Foreigners who plan to stay in Japan for 90 days or more must complete the alien registration procedure at their ward office within 90 days of entering the country. Alien registration cards (gaikokujin toroku shomei-sho) are issued after registration.
Alien registration cards are an official form of ID needed when opening bank accounts or completing other procedures. Foreigners who are 16 years old or older must carry the card with them at all times and show it when required.
| To be reported | Deadline for notification | Documents required |
|---|---|---|
| Entry into Japan | Within 90 days of entry |
|
| Birth of a child | Within 60 days of birth | Documents certifying the birth (e.g., maternal and child health handbook, proof of birth registration) |
Change of address *Procedures should be completed at the ward office in the new area of residence. |
Within 14 days of the change | Alien registration card |
| Change of name, nationality, occupation, residential status, period of stay or address of workplace | Within 14 days of the change |
|
| Change of passport number/issue date, address in home country, name of head of household or family structure | By the time a change in another matter regarding alien registration is made |
You must apply at your ward office for the card to be reissued within 14 days of occurrence along with your passport and photos. In the case of damage, please bring the card to the office.
In the case of loss, please report the incident to the nearest police station or police box beforehand.
The alien registration card must be renewed at the ward office within 30 days of either of the following. (Your passport, photos and alien registration card are required for the renewal application.)
A Certified Copy of Alien Registration is proof of your residential status and address in Japan. You can apply for this at the ward office and at the Odori Certificate Issuance Service Center. Issue costs \350, and your alien registration card is required for the application.