Essential residence card address change procedures for foreigners after moving. Expert explanation of the 14-day rule, how to register with your municipal office, and risks and solutions if you forget.
Reviewed by: Nobuyuki MoriPresident, M-Assets Co., Ltd. / Licensed Real Estate Transaction Specialist (Miyagi #018212)
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When moving to a rental property, many procedures are needed from filing a moving-out notice to updating your driver's license and bank accounts. If you get the order of procedures wrong, the workload multiplies. This article explains all address change procedures before and after moving in an easy-to-understand way.
Foreigners with long-term residence in Japan are legally obligated under Article 19-9 of the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act (Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act) to report their address change to their municipal office within 14 days of moving. This is not just an administrative formality—it is a legal obligation that carries criminal penalties if violated.
The 14-day deadline is counted from your "moving date" (the day you actually moved to your new address), not your contract signing date or key pickup date. Once your move is complete and you've begun living in your new residence, that day marks the start of the 14-day period. Weekends and holidays do not extend this deadline, so we strongly recommend completing the procedure as soon as possible with time to spare.
The address change process is completed in two steps.
If you are moving within the same municipality, a notice of moving out is not required. If you are moving to a different municipality, submit a notice of moving out to your previous municipality's office (typically the Resident Affairs or Citizen's Section).
Visit your new municipality's office and submit the following documents.
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Residence card | Required. The office will record your new address on the back |
| Certificate of moving out | Only if moving from a different municipality |
| Passport | May be requested |
The staff member will stamp your new address in the "Residential Address" field on the back of your residence card. This stamping officially completes your address change. The process typically takes 15–30 minutes.
If you have a My Number Card, you may be able to handle some procedures at convenience stores or automatic machines. However, the address must always be recorded on your residence card at the municipal office window. Note that updating your My Number Card address and your residence card address are separate procedures.
If you bring both cards to the window, you can complete both address changes in a single visit.
If family members living with you (spouse, children, etc.) also have residence cards, bring all of their cards and you can complete the registrations together in one visit. You can also have a family member act as your representative, but some municipalities require a power of attorney, so we recommend calling ahead to confirm.
Children under 16 do not receive residence cards, so parents must handle the resident registration procedure on their behalf.
If you do not register within 14 days, you may face a fine of up to ¥200,000 for violating the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act. Additionally, failure to comply can work against you during visa renewal or change of status applications, and strict scrutiny of your legal compliance will apply to permanent residence applications.
Even if the deadline has passed, registering immediately once you realize is your best course of action. If you forgot unintentionally and this is your first violation, you are unlikely to face an actual fine, but continuing to delay increases your risk.
Staff at the office will assist you if you honestly explain that you have missed the deadline. Whether the staff reports it to immigration authorities depends on the situation, but the fact that you voluntarily came to complete the procedure will be viewed positively.
Address change is not just about reporting to your municipality—notifying your employer or school is equally important. Also remember to update your address with your social insurance provider, unemployment insurance, and your employer's payroll system.
Use the following checklist to ensure your residence card address change goes smoothly.
Moving is a busy time, but updating your residence card address is a legal obligation and a critical procedure directly linked to maintaining your residence status. To start your new life with peace of mind, we strongly recommend completing this procedure on the first weekday after your move.
Comprehensive coverage of address changes not just for your resident registration, but also for pensions, health insurance, driver's license, bank accounts, credit cards, and more. We explain what you must not forget and how to prioritize your tasks.
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