situations, it’s important to keep the address information up to date.
My Number-related procedures
If you have a My Number card or notification card, you’ll also need to complete the related procedures when you change your address. These are often handled at the same counter as the notification of moving in/relocation, so it’s worth asking staff about it when you file.
National Health Insurance and National Pension procedures
If you’re enrolled in National Health Insurance or the National Pension, changing your address may also require updating the address on your insurance card and similar procedures. If you’re enrolled in your employer’s health insurance instead, this may be handled through your employer, so if you have a job, it’s worth checking with them too. It’s also worth confirming that the address on your insurance card or pension handbook has been updated along with your resident registration.
What to bring, and the general flow
Procedures at the ward/city office often require your residence card, passport, and a copy of your lease contract, though the exact documents required can vary by counter. Checking the required documents in advance on the municipality’s website or with the counter makes it easier to finish everything in a single visit. Since these procedures are generally handled on weekday daytime hours, don’t forget to arrange your work schedule if you’re employed. If it’s hard to find time on weekdays, some municipalities offer weekend counters or extended hours, so it’s worth checking that too.
FAQ
What happens if I miss the deadline for the notification of moving in?
A delay can cause inconvenience in situations where your address information is used for administrative services or various contracts. File the notification as soon as possible after moving.
Where do I change the address on my residence card?
This is generally done at your local municipal office’s counter, together with the notification of moving in or relocation.
Do I need to file a notification even if I move within the same municipality?
Yes. If your address changes even within the same municipality, you need to file a notification of relocation. Check the counter and required documents in advance.
Summary
After moving, aim to file your notification of moving in or relocation within about 14 days, and take care of your residence card, My Number, and insurance-related address changes at the same time. Checking the required documents in advance and completing the procedures promptly lets you start your new life with peace of mind.