Moving Procedures Checklist
Organize move-out and move-in notices, address updates, utilities, and landlord contact.
Procedure at a glance
- Who this is for
- Medium- to long-term residents moving within Japan
- Deadline
- Address change is generally within 14 days; confirm other deadlines
Do this todayCheck whether the move is within or between municipalities
If the deadline is near or passedIf 14 days have passed, list the move date, old and new addresses, and move-out status, then contact the new municipality today. Also ask whether the My Number Card has become invalid.
Where to goOld and new municipalities, property manager, service providers
Step-by-step guide
Choose your situation
Same municipality
A move-out notice is normally not required. After moving, file an address-change notice with the same municipality and update related records.
Follow these steps
Progress: 0/3 completed
1Confirm your case and deadlineChoose the municipal procedure / Register the new address
What to do
- 1Check the official municipal page for the address-change deadline, counter, online option, and required documents
- 2After moving, file the address-change notice with the same municipality and verify the new address on the back of your residence card
Check before you start
- Check whether the move is within or between municipalities
- Put move, move-out, utility, and office dates on one calendar
- Check official notice deadlines and documents for both municipalities
When the deadline starts
- A move within one municipality is an address change; a move to another requires move-out and move-in. File move-in or within-city change and residence-card address within 14 days of moving into the new address.
If the deadline is near or passed
- If 14 days have passed, list the move date, old and new addresses, and move-out status, then contact the new municipality today. Also ask whether the My Number Card has become invalid.
2Prepare the office and documentsUpdate related public records / Switch utilities and telecom
What to do
- 1Within 14 days after moving, take the residence card, My Number Card, and required move-out information to file move-in or move-within and update residence address
- 2At the counter verify the new address on the residence card, resident record, and My Number Card, and ask about same-day NHI, pension, child, or benefit tasks
Basic items to bring
- Residence card, My Number Card, and ID
- New address and move-in date evidence
- Move-out certificate or online receipt when applicable
- Insurance, pension, seal, and school details
- Rental and utility account numbers
- Update list and receipts
Fees
- The notification itself is free. A municipality may charge separately if you request an additional certificate.
Online options
- Eligible users may submit move-out and a visit plan through Myna Portal, but move-in is completed at the new municipal counter. NHI, pension, and other linked procedures remain separate.
If you cannot go
- Confirm proxy eligibility, authorization, household-member rules, and original card handling separately with both old and new municipalities.
If documents are missing
- If a document is missing, do not guess or substitute it. Tell the office its exact name and ask whether you can consult first, submit it later, and where to obtain it.
3Confirm completion and the next deadlineUpdate private-service addresses / Save move-out and filing records
What to do
- 1Schedule utilities, lease handover, and postal forwarding by date; postal forwarding alone does not complete official address registration
- 2Update bank, phone, employer, school, insurance, and accounts with one address format; save municipal receipts, change references, meter photos, and key return, and call today if late
Confirm at completion
- Residence card and municipal records show the new address with receipts saved
- Mail, bank, employer, school, telecom, and utilities are updated
What you receive
- Check the move-out certificate or online record, new address on the residence card, My Number Card, NHI and pension filings, and every reference number.
Check before leaving
- Before leaving, check your name, address, covered period, and procedure type, then ask about the next deadline and contact method.
Records to keep
- Keep the reference number, filing date, office, copies of submitted documents, and next contact date. Save confirmation screens and emails for online filings.
Next action
- Mail forwarding does not complete legal address changes. Update the bank, mobile provider, employer or school, insurance, driving licence, and utilities separately.
Confirm with the official office
- This page cannot determine the latest form, appointment and hours, municipality-specific additions, individual review, or same-day handling. Confirm these immediately before filing.
- Within/between municipality, household, insurance, status, contracts
These are date-counting aids. Follow the responsible authority for the trigger date, holidays, and individual exceptions.
Important cautions
- Address-change guidance for medium- to long-term residents generally uses 14 days after moving; confirm your case
- Postal forwarding does not update government, bank, or insurance records
- Online options and documents vary by municipality
Useful Japanese phrases
Moving Procedures Checklist
この件について相談したいです。必要なものと次に行く場所を教えてください。
Kono ken ni tsuite sodan shitai desu. Hitsuyo na mono to tsugi ni iku basho o oshiete kudasai.
I would like to ask about this issue. Please tell me what I need and where I should go next.
Counter
この手続きに必要なものを教えてください。
Kono tetsuzuki ni hitsuyo na mono o oshiete kudasai.
Please tell me what I need for this procedure.
Official sources
Useful next guides
Apply for a My Number Card
Application, pickup, and PIN checks for a My Number Card.
Checklist Before Leaving Japan
Organize move-out notice, tax, pension, insurance, housing, contracts, and residence card in deadline order.
Extension of Stay vs. Change of Status
Distinguish extending the same activity from changing your activity or status, then check timing and documents.
Get a Residence Record
What to prepare when getting a residence record at your municipality.