Guides
Every procedure, on its own, with no questions asked first. If you want these ordered around your own situation — and told which ones you can skip — build a roadmap.
Arrival & Registration
- Move-out Notification 転出届Tell your OLD city hall you are leaving, and collect the certificate your new city will ask for.From 14 days before moving until 14 days after
- Move-in Notification 転入届Register your address at your new city hall. This is the single most important thing you will do.Within 14 days of moving into your address
- Residence Card Address Update 在留カード裏面住所記載Get your new address printed on the back of your residence card.Within 14 days of moving in
- National Health Insurance 国民健康保険Enrol in public health insurance — required unless your employer enrols you in theirs.Within 14 days of moving in
- National Pension 国民年金Enrol in the national pension scheme — required for residents aged 20 to 59.Within 14 days of moving in
- My Number マイナンバーYour 12-digit national ID number, sent to you by mail after you register your address.
- My Number Card マイナンバーカードThe optional photo ID card version of your My Number. Genuinely worth getting.
- Residence Certificate 住民票The official proof-of-address document that banks, phone shops, and landlords all ask for.
- Seal Registration 印鑑登録Register a personal seal as your legal signature. Needed for big contracts.