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 Alien Registration

Foreigners who enter Japan with the intention of staying for longer than 90 days must obtain alien registration within 90 days of disembarkation. Also, foreigners who are born in Japan and individuals whose Japanese nationality is expatriated or renounced must obtain alien registration within 60 days of birth or expatriation /renouncement of Japanese nationality, respectively.

For foreigners whose stay in Japan does not extend past these limits, alien registration is not necessary.

Furthermore, those who possess the following criteria do not need to obtain alien registration:

1. Individuals who possess Japanese citizenship（those with Japanese dual citizenship are included）
2. Individuals who, according to the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act, possess special landing permission.
3. Individuals who possess diplomatic immunity and individuals whose stay in Japan is founded on formal arrangements with the United Nations or other foreign nations

Applying for Alien Registration

In order to apply for alien registration, an individual must report personally to the city hall or the town and village office of the area in which he/she lives. However, individuals younger than 16 years of age or those who, due to sickness or injury, cannot report can designate a proxy. The proxy must be over 16 years of age and a relative living with the applicant.

Documents necessary for alien registration include: 

• Application Form (available at the main counter)
• Passport (for those who do not have one, an alternative may be accepted)
• Two photos of yourself (photos must be 4.5cm high×3.5 cm wide, and are not needed for individuals under 16 years of age)

Furthermore, the registration of information regarding household members, in addition to a signature are also required for those over 16 years of age.　

Alien Registration Card

After applying for alien registration, individuals will be issued an alien registration card. This alien registration card serves proof of a foreigner’s status as a resident in Japan, and is therefore very important. As such, it is obligatory that the individual should carry it at all times.

Changes in Registered Information       

A. In the case of a change of address and other registry modifications

Modifications in address, name, nationality, occupation, status of residence, period of stay, and workplace must be reported and registered within fourteen (14) days of the aforementioned change. For modifications different from those listed above, a foreign resident must apply for a registration of changes before any application is submitted.

B. In the case of having lost the alien registration card

Within fourteen (14) days, a foreign resident must apply for the a new card to be reissued

C. In the case of having significantly stained or damaged the alien registration card

If the alien registration card becomes undecipherable, it shall be deemed unfit for use. In this situation, it is possible to apply for a new card in exchange for the damaged one.

D. Replacing an old alien registration card and verifying card information

It is necessary to periodically confirm the contents of a foreign resident’s alien registration card and, if necessary, renew it. At the time of registration, the renewal deadline is already established and within the stated time period the card holder must turn in a confirmation application with, if any, updated details. As a general rule, those under sixteen (16) years old are not required to renew their registration. Registration expires on the fifth birthday after registration (permanent residents and special permanent residents must renew every seven years). For those who registered for a period of stay of less than one year, a confirmation application must be turned in at the end of that one year if that stay is to be extended.

E. In the case of leaving the country and reentering

In the case that a foreign resident leaves Japan and then reenters the country, it is necessary to reapply for a new alien registration card. However, if the foreign resident possesses a re-entry permit before leaving Japan, then reapplication procedures for a new card are unnecessary. 

Inquiries

　　Inquiries about alien registration should be directed towards the Resident Affairs Office of the appropriate municipality.

   Yamanashi Prefecture Tourism Department, International Affairs Division   

   1-6-1 Marunouchi, Kofu City 400-8501

   Phone: 055-223-1436

   Fax: 055-223-1438

 

Certificate of Residence

For tax purposes and other transactions, foreign residents can use their alien registration card in place of the Certificate of Residence. A foreign resident, or else somebody from that individual's household can apply for an alien registration certificate on his or her behalf. If someone other than the applicant or a household member requests the issuance of the certification on that person's behalf, a signed power of attorney letter must be submitted. The application should be turned into the municipality in which the applicant resides.

 

CLAIR Multilingual Living Information

In the following website, you will find various resources about living in Japan as a foreign.

http://www.clair.or.jp/tagengorev/en/index.html

 http://www.clair.or.jp/tagengorev/en/b/index.html (Alien Registration)

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