The Registration System for Foreign Residents Changed on July 9
On July 9, revisions in laws involving foreigners living in Japan such as the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act, as well as part of the Basic Resident Registration Act, went into effect. Foreign residents are now included in the basic resident register just as Japanese nationals are, and resident records (juminhyo) are also created for them. At the same time, various procedural forms and notification procedures have changed.
● Resident Cards Now Being Issued
◇ Residence cards are now being issued to replace foreign resident registration cards.
Application location: Immigration Bureau
◇ Since the foreign resident registration card you currently possess is recognized as a residence card during the designated period below, there is no need to convert to a residence card immediately. Please note that foreign residents other than permanent residents will be issued a residence card when completing procedures for their visa, such as a change in their visa status of residence or a renewal of their period of stay.
• Period during Which the Foreign Resident Registration Card Can Be Used
| Category |
Those who are 16 years of age and older |
Those who are 15 years of age and younger |
| Permanent residents |
Until July 8, 2015 |
Until (1) July 8, 2015, or (2) the 16th birthday, whichever comes first |
| Foreign residents other than permanent residents |
Until the expiration date of the current visa |
Until (1) the expiration date of the current visa or (2) the 16th birthday, whichever comes first |
● Notification Procedures for the City Office and the Immigration Bureau Have Changed
◇ A Notification of Moving Out Is Required
When you move out of your current municipality, you must file a notification of moving out and then submit the certificate you receive to your new local government when you move in. If you are moving out of Japan, you must file a notification of moving out even if you have a re-entry permit.
Note: When filing this notification, the residence cards of all household members who are moving are required.
◇ Some Community Centers Handle Notification Forms As Well
Notification for moving into/out of/within the city can be completed at the Shinagawa Dai-ichi, Osaki Dai-ichi, Oi Dai-ichi, Ebara Dai-ichi, Ebara Dai-yon, and Yashio Community Centers.
◇ Notifications about Changes in Your Visa
You only need to complete the designated procedures at the Immigration Bureau, and no longer need to file a notification with the Shinagawa City Office.
● The Alien Registration Act Has Been Abolished
◇ Certified copies of foreign resident registration, which have been issued for registered foreign residents, are no longer provided. Copies of resident records are issued on request for those who are eligible for resident records.
◇ If you need documentation related to information listed in your foreign resident registration on or before July 8—such as landing permit dates and a history of changes in address, name, or nationality—you must apply directly to the Personal Information Protection Section (Tel: 3580-4111, ext. 2034), Secretarial Division, Ministry of Justice.
● For More Information on System and Procedures
◇ Concerning Resident Records
Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications website (in Japanese, English, and Korean)
www.soumu.go.jp/main_sosiki/jichi_gyousei/c-gyousei/zairyu.html
◇ Concerning the Residency Management System and Residence Cards
Immigration Bureau website (in 26 languages, including Japanese, English, Chinese, and Korean)
www.immi-moj.go.jp/newimmiact_1/index.html
Note: Procedures and systems for special permanent residents are different. Please call for more information.
Inquiries: Foreign Resident Records Subsection, Family Registry and Residents Section, (Hon Chosha 3F, Tel: 5742-6658)
