When moving into a new home in Japan as a foreign worker or international student, you must complete key administrative tasks at your local city or ward office within 14 days. These mandatory procedures include registering your resident address, enrolling in national health coverage if you are not on workplace insurance, and initiating your 12-digit My Number setup. Taking care of these steps promptly ensures your legal status remains in good standing and grants you immediate access to essential public services.
What must you do within 14 days of moving into your home in Japan?
Foreign nationals planning to reside in Japan for longer than three months are legally obligated to register their address at their municipal city or ward office within 14 days of moving into their permanent home. If you received your residence card upon arrival at major entry points—such as Narita, Haneda, Chubu, Kansai, New Chitose, Hiroshima, or Fukuoka Airport—you must present this card along with your passport during registration. If your residence card was not processed at the airport, presenting your passport at the city office triggers the administrative process, and your card will be sent to your registered address by mail within two to three weeks.
At the exact same time you register your address, you should also apply for National Health Insurance if you are not covered by an employer's social insurance plan. Additionally, registering your address automatically initiates your enrollment in the My Number system, Japan's 12-digit personal identification system used for taxation, social security, and municipal administrative tasks.
What documents do you need for resident registration at the city office?
To register your residence smoothly at your municipal office, prepare the necessary official items beforehand. You will need:
- Your valid passport
- Your residence card (if already issued at an eligible airport)
- Your moving-out certificate (if you are relocating from another municipality within Japan)
When you submit your moving-in notification at the designated city counter, municipal staff will record your local address into the official resident database and print your new address onto the back of your physical residence card.
What are the legal penalties for missing registration deadlines in Japan?
Failing to observe statutory reporting deadlines can lead to significant administrative fines and jeopardize your legal stay. Under guidance from municipal offices and the Immigration Services Agency, failing to register your residence address within 14 days of establishing your place of living can result in a fine of up to 200,000 yen. Furthermore, if a foreign resident fails to register an official address within 90 days of arriving in Japan without a legitimate reason, the authorities may revoke their status of residence. Always confirm your specific visa conditions and filing rules directly with official government agencies.
How do you sign up for National Health Insurance and My Number?
National Health Insurance (NHI)
Foreign residents residing in Japan for over three months who are not enrolled in workplace social insurance must join the National Health Insurance system. This requirement applies to both workers and international students, as well as accompanying family members. Under this insurance, patients pay 30% of their total medical costs when seeking treatment at medical facilities.
You can register for NHI at your city office's health insurance desk during your resident registration visit. Show your residence card when applying. Insurance premiums are calculated based on your prior year's income in Japan and are billed across 10 monthly payments from June to March. Payment can be completed via automatic bank transfer or by using payment slips at convenience stores, banks, post offices, or city halls. Individuals with low or zero income from the previous year, including newly arrived students, can apply at the city office for a premium reduction.
My Number System and Pension
Once resident registration is complete, an Individual Number Notification Letter containing your unique 12-digit My Number will be mailed to your address. This number is required for official processes, such as tax filings, government administrative requests, or taking up part-time employment. You can apply for a physical My Number Card online or by mail using the instructions in your notification letter. Furthermore, you can register your My Number Card to act as your health insurance card through MynaPortal or Seven Bank ATMs, after which you will receive a Notice of Eligibility Information.
In addition, residents in Japan aged 20 to 59 are required by law to participate in the National Pension system. Students with limited income can consult local city officials to apply for exemption or deferral through the Special Payment System for Students.
How do you update your address when moving between Japanese cities?
If you move to a new residence within the same city, bring your residence card to your local municipal office to submit a change of address notification so staff can update your card.
If you relocate to a completely different municipality, you must complete a two-step process:
- Visit your current city office before moving out to file a moving-out notification and collect a moving-out certificate.
- Within 14 days of settling into your new home, bring your residence card and the moving-out certificate to the new city hall to submit a moving-in notification and update your card's address. You must also notify the National Health Insurance counter in your new city within two weeks of relocating.
Finding a place to stay
When preparing for a move to Japan as a student or new worker, arranging your housing timing is essential. You should secure your initial accommodation after your visa or Certificate of Eligibility (COE) is approved, but prior to your flight. Having your address ready upon arrival makes completing mandatory city office procedures simple and stress-free.
Many newcomers stay in a furnished monthly apartment first to establish their initial base. OHAYO Stay offers furnished monthly apartments and rooms in Tokyo, featuring a minimum stay of 30 nights on most properties. The monthly price includes electricity, gas, water, and Wi-Fi, eliminating the need for separate utility setups. With no guarantor, no key money, and no agency fee, booking is completed online using a passport or ID and credit card, allowing you to settle in immediately upon arrival.