How to Register Your Address at a Japanese City Hall (Shiyakusho)
Everything you need to know about registering your address at a Japanese city hall — a must-do within 14 days of moving.
Jan 24, 2026·✍️ olablog·⏱ 3 min read
Everything you need to know about registering your address at a Japanese city hall — a must-do within 14 days of moving.
Moving into a new place in Japan? You're legally required to register your address within 14 days at your local city or ward office (市役所 Shiyakusho / 区役所 Kuyakusho). It's one of those bureaucratic boxes you really can't afford to skip — your Residence Card, health insurance, bank account, and just about every other adult-life essential depends on it.
1. Why Bother Registering?
- Update your address on your Residence Card (在留カード Zairyu Card)
- Receive official government correspondence — tax bills, election notices, and the like
- You'll need a registered address to open a bank account, sign up for a phone plan, or lease an apartment
- Get your Juminhyo (住民票) — the official proof-of-residence document required for a surprising number of everyday tasks in Japan
2. What to Bring
- 💳 Residence Card (在留カード Zairyu Card)
- 🛂 Passport
- 📋 Move-in notification form (転入届 Tenyuu Todoke) — grab one at the counter or download it from your municipality's website beforehand
- 📄 If you're moving from another address within Japan: bring your move-out certificate (転出証明書 Tenko Shomei) issued by your previous ward or city office
3. Step-by-Step
- Head to the Shiyakusho or Kuyakusho for your new address — not your old one
- Go to the counter marked 「住民票・転入届」 (Juminhyo / Tenyuu Todoke)
- Pick up and fill in the move-in form — staff are used to helping non-Japanese speakers, so don't stress
- Submit your form and documents → processing typically takes 5–10 minutes
- Walk out with your Zairyu Card updated with your new address
4. Wait Times & Fees
- ⏱️ Expect to wait 15–30 minutes (longer on Monday mornings or at the start/end of the month)
- 💰 Completely free — no registration fee
- 🕐 Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 am–5:15 pm (some wards also open on Saturdays or offer evening windows)
5. Getting Your Juminhyo (Proof of Residence)
Once you're registered, you can request a Juminhyo right at the counter for around ¥300 (about $2). Alternatively, if you have a My Number Card, you can print one at a convenience store kiosk (Lawson's Loppi or FamilyMart's Famiport) any time of day — a genuine quality-of-life win.
💡 Pro tip: Get your My Number Card sorted early — it unlocks online government services, lets you print your Juminhyo at any convenience store, and makes filing taxes online far less painful.
