How to Change Your Address
Step-by-step guide to updating your address at the ward office after moving within Japan.
π£οΈ Key Vocabulary
When to Report
You must report your move within 14 days of your new residence. The process depends on where you're moving:
Same ward: Only one visit needed (tenkyo todoke) Different ward/city: Two visits β moving-out from old ward, moving-in at new ward
Moving Within the Same Ward
One simple visit to your ward office:
Step 1: Go to the resident registration counter
Bring residence card and My Number card.
π¬ What to Say
Step 2: Fill out the form
Write old address, new address, and move date. Staff will update your residence card on the spot.
Step 3: Update My Number
If you have a My Number card, they'll update the address. Notification cards don't need updating.
Moving to a Different Ward or City
Two-step process:
Step 1: Step 1: Moving-out notification (old ward)
Before you move, get a tenshutsu todoke from your current ward office. Valid for 14 days.
π¬ What to Say
Step 2: Step 2: Moving-in notification (new ward)
Within 14 days of moving, go to your new ward office with the moving-out certificate.
π¬ What to Say
Step 3: Update everything
At the new ward, also update: National Health Insurance, National Pension, and any other registrations.
Don't Forget These Updates
After the ward office, you also need to update:
- Bank accounts β visit branch or use online banking - Phone contract β usually online - Driver's license β at police station or license center - Immigration (if visa renewal soon) β your address is on the residence card - Employer β for tax purposes
β Checklist
- Complete within 14 days of moving
- Bring residence card and My Number card
- Get moving-out certificate first (if changing wards)
- Update health insurance at new ward
- Notify bank and phone company
π Resources
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Osaka City Resident Registration
Japanese
Official procedures