Foreign nationals who reside in Japan are required by law to apply for the alien registration certificate within a designated period of time after his/her entry to Japan. A certificate (gaikokujin torokusho) is issued to the applicant once the application process is completed. Non-Japanese residents who are 16 years old or older are required to carry this certificate at all times. Contact the municipal office (city hall) in the ward (or city, town or village) where you reside for more information.

What you need to apply:

Alien registration application form, passport, two ID photos (16 years old or older)

Who needs to apply in person:

Any applicants who are 16 years old or older are required to apply for the alien registration certificate in person at the municipal office of their area of residence. For applicants who are under 16 years old or who are prevented from visiting the office for certain reasons, such as illness, a person who shares the same domicile can apply on their behalf.

When to apply:

• Application for new registration (after your first entry to Japan)
  The application has to be made within 90 days of the applicant's entry.
• Application for newborn baby/for an expatriate Japanese national or a Japanese who has lost his/her Japanese nationality
  The application for a newborn baby or an expatriate Japanese national or a Japanese who has lost his/her Japanese nationality has to be made within 60 days of the event concerned. Remember also that notification of the birth of a baby needs to be submitted to the municipal office in the ward (or city, town or village) where you reside within 14 days of the baby's birth prior to the application for the alien registration certificate.

Changes in registered information

You are required to report any changes in the registered information to the municipal office (city hall) in the ward (or city, town or village) where you reside.

Requirement to carry your alien registration certificate

It is required by law that foreign residents and visitors must carry their passport or alien registration card in Japan at all times. You may be detained if you cannot present the card when you are asked to do so by the police.