Alien Registration/ Residency card

When you leave Japan

When leaving the country permanently, report to your local ward office and submit “moving-out notification” (転出届, tenshutsu-todoke).
Submit your alien registration card 外国人登録証明書gaikokujin touroku shoumei sho, or residency card 在留カード zairyu kaado to the immigration authorities at your port of exit (Your alien registration card will automatically convert to a residency card after July 9th, 2012). You must submit your alien registration card and embarkation card (the paper in your passport which is stamped with the date you first arrived in Japan) at your port of exit in order to cancel your visa.

Note: To receive your pension and tax refunds, or if you would like to legally work in Japan again, you must properly cancel your visa. If you do not submit your alien registration/ residency card when you leave, you will still be classified as a resident and unable to claim the pension refund.

When changing your address in Japan

・ Prior to July 9, 2012
You must update the information listed on your alien registration/residency card within 14 days after moving to your new location. You can update your card at the town or ward office of your new place of residence.

・ After July 9, 2012
You will be required to submit a “moving-out notification” (転出届, tenshutsu-todoke) to your previous ward office and a “moving-in notification” (転入届, tennyu-todoke) to the new ward office.

When changing your workplace in Japan

You must update the information listed on your Alien Registration Card within 14 days after starting your new job. You can update your card at the town or ward office of your new place of residence.

When changing your Status of Residence or Period of Stay

You must update the information listed on your alien registration card within 14 days of changing your Status of Residence or Period of Stay (i.e. if you switch to a tourist visa, or renew your work visa). You can update your card at the town or ward office of your new place of residence. Bring your passport to prove the changes.

When changing other information

When you change the details in your name or nationality, your alien registration card needs to be updated. Within 14 days from the change, bring your alien registration card and any documents proving the change to your local town or ward office.