If you are a foreign resident living in Japan and moving to a new apartment, one of the most important procedures is updating the address on your Residence Card (在留カード / Zairyu Card).
After moving, you must register your new address at the local city hall or ward office. The new address will then be written on the back of your residence card.
In this guide, we explain:
- How to change your address on your residence card
- What documents you need
- What to do before and after moving
- Other important procedures for foreigners living in Japan
When Do You Need to Change Your Address?
In Japan, foreign residents are generally required to report their new address within 14 days after moving.
You usually complete this process at your local city hall or ward office, not at immigration.
Important:
If you forget to update your address, it may affect future visa renewals, bank procedures, school registration, or other official documents.
Documents You Need
The required documents may vary depending on the city, but usually you need the following:
- Residence Card
- Passport
- My Number Card (if you have one)
- Moving-out certificate (for moves between different cities)
- Identification documents
- Letter of authorization (if someone does the procedure for you)
If You Move Within the Same City
If you move within the same city or ward, you usually submit a Change of Address Notification (転居届 / Tenkyo Todoke).
For example:
- Moving from one apartment to another within Osaka City
- Moving within the same ward
After the procedure, your new address will be written on your residence card.
If You Move to a Different City
If you move to another city, ward, or municipality, the process is slightly different.
- Submit a Moving-Out Notification (転出届) at your old city hall
- Receive a Moving-Out Certificate
- Submit a Moving-In Notification (転入届) at your new city hall
- Update the address on your residence card
Examples:
- Moving from Osaka City to Sakai City
- Moving from Kyoto to Osaka
- Moving to another prefecture
If You Just Arrived in Japan
If you recently arrived in Japan and found a place to live, you must register your address within 14 days after moving in.
This registration is extremely important because many services in Japan require a registered address, including:
- Opening a bank account
- Signing a phone contract
- School registration
- Part-time jobs
- Apartment contracts
Things to Do When You Decide to Move
1. Contact Your Current Apartment Management Company
If you currently rent an apartment, you usually need to notify the landlord or management company before moving out.
Many contracts require:
- 1 month notice
- 2 months notice
Some apartments also charge an early cancellation penalty if you move out before a certain period. Always check your rental contract carefully.
2. Stop and Start Utilities
Before moving out, arrange to stop:
- Electricity
- Gas
- Water
- Internet
For your new apartment, make reservations to start utilities before move-in day.
In Japan, gas companies often require someone to be present when opening the gas service.
3. Set Up Mail Forwarding
At the post office, you can submit a mail forwarding request. This allows letters sent to your old address to be forwarded to your new home.
This is very useful for:
- Bank mail
- School documents
- Residence card notices
- Insurance documents
4. Inform Your School or Workplace
Students should notify their school. Workers should inform their company.
Some schools and employers may ask for a copy of your updated residence card.
5. Update Your Address for Bank and Phone Services
Do not forget to change your address for:
- Bank accounts
- Mobile phone contracts
- Credit cards
- Insurance
- Online shopping accounts
Otherwise, important mail may be sent to your old address.
6. Update Your My Number Card
If you have a My Number Card, you should also update the address at city hall. You may need your PIN number during the procedure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to go to immigration?
Usually, no. For address changes, you normally go to the city hall or ward office.
Immigration procedures are generally required only for changes related to:
- Visa status
- Name
- Nationality
- Employer
Can I change my address before moving?
Normally, no. You usually update your address after you actually move into the new apartment.
What happens if I forget?
If you forgot to update your address, go to city hall as soon as possible. It is better to complete the procedure late than not at all.
Final Thoughts
Updating the address on your residence card is one of the most important procedures after moving in Japan.
Remember to complete the procedure within 14 days after moving.
Besides the residence card update, it is also important to handle utilities, banks, phones, schools, and mail forwarding.
Moving in Japan can feel complicated, especially for international students and first-time residents, but preparing early makes the process much easier.
Need Help Finding an Apartment in Japan?
At willow, we help foreign residents find apartments in Japan.
We support:
- International students
- Workers with visas
- People moving from overseas
- First-time apartment renters in Japan
We can also help with:
- Apartment applications
- Utility setup
- Move-in support
- Life support in Japan
Feel free to contact us anytime.
Feel free to contact us on LINE for support with daily life in Japan and apartment search!
