Moving in Japan: Complete Address Change Checklist for Foreign Residents
Moving to a new home in Japan involves more than just packing boxes. As a foreign resident, you are legally required to update your address registration, and there are many services and institutions that need to be notified. This guide provides a complete timeline and checklist to keep you organized.
Moving Timeline Flowchart
2–4 Weeks Before Moving
| ☐ | Notify your landlord / give notice (typically 1–2 months in advance) |
| ☐ | Schedule utility disconnection at old address (gas, electric, water) |
| ☐ | Schedule utility connection at new address |
| ☐ | Submit mail forwarding request (転居届) at post office or online |
| ☐ | Arrange a moving company if needed |
1–14 Days Before Moving
| ☐ | Submit 転出届 (Moving-out Notification) at your current city/ward office |
| ☐ | Receive 転出証明書 (Certificate of Moving Out) — you will need this at your new city hall |
| ☐ | Return your National Health Insurance card (if on NHI, not employer insurance) |
Moving Day to 14 Days After
| ☐ | Submit 転入届 (Moving-in Notification) at your new city/ward office within 14 days |
| ☐ | Residence Card updated with new address (done at city hall) |
| ☐ | Enroll in National Health Insurance at new city hall (if applicable) |
| ☐ | Update National Pension records at city hall |
| ☐ | Register for services at new city hall (child allowance, etc. if applicable) |
Within 1 Month After Moving
| ☐ | Notify your employer of address change |
| ☐ | Update bank account address |
| ☐ | Update credit card address |
| ☐ | Update mobile phone contract address |
| ☐ | Update Amazon, online shopping delivery addresses |
| ☐ | Update driver's license address (at police station or driving center) |
| ☐ | Notify your child's school (if applicable) |
City Hall Procedures in Detail
Step 1: Moving-Out Notification (転出届)
Visit your current city or ward office and submit a 転出届. Bring:
- Residence Card (在留カード)
- My Number Card or notification card (if available)
- National Health Insurance card (if enrolled — you will return it)
You will receive a 転出証明書 (Certificate of Moving Out). Keep this safe — you will need it at your new city hall.
Step 2: Moving-In Notification (転入届)
Visit your new city or ward office within 14 days of moving in. Bring:
- 転出証明書 (Certificate of Moving Out)
- Residence Card (在留カード)
- Passport
- My Number Card or notification card
Your Residence Card will be updated with your new address on the spot. Your My Number Card will also be updated.
Step 3: Health Insurance & Pension
While at the new city hall, handle these at the same visit:
- National Health Insurance (NHI): If you are on NHI (not employer-provided insurance), you need to enroll at the new city hall. Your old NHI card was returned at the previous city hall; you will receive a new one.
- National Pension: Update your address for pension records. If you are on Category 1 pension (self-employed or unemployed), this is done at city hall.
- Employer Insurance: If you are on shakai hoken (employer insurance), your employer handles the address change — notify them promptly.
Utilities Transfer Guide
| Utility | How to Transfer | Timing |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | Contact your provider online or by phone. May change providers when moving. | 1–2 weeks before |
| Gas | Contact gas company. A technician visit is required to turn on gas at the new address. | 1–2 weeks before; schedule technician for moving day |
| Water | Contact the local water bureau (varies by municipality). | 1 week before |
| Internet | Contact your ISP. May require new installation at the new address. | 2–4 weeks before (installation may take time) |
Mail Forwarding (転居届)
Japan Post will forward your mail from your old address to your new address for 1 year.
- Online: e-Tenkyo (Japan Post Online)
- In person: Submit a forwarding request form at any post office
You will need to verify your identity. The online process requires a Japanese mobile phone number for verification.
Other Notifications
Employer
Notify your employer promptly. They need your updated address for tax withholding, commuter allowance calculations, and social insurance records.
Bank Accounts
Update your address with each bank. Most major banks allow address changes through their online banking app. You may need your Residence Card with the new address as verification.
Driver's License
Visit a police station or driving license center with your Residence Card (showing new address) to have the back of your license stamped with the new address.
Immigration Bureau
If you register at city hall within 14 days, the address change information is shared with immigration. You do not need to visit the immigration bureau separately for an address change.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the deadline for registering a new address?
You must submit a moving-in notification (転入届) at your new city/ward office within 14 days of your move. Failure to do so may result in a fine of up to ¥200,000.
Do I need to update my residence card?
Yes, and it happens automatically when you submit your moving-in notification at city hall. Your new address will be printed on the back of your card.
Do I need to notify immigration separately?
No. If you register at city hall within 14 days, the information is shared with immigration automatically.
How do I redirect my mail?
Submit a mail forwarding request at any post office or online at the Japan Post e-Tenkyo website. Forwarding lasts for 1 year.
Useful Resources
- Ministry of Internal Affairs — Resident Registration for Foreign Nationals
- Japan Post Mail Forwarding (e-Tenkyo)
- Immigration Services Agency — Address Change
※ The information on this site is for reference only. Please confirm details at your local government office.
