When proof of residence is required, you will need to submit a residence certificate in Japan. So if you plan to live or work in Japan, you should know what this certificate is for and how you can get it.
This post will help you answer these questions,
- What is the residence certificate in Japan?
- Who can get it?
- And when do you need this certificate?
Keep on reading to learn more!
What is a Residence Certificate or Juminhyo?
A residence certificate or Juminhyo is also known as a copy of a residence record. It’s an official document that contains your registered address in Japan. Also, it will show your personal information, such as name, date of birth, gender, residency status, and period of stay.
Who can get this certificate in Japan?
Both Local and non-locals can get this certificate. According to the Law for Partial Amendment of the Basic Residents Registration Act, since July 9, 2012, all foreign residents residing from medium to long term, are subject to the Basic Resident Registration System. That means that if you stay in Japan for such a period, the local municipality or government will record your address in Japan.
So if ever you change your address in Japan, you have to notify the municipality to update your address record. To reflect the new one in your residence card, as well as in your residence certificate when you get one.
When do you need a residence certificate in Japan?
Producing a copy of the residence certificate is required in different situations, such as the following:
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- registering in social services
- subscribing to various insurance (National Health Insurance, National Pension, etc.)
- opening a bank account
- getting and renewing a driver’s license
- applying for a phone contract
- applying for jobs
- enrolling children at a local school district
- registering a name seal or Inkan
4 Simple Steps To Get A Residence Certificate in Japan
Getting a copy of your residence certificate in Japan is not that difficult. Even a legal representative with verification documents can get a copy on your behalf. Here are the documents you and your representative needed:
When you or a person in the same household makes a request, the verification documents are:
- Driver’s license
- Japanese passport
- Health insurance card
- Residence card
- Special permanent resident certificate, etc.
When your agent makes a request, the verification documents are:
- A power of attorney from the principal or a legal representative
- Identity verification documents: (Driver’s license, Japanese passport, health insurance card, residence card, special permanent resident certificate, etc.)
When you secure all the requirements, you are now ready to take the following steps:
1st Step: Visit the municipal office of the city or ward.
For foreigners, you can get a copy of your residence certificate at the municipal office of where you reside.
But as for the Japanese citizens, they can request a copy from the other ward office. Using the Basic Resident Register Network System (Juki Net), exchanging information on residence cards between cities, wards, towns, and villages nationwide is possible.
2nd Step: Fill out the form
Fill out the Request For Issuance of Copy of Resident’s Card form that is written in Japanese. Answers the following questions in the form accordingly:
- Who will fill out this form?
- Who is the claimant (the person who uses the certificate)?
3rd Step: Submit the form and the verification documents to the counter.
Make sure you bring all the documents for identity verification so they can grant your request.
Foreigners are required to show their residence card, so make sure to bring it with you at all times. Then, pay the handling fee amounted to 300 yen at the counter in the municipal office.
4th Step: Wait for the issuance of a residence certificate copy.
Successful issuance of the copy will entirely depend on the documents you have submitted for identity verification. Remember, each municipality may have different requirements and procedures. It would be better to check them before you request a copy.
And the residence certificate or residence record copy is usually valid for 3 months.
FAIR Study in Japan would be glad to answer your queries. You can contact us using the form below.
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