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Alien Registration

All foreign nationals planning to stay in Japan for 90 days or longer must complete alien registration (gaikokujin toroku) at the Citizen Services Department (Shimin Ka) at city hall or any of its local branch offices. You must apply for registration in person unless you are under 16 years of age. For children under 16, an adult family member residing at the same address as the applicant should apply on the applicant's behalf. Please note that all foreign residents aged 16 or over are required to carry their Certificate of Alien Registration (Gaikokujin Toroku Shomeisho) with them at all times while in Japan.

Initial registration

Apply for initial registration...

1. Upon arrival in Japan (within 90 days after landing)
2. Upon renouncement of the Japanese nationality (within 60 days after renunciation).
   Required documents:
   • Two identical photographs (length 45mm, side 35mm), taken within the last 6 months. Not required for people under 16.
   • Passport (for those who own one)
3. Upon the birth of a child (within 60 days after the child's birth).
   Required documents:
   • Notice of birth (shussho todoke) or birth registration certificate (shussho todoke juri shomeisho)

Change of registered information

Change of address

If you move to a new address within the city, notify city hall within 14 days of the move. If you relocate outside Onomichi, notify the municipal office of the place you move to within 14 days of the move.
Required document:

• Certificate of Alien Registration

Change of other data

Report any changes in your name, nationality, status of residence, period of stay, occupation, office or employer within 14 days of the change.
Required documents:

• Certificate of Alien Registration and document proving change
• In the case of change to name or nationality, 2 identical photographs (length 45mm, side 35mm), taken within the last 6 months. Not required for people under 16.

Renewal after expiration (Confirmation)

Apply for renewal within 30 days of the date shown on your Certificate of Alien Registration if you are 16 years of age or over and within 30 days of your 16th birthday if you are under 16.
Required documents:

• Certificate of Alien Registration
• Passport
• Two identical photos (L4.5 x W3.5 cm, taken within the last 6 months)

Replacement

Apply for a replacement if your Certificate of Alien Registration is badly worn out or has no room for entering new information, if you wish to amend any of the information printed on the Certificate (name, date of birth, sex, nationality) or if you complete registration for change of name or nationality.
Required documents:

• Certificate of Alien Registration
• Passport
• Document giving evidence of the relevant change or amendment
• Two identical photos (L4.5 x W3.5 cm, taken within the last 6 months). Not required for people under 16.

Re-issuance

If your Certificate of Alien Registration is lost or stolen, apply for a new card within 14 days from the day on which you became aware of the loss or theft.
Required documents:

• Passport
• Two identical photos (L4.5 x W3.5 cm, taken within the last 6 months). Not required for people under 16.
• If so instructed, proof of loss or theft (e.g. notice of theft (police theft report), fire certificate, etc.)

Correction of a mistake

Apply for correction of a mistake when one is discovered.
Required documents:

• Certificate of Alien Registration
• Proof that a mistake was made
• If a mistake was found in the name, date of birth, sex or nationality, your passport and two identical photos (L4.5 x W3.5 cm, taken within the last 6 months). Photos are not required for people under 16.

Alien registration completion certificate

This document provides proof of address and other registered information. You must apply for the document in person or through a proxy. If applying through a proxy other than someone from your household, the proxy must submit a letter of power of attorney. You will be charged a fee of ?100 per certificate issued.

For more information or a basic letter of attorney, please read here (Japanese only).

Returning your Certificate of Alien Registration

Your Certificate of Alien Registration must be returned if:

• You leave Japan (unless you have a re-entry permit): Return your Certificate at the airport or port of departure.
• You obtain Japanese nationality: Return your Certificate to city hall.
• In the event of a death of a foreign resident, a relative or other person acting on the deceased's behalf should return the Certificate of Alien Registration of the deceased to city hall within 14 days of death.

For more information, please contact:

Citizen Services Department, Residents Office TEL: 0848-25-7104 (direct line)