Figures, prices and terms were checked against the 14-day registration rule and municipal issuing fees on 6 August 2026. They change — check the current terms yourself before you sign up or file anything.
Summary
- Registering your address (juminhyo / 住民票) is required by law within 14 days of moving in.
- You do it at your local city or ward office by filing a “moving-in notification” (転入届 / tennyūtodoke).
- Bring your residence card and passport. A copy of your juminhyo costs about ¥300.
- You’ll need it for a bank account, SIM, health insurance, and part-time jobs – do it first, everything else depends on it.
Your juminhyo (住民票) is the document that proves where you live in Japan. It sounds small, but almost nothing else works until you have it – bank, phone, insurance, and jobs all ask for it. This guide explains what it is, how to register, and the mistakes that cause problems.
What is a juminhyo?
A juminhyo is an official record of your address in Japan, issued by the city or ward office. Everyone living in Japan – Japanese and foreign residents alike – is registered. It shows your name, date of birth, address, and household information.
For a foreign resident it is your proof that you officially live here, which is why so many procedures require it.
What you need it for
Because of this, register your address before you try to open a SIM contract, join national health insurance, or start a job.
The 14-day rule
You must register within 14 days of moving into your home. This is a legal obligation, not a suggestion – skipping it can cause penalties and blocks the procedures above.
The same rule applies when you move: file a “moving notification” (転居届 / 転出届) within 14 days.
How to register (step by step)
- Go to your local city or ward office (市役所 / 区役所) for the area where you now live – within 14 days.
- File a moving-in notification (転入届 / tennyūtodoke) at the counter.
- Show your documents (see below) and give your address.
- Your address is registered, and you can now request copies of your juminhyo.
What to bring
Some cities let you pick up a juminhyo copy at a convenience store using a My Number card – convenient once you’re set up.
How it connects to tax and insurance
Registering your address is the “entry point” for the systems that matter later:
- Resident tax (住民税): billed by the city where you’re registered. Usually nothing in your first year, but from year two it depends on your previous income – see our guide on tax for part-time workers.
- National Health Insurance (国民健康保険): registering your address makes you eligible to enrol, which cuts your medical bills to 30%. See the health insurance guide.
Official source: Ministry of Internal Affairs (English)
Frequently asked questions
What happens if I don’t register?
You’ll struggle with school and job paperwork, and you can’t complete health insurance or tax procedures. It’s also a legal violation. Always register.
What documents do I need?
Your passport and residence card. Show them at the counter to complete the process.
Do I need to re-do it when I move?
Yes. As a rule you must file the moving-out / moving-in notification within 14 days.
Is a juminhyo used for part-time jobs?
Sometimes. Employers may ask for a copy to verify your identity and address.
Can they help me in English?
It depends on the municipality. Large cities often have multilingual support or translation tablets; smaller offices may not. Bring a friend or a translation app if you’re unsure.
Do this first
Your juminhyo is the key that unlocks a bank account, a SIM, insurance, and a job. Register within 14 days, keep a couple of copies, and the rest of your setup becomes much easier. Next steps most people take:
