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How to Update Your Name, Nationality, or Address as a Foreigner in Japan

Visa

2024,08,01

Today, I would like to address an important topic for many foreigners living in Japan: what to do if you need to change your name, nationality, or address. Whether it’s due to marriage, divorce, moving, or any other reason, it’s crucial to keep your personal information updated with the immigration authorities. Let’s walk through the process together.

 

Reporting Changes to the Immigration Bureau

 

If you are a foreign resident in Japan and you change your name, nationality, or address, you are required to report these changes to the Immigration office within 14 days. Keeping your records up-to-date helps avoid any issues with your residency status.

 

 

Changing Your Name or Nationality

 

Documents You Will Need

 

  • Application Form: Fill out the “Application for Change of Status of Residence” form.
    Notification of changes to information on your residence card
  • Passport: Bring your current passport, which should reflect your new name or nationality if it has already been updated.
  • Residence Card
  • Official Document: An official document proving the change in name or nationality. Examples include:
    – Marriage certificate (if the name change is due to marriage)
    – Divorce certificate (if the name change is due to divorce)
    – Certificate of nationality or proof of renunciation of your previous nationality (if changing nationality)
  • Translation: If the official document is not in Japanese, a certified translation might be required.

 

 

Notifier

The notification should generally be made by the individual themselves, except in the following cases:

  • For Individuals Under 16: If the person making the notification is under 16 years old, it must be done by a family member who is 16 or older and living with them.
  • In Case of Illness or Other Inabilities: If the individual is unable to make the notification due to illness or other reasons, a family member who is 16 or older and living with them can handle it.
  • On Behalf of the Individual: A family member who is 16 or older and living with the individual can also make the notification if authorized by the individual.
  • Authorized Representative: An authorized representative such as immigration lawyers may also make the notification on behalf of the individual.

 

 

Steps to Report the Change

 

  1. Visit the Immigration Office: Go to your nearest immigration office.
  2. Submit Your Documents: Present the completed application form along with all the required documents to the immigration officer.
  3. Update Your Residence Card: If your application is approved, your residence card will be updated to reflect your new name or nationality. The updated card should be issued on the same day or a later date, depending on the office’s processing time.

 

 

 

Changing Your Address

 

Documents You Will Need

 

When reporting a change in address, please prepare the following documents:

 

  • Notification of Moving-in: Submit this form to the municipal office of your new address within 14 days of moving.
    Address Notification Form
  • Residence Card: Your current residence card.

 

 

Notifier

The notification should generally be made by the individual themselves, except in the following cases:

  • For Individuals Under 16: If the person making the notification is under 16 years old, it must be done by a family member who is 16 or older and living with them.
  • In Case of Illness or Other Inabilities: If the individual is unable to make the notification due to illness or other reasons, a family member who is 16 or older and living with them can handle it.
  • Authorized Representatives:

    A person authorized by either of the individuals mentioned above or the legal representative of the notifier.

 

 

Steps to Report the Change

  1. Visit the Municipal Office: Go to the municipal office of your new address. It’s important to do this within 14 days of your move.
  2. Submit Your Documents: Present the necessary documents to the municipal officer.
  3. Update Your Residence Card: The municipal office will update your residence card to reflect your new address.

 

 

Conclusion

 

Updating your name, nationality, or address with the Immigration Services Agency and your local municipal office is a straightforward process. However, it is crucial to act promptly and ensure all documents are accurate. Timely reporting helps maintain your residency status and avoids complications. Failure to update these details in a timely manner could negatively impact your permanent residency application. Stay proactive to ensure your records are always current.