The Foreign Resident Registration System Is Changing
Due to changes in the Immigration Control Act and other related laws and regulations, the administrative procedures for foreign residents who live in Japan—and which offices you will need to notify—are set to change.
Note: The new system is scheduled to begin in July.
●Resident Registration Documents for Foreign Residents
According to the revised Residential Basic Book Act, foreign residents will become eligible to receive the same type of resident registration document that Japanese residents have. A provisional copy of this resident registration document, based on the information in the current Foreign Resident Registry, will be mailed in May to everyone eligible for a resident registration document.
●A Residence Card Instead of a Foreign Resident Registration Card
Because the foreign resident registration system is being eliminated, you will receive a residence card to replace your current foreign resident registration card if you are eligible.
Note: You can still use your current foreign resident registration card for a time even after the new system starts. The expiration date for this will vary, and depends on your visa status of residence and period of stay. Please inquire at the city office for more information.
○Residence Card
The Immigration Bureau will issue residence cards to mid- to long-term residents who have been in Japan for more than three months when granting permissions pertaining to residence, such as landing permission, permission to change residence status, or permission to extend your period of stay.
○Advance Application
Starting on January 13, 2012, the Immigration Bureau will begin accepting advance applications for the conversion of the current foreign resident registration card to a residence card.
●Notification Procedures for the City Office and Immigration Bureau Are Changing
○Address-Related Notification
When you move, you must complete the designated procedures at the municipality you are leaving.
Notification procedures: First, submit a notification form about your move at the municipality you are leaving. After you receive your "move-out" certificate, take your residence card to the municipal office that administers your new neighborhood and complete the designated procedures to notify them of your move.
Note: Please be sure to take the residence cards of all family members living in the same household, since the card is required without exception.
○Notification of Change in Visa Status of Residence
You will not need to file a notification with the city office.
Notification procedures: If you complete the designated procedures at the Immigration Bureau, there is no need to file a notification with the city office.
●If You Would Like to Know More about the New System and Procedures
○Concerning Visa Status of Residence and Residence Cards
Immigration Bureau website: www.immi-moj.go.jp/newimmiact_1/index.html (in Japanese, English, Chinese, Korean, Spanish, and Portuguese)
●Concerning Resident Registration Documents
Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications website: www.soumu.go.jp/main_sosiki/jichi_gyousei/c-gyousei/zairyu.html (in Japanese, English, and Korean)
Note: If you are a special permanent resident, you will apply for your new certificate at a different location. Please inquire at the city office for more information.
Inquiries: Foreigner Registration Subsection, Family Registry and Residents Section, Tel: 5742-6658
