First Steps After Moving to Japan: Resident Registration and Paperwork Checklist

Moving to a new country is a major transition, and Japan requires specific administrative steps to ensure you are legally recognized as a resident. Most of these tasks center around your local municipal office, known as the City Hall or Ward Office, depending on whether you live in a city or a special ward of Tokyo.

The Priority: Resident Registration

Within 14 days of moving into your new home, you must visit your local municipal office to complete your resident registration. You will need to bring your Residence Card (Zairyu Card) and your passport. At the office, you will fill out a form to register your address. Once processed, the staff will print your new address on the back of your Residence Card. This physical update is the "green light" for almost every other administrative task in Japan, as it serves as your official proof of residence.

During this visit, you should also request a Certificate of Residence (Juminhyo). This is an official document that confirms your name, address, and nationality. You may need several copies of this certificate for opening bank accounts, signing apartment leases, or registering a vehicle. Please note that fees for issuing these certificates vary by municipality, so check with your local office for current pricing.

Health Insurance and Essential Services

Once your address is registered, you must address your medical coverage. If your employer is providing Health Insurance (Kenko Hoken) through their company scheme, you may not need to do anything at the municipal office. However, if you are a freelancer, student, or unemployed, you must enroll in the National Health Insurance (Kokumin Kenko Hoken) system at the municipal office. This ensures that your medical expenses are covered at the standard rate.

After your insurance is sorted, your next step is banking. Most Japanese banks require a registered address on your Residence Card and often a Certificate of Residence to open an account. While some international digital banks are becoming more accessible, having a local account is vital for paying utilities, receiving salary, and setting up automatic transfers for rent.

Good to know

• Processing times: While resident registration is usually done on the same day, getting certain certificates or insurance cards can take a few days to a week.

• Operating hours: Most municipal offices are closed on weekends and national holidays. Some offer limited evening hours once a week, but it is best to visit during standard business hours.

• Language barriers: While major wards in Tokyo may have English-speaking staff, smaller municipalities might not. It is helpful to bring a translation app or a friend who speaks Japanese.

• Official information: Rules and fees can change. Always verify specific requirements on the official website of your local municipal office.

Official information

• Immigration Services Agency of Japan
• CLAIR – Multilingual Living Information
• Digital Agency (My Number)

Rules and fees can change. Please confirm the latest details with the official sources above.