FROM JULY 8, 2013, For foreign residents, the "Basic Resident Registration Network System" will commence operation.
Furthermore, foreign residents will be eligible to receive a "Basic Resident Registration Card".
When the "Basic Resident Registration Network System" commences operation, the following are examples of activities that will become possible.
・ Procedure will be simplified. For example, it will be possible to omit submission of copy of the Residence Record at some administrative organs.
・ It will be possible for copy of the Resident Record* to be issued at municipalities other than your municipality of residence.
*Presentation of the "Basic Residence Registration card" or residence card, etc. will be required.
・Special provisions for Move in Notification will be applied to those who have been issued the "Basic Resident registration Card" which will allow them, by making Move out Notification by mail or other method, to appear only one time at the municipality of their new residence to complete the moving procedure. ...

For further information on the "Basic Resident Registration Network System" and the "Basic Resident Registration Card", Please see the following web page.
"Change to the Basic Resident Registration Law"
http://www.soumu.go.jp/main_sosiki/jichi_gyousei/c-gyousei/zairyu_english.html

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