Address Registration, Certificate of Residence, My Number, and Personal Seal

When you start living in Japan, you complete address-related procedures at your municipal government office (shikuchoson).

Address procedures are connected to many other procedures, including the Certificate of Residence (住民票), My Number, health insurance, and pension.

Moving Into a New Address

Mid- to long-term residents must notify their municipality (shikuchoson) of their residence within 14 days of the day they establish their place of residence.

Bring your Residence Card and complete the procedure at the municipal office.

What Is a Certificate of Residence (Juminhyo)?

A copy of the Certificate of Residence (住民票) is a document used to certify information recorded in the Basic Resident Register, such as your address, name, and date of birth.

For various procedures, you may be asked to "submit your Certificate of Residence."

You can obtain it at the municipality where you live. In municipalities that support it, you can use convenience store issuance if you meet the conditions.

What Is My Number?

My Number is a 12-digit number assigned to each person who has a Certificate of Residence.

Foreign residents also have a My Number.

It is used for administrative procedures such as tax, social security, and disaster response.

My Number and the My Number Card

My Number is a number.

The My Number Card is a card that can be used for identity verification and administrative procedures.

Some people have a My Number but do not have a My Number Card.

Residence Card and My Number Card

From June 14, 2026, a system for the "specific residence card" (特定在留カード), which integrates the functions of the Residence Card and the My Number Card, began.

Not everyone automatically becomes eligible for a specific residence card.

Personal Seal (Inkan) and Seal Registration

In Japan, a personal seal (inkan) is sometimes used for contracts and administrative procedures.

Not everyone needs to register a personal seal.

For important procedures such as real estate or vehicles, a certificate of seal registration may be required.

The method of seal registration differs by municipality.

When You Move

Procedures differ between moving within the same municipality and moving to a different municipality.

If you have a Residence Card or My Number Card, bring it to the municipal office.

If You Are Not Sure

If you are unsure about address, Certificate of Residence, My Number, or seal registration, check with your municipal office (city hall or ward office).

Some municipalities have foreign-language consultation counters.

What You Can Check Next

• Moving and leaving Japan
• Health insurance in Japan
• Pension in Japan
• Taxes in Japan
• Not sure where to consult

Main Sources to Check

• Immigration Services Agency of Japan
• Digital Agency
• Municipal government (shikuchoson)

Last checked: August 2026