City hall is where your life in Japan becomes official. Until you complete this visit, many things remain locked. Banking, healthcare, phone contracts, and even work paperwork all depend on what happens here. The process can feel intimidating, but once you understand the flow, it becomes one of the most straightforward steps in the relocation journey.
This article walks through what city hall handles, what you must do shortly after moving in, and how to avoid common mistakes that cause delays later.
Why the City Hall Visit Matters So Much
City hall connects your physical address to your legal status. Immigration grants permission to stay, but the city registers how you live day to day. Without this registration, you technically exist in Japan without a local identity.
Many services will ask for documents issued or updated by city hall. That is why this visit should happen as soon as you move into your apartment.
When You Are Required to Go
You are expected to visit city hall within 14 days of moving into your new address. This applies whether you are entering Japan for the first time or moving between apartments.
Timing matters because some registrations have legal deadlines. Delaying can lead to warnings or extra explanations later.
Resident Registration – The Core Task
Resident registration is the most important step. This is where your address is officially recorded and linked to your residence card.
You will submit your information, confirm your address, and receive confirmation that you are registered as a resident of that city or ward.
You will need:
- Residence card
- Passport
- Apartment address
- Move in date
Once completed, your residence card is updated or digitally linked to your address.
My Number Registration – Your Administrative ID
Japan uses a personal identification number called My Number. This number is used for taxes, social services, and some employment procedures.
If this is your first time registering, you will either receive your My Number notification later by mail or be guided through the next steps at city hall.
You may be asked to:
- Confirm identity
- Register for My Number issuance
- Choose how to receive the notification
You do not need to memorize the number, but you do need to keep it secure.
National Health Insurance – How You Get Covered
If you are not enrolled in a company health insurance plan, you must join National Health Insurance through city hall. This covers 70% of medical costs and is mandatory for most residents.
Enrolment is based on your income level and visa status. Premiums are billed monthly or quarterly.
You will need:
- Residence card
- Passport
- Proof of address
- Employment or student status if applicable
Once enrolled, you receive insurance documents and later a health insurance card.
National Pension – Often Overlooked but Important
Japan’s pension system applies to residents between 20 and 59 years old. Even if you do not plan to stay long term, enrolment is required.
Some people qualify for exemptions or reduced payments depending on income or student status. These requests are also handled at city hall.
Ignoring pension payments will cause problems later, especially when renewing visas.
Address Changes and Future Visits
City hall is not a one time stop in Japan. Any time you move, you are required to formally report your change of address, and this process involves both your old and new municipalities. These notifications are essential for keeping your residence record accurate and ensuring continued access to public services.
Before moving out, you must visit your current city hall to submit a moving out notice. This officially records that you are leaving the area and allows your resident registration to be transferred. After you move, you then visit the city hall of your new address to complete move in registration, within fourteen days.
City hall also handles other major life changes, such as name changes, marital status updates, and permanent departure from Japan. Failing to report these changes can lead to problems with mail delivery, taxes, health insurance, or immigration related procedures, so it is important to treat these visits as a required part of settling in and moving around Japan.
What Comes Next?
Once city hall registration is complete, most administrative barriers disappear. You can open bank accounts more easily, sign phone contracts, enrol in services, and function like a resident rather than a visitor.
The next step in the roadmap focuses on setting up essential services tied to daily life: banking and mobile phones.
