Q.

I'm planning to move soon. I would like to know about the procedures for moving.

A.

When you move within Japan, you must notify us of your change of address.　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　

The procedures differ depending on whether you move within the same municipality or to another municipality.

(Ex.) -Moving from Nakamura Ward to Naka Ward in Nagoya City is treated as "moving within the same municipality."

 - Moving from Nagoya City to Toyota City is treated as "moving to another municipality.

Please refer to the following for the procedures and where to go for the procedures.

1. List of procedures to be carried out at a local municipal office:

*You may need to go through other procedures than those listed in this table.

Be sure to check with your local municipal office before and after moving in order to find out what procedures you need to take.

*(1) By completing resident registration (Jūmin-Tōroku), you will be able to do the following:

- You can obtain and use a copy of your resident registration card, which is a document that officially certifies your address.

- Just like Japanese people, basic information such as name, date of birth, gender, and address will be registered, as well as information about National Health Insurance and National Pension insured persons.

- Information specific to foreign residents, such as nationality and residence status, will also be registered.

★Important Points★

*Resident registration is the basis for receiving various government services. You must complete the procedure within 14 days of moving into your new residence.

★When you complete the moving procedures at your local municipal office, your new address will be printed on the back of your residence card. This procedure also serves as notification to the Immigration Services Agency, so there is no need to separately notify the Immigration Services Agency.

*The content of childcare support and elderly support varies by municipality. Check with your local municipal office after moving to find out what support is available in your area.

2. List of other procedures:

(8) Electricity, gas, water → Check with each contracting party.　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　

You will need to stop the services at your previous address and to activate services at your new address after moving.

It is best to complete these procedures one to two weeks before your moving date.

In particular, regarding the activation of the gas service, you will need to be present when you start using it, so it is best to complete the procedure early.

(9) Procedures about mail forwarding → Check at the post office counter, by dropping off in a mailbox, or online (e-Tenkyo/Post Office app).

This is a procedure to have mail and packages addressed to your previous address forwarded to your new address free of charge for one year.

(10) Change of address on driver's license → Check with the police station or driver's license center that has jurisdiction over your new address

(11) Administrative services in your country (if necessary) → Check with your country's embassy or consulate.

There are many procedures to go through and it can be a lot of work, but please make preparations for your new life according to your own needs so that you can continue living your life as before in your new area.

When moving, it's a good idea to focus not only on the procedures but also on making efforts to build good relationships with your new neighbors by introducing yourself and communicating with them.　

We hope your new life goes well!