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ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES:

 

FOREIGN REGISTRATION CARD:

ABOUT THE FOREIGN REGISTRATION CARD:

Any foreigner wishing to stay in Japan for more that 90 days is required to register at the local government administration office where they live. Except for those under the age of 16 years of age, registration must be made in person. This card will take the place of your passport as the usual form of identification whilst in Japan.

APPLYING FOR A CARD:

You must apply for registration within 90 days of entering the country. You must have the following items with you when applying:

  • Passport
  • 2 photographs (4.5x3.5cm in size - not required for those under 16)

To register a newly born child, you must apply within 60 days of birth and must have the birth certificate when applying.

CHANGING REGISTRATION DETAILS:

To change your residential address, notify the authority within 14 days of the move: 14 days before moving if leaving Kochi and 14 days after if coming to Kochi. You will need your Foreign Registration Card to do this.

For changes in your name, nationality, status of residence, period of stay, occupation or work address, notify the local authority within 14 days of the change. Necessary documentation:

  • Foreign Registration Card
  • Official proof of the change: passport, certificate etc.

REPLACING YOUR FOREIGN REGISTRATION CARD:

If you need a new card due to it having been stolen, lost, soiled or damaged, go to the local authority office and ask for a replacement. You will need:

  • Passport
  • Foreign Registration Card (not in case of loss or theft)
  • 2 photographs (4.5x3.5cm)

RETURNING YOUR FOREIGN REGISTRATION CARD:

Your Foreign Registration Card will be collected when you depart from Japan (except if you have a re-entry permit, see below).

If you become a Japanese citizen, you must return your Foreign Registration card within 14 days of your citizenship taking effect. In case of the death of a card holder, the card must be returned also within 14 days of death.

RE-ENTRY PERMIT:

If you are residing in Japan and wish to go overseas temporarily and then return to Japan, you will need to get a re-entry permit before leaving the country. If you have a re-entry permit, you won't have to apply for another visa on your return to Japan. You will not be allowed to re-enter the country without a re-entry permit or a new visa.

Re-entry permits can be obtained for a single trip or, at a higher cost, multiple re-entries. Permits are valid for a period of one year, or 4 years for special permanent residents.

Apply in person to:

Takamatsu Immigration Office, Port of Kochi Branch, Kowan Godo Chosha Bld. 1F, Sanbashi Dori 5-4-55, Kochi City

 

PERMANENT RESIDENCY PERMITS:

If you have been given permanent residency, you must apply for a permanent residency permit within 14 days of acquiring such residential status. To do this you will need:

  • Passport
  • Proof of the change
  • Foreign Registration Card
  • 2 photographs (4.5x3.5cm)

 

FAMILY REGISTER:

ABOUT THE FAMILY REGISTER:

In Japan, the family register, or census register system, acts as a record of births, deaths, marriages and divorces as proof of status. When foreigners living in Japan give birth, die, marry or divorce, the City Office, Citizens Affairs Division, Family Register Section must be notified in accordance with the regulations of the Family Registration Act.

Remember that you must also notify your home country of these occurences. Inquire at you embassy or consulate for details.

REGISTERING MARRIAGES:

Necessary documents:

  • Marriage Registration Forms (Available at the Citizens Affairs Division. The signatures and seals of two adults as witnesses are also necessary.
  • Proof that according to the laws of your country, you are permitted to get married. This document will be issued by your embassy or consulate. If the original is issued in a language other than Japanese, a translation must be provided with the original and the translator's name.
  • Proof of nationality (Passport etc.)
  • Foreign Registration Card

When marrying a Japanese citizen:

  • A foreigner does not automatically acquire Japanese citizenship once married to a Japanese citizen; nor do Japanese citizens acquire the nationality of their foreign spouse.
  • It is possible to change your residency to that of the spouse of a Japanese citizen. Inquire at the Immigration Office.

REGISTERING BIRTHS:

Necessary documentation:

  • Birth Registration Form (available at the Citizens Affairs Division)
  • Birth Certificate (with the same signature or seal of the doctor or midwife as recorded on the Birth Registration Form)
  • Maternal and Child Health Handbook and National Health Insurance Card (if you have one).

Register within 14 days of the birth.

REGISTERING DEATHS:

Necessary documentation:

  • Notification of Death Form (available at the Citizens Affairs Division)
  • Permission for Cremation Certificate (available as above)
  • The deceased person's Foreign Registration Card

Make notification within 7 days of death.

If the deceased person is be buried in his/her home country, contact that country's embassy or consulate in Japan.

 

SEALS:

ABOUT SEALS:

In Japan, a seal, inkan or hanko, is used instead of a signature. There are two types of seals: a registered seal, or jitsuin, which is registered at the City Office, and a private seal, or mitomein.

The registered seal is used for formal contracts such as buying a house, and legal procedures.

A private seal is used for simple legal contracts such as opening a bank account, withdrawing money from a bank, and issuing receipts.

REGISTERING A SEAL:

Seal registration should be made in person. When you register a seal you receive a Seal Registration Card. Apply at the Citizens Affairs Division or at a branch office.