In Japan, March is moving season—many people move near to the location of their new place of employment or school with the start of the new fiscal year in April. In this issue, we describe the main procedures that must be completed by those who are moving into or out of the city. Shinagawa City Office accepts notification forms for foreign resident registration and National Health Insurance on Sundays as well, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Completing Foreign Resident Registration Procedures
Initial registration: If you plan to live in Japan for 90 days or longer, you must complete foreign resident registration procedures within 90 days of entering the country. You must bring your passport and two identical photos (4.5 cm high × 3.5 cm wide, taken within the last six months, upper body, full face, and no hat). Those under 16 years of age, however, do not need photos. Those who are 16 years of age or older must apply in person. For those who are under 16 years of age, a family member of the same household who is 16 years of age or older should complete the application procedures on the person's behalf.
Registering a change in address: Please bring your foreign resident registration card to the municipal office and complete the necessary procedures within 14 days of moving. If you move within the city, you must also do this. An application can be made by the applicant him/herself or by someone in the same household who is 16 years of age or older.
Notes:
1. If you move from Shinagawa to another municipality, please complete the change of address procedures at the foreign resident registration desk at the municipal office responsible for the area you have moved to.
2. You must also complete the necessary procedures for registering any other changes that occur in your already registered details. For example, if there is a change in your visa status or period of stay, you must bring your passport and foreign resident registration card to the municipal office and have the changes registered. Please contact the municipal office for more information on the registration procedures for other changes.
Inquiries: Foreigner Registration Subsection, Family Registry and Residents Section (City Assembly Bldg. 3F)
Tel: 5742-6658
The National Pension Is Also for Foreign Residents
Registered foreign residents who are between 20 and 59 years of age must enroll in the National Pension program. If the eligibility period (25 years or more as a rule) has been fulfilled, you are entitled to receive the Old-Age Basic Pension from the age of 65. However, those who are enrolled in an employee pension program at a Japanese company, etc., do not need to enroll in the National Pension program.
The cost for National Pension premiums (FY2011) is ¥15,020 per month. Students and those with low incomes may be allowed to pay lower premiums or be exempt from premiums altogether.
Note: There is a Lump-Sum Withdrawal Benefit for foreign residents who leave Japan without receiving pensions. Please call for more information.
Inquiries: National Pension Subsection, National Health Insurance and Pension Section (Hon Chosha 4F)
Tel: 5742-6684
Are You Familiar with National Health Insurance?
What Is National Health Insurance?
Japan's social security system includes health insurance. This health insurance program is broadly divided into work-based (company) insurance, regionally based National Health Insurance, and Latter-Term Elderly Medical Insurance for those who are age 75 or older. All people living in Japan are required to join one of these health insurance plans. (However, eligibility requirements for enrollment must be fulfilled.)
Like that of company health insurance, the aim of National Health Insurance is to promote economic security by providing insurance coverage for times of sickness, injury, birth, or death under the spirit of mutual aid, where members pay insurance premiums based on their income, to which contributions are made by both the national government and local municipalities.
Who Can Enroll?
Those who are age 74 or younger who live in Shinagawa City and have completed foreign resident registration can enroll. However, those for whom any of the following apply are not eligible to enroll.
· Those who are eligible to join another public health insurance program, such as company health insurance
Note: Those who are employed by a Japanese company should enroll in the health insurance plan of that company (place of employment).
· Those who are eligible to join another public health insurance program as a dependent
· Those who are receiving social assistance
· Those whose period of stay in Japan is less than one year
Note: If your period of stay is less than one year, but you intend to extend your stay in Japan for at least another year, you are eligible to join.
· Those whose period of stay has expired
Note: You may lose your eligibility if your period of stay expires after joining.
· Those who have not obtained the proper status or period of stay Notification
You must be sure to file the designated notification form with the National Health Insurance and Pension Section within 14 days of the following circumstances.
(1) To join the program
· When you enter Japan or move to Shinagawa
· When you withdraw from the employee health insurance program
· When you have a child
(2) To withdraw from the program
· When you move out of Shinagawa or leave Japan
· When you join the employee health insurance program
· Death
Note: You can apply for a funeral expense benefit.
(3) Other situations
· When you move within Shinagawa
· Change in name
· Change in head of household
· Consolidation or dissolution of household(s)
· Lost or damaged health insurance cards
Inquiries: Qualification Subsection, National Health Insurance and Pension Section (Hon Chosha 4F)
Tel: 5742-6676
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