Residency procedures / Naturalization
Resident Card
This is an identification card for foreigners living in Japan. It lists the holder’s identity, the institutions they can be in Japan for (period of stay), and the activities they can engage in in Japan (status of residence).
- Anyone over the age of 16 must carry it at all times.
- It can also be used as identification to present when completing procedures or signing contracts at your local municipal office.
- (Japanese) Living and Working Guidebook Chapter 1: Entry and Residence Procedures ① Residence Card [Immigration Services Agency]
- (Easy Japanese) Lifestyle and Work Guidebook Chapter 1: What you need to know to live in Japan ① Residence Card [Immigration Services Agency]
Procedures for residence status
To change the information on your current residence card, you must apply at a regional immigration office. For details, please refer to “Life and Work Guidebook, Chapter 1, Entry and Residence Status, ② Residence Status Procedures, ③ Re-entry Permission.”
- Renewal of period of stay
- Change of residence status
- Permanent residence permit
- Obtaining a status of residence (if a child is born)
- Permission to engage in activities other than that permitted under the status of residence previously granted
- Notification to the Regional Immigration Bureau
- Re-entry permission (re-enter Japan while maintaining your current residence status)
- (Japanese) Living and Working Guidebook, Chapter 1, Entry and Status of Residence, Part 2, Procedures for Status of Residence [Immigration Services Agency]
- (Easy Japanese) Life and Work Guidebook Chapter 1: What you need to know to live in Japan ② Changing your residence status [Immigration Services Agency]
Contact
- Hiroshima Immigration Bureau TEL: 082-221-4411 Address: 2-31 Kamihacchobori, Naka-ku, Hiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture
- Hiroshima Immigration Bureau, Matsue Branch Office TEL: 0852-21-3834 Address: 4F, 134-10 Mukojimacho, Matsue City, Shimane Prefecture
The Foreign Residents General Information Center (TEL: 0570-013904) provides multilingual support for inquiries regarding immigration procedures and residence procedures.
Some residence procedures can be applied for online.
Online application for residence procedures [Immigration Services Agency]
Nationality Changes (Naturalization)
In order to become a naturalized Japanese citizen, one must complete the application for permission for naturalization at their regional Legal Affairs Bureau.
Contact
The jurisdiction of the Legal Affairs Bureau is determined by your address. If you live in Shimane Prefecture, please refer to “For those seeking nationality consultation (PDF).”
Consultations require a reservation. Please make a reservation in advance by phone.
For those seeking nationality consultation [Matsue District Legal Affairs Bureau
