- What is the Certificate of Residence?
- Applying: by the Applicant & via Proxy
- Handling Fee & Operating Hours
Photo credit: Fukuoka City
I. What is the Certificate of Residence?
After arriving in Japan and securing your apartment, the next step in the process is to acquire your Certificate of Residence. This is not to be confused with the residence card you already own (more on this here); this document contains your home address, your My Number, your date of birth, and the information of anyone staying with you. It is one of the most commonly used documents in Japan, as it is required for numerous types of procedures here.
II. Applying: by the Applicant & via Proxy
- Document to Submit: Application Form (located at the city/ward office, or print the English one for Fukuoka City here. Click here for the PDF source.)
- How to Apply: You must submit your application in person at the Citizen Section of your area’s ward office.
- Necessary Documentation:
- ID – Your residence card, passport, or insurance card all qualify as valid ID. If you have a Japanese driver’s license, that will also suffice, though you may still be asked to show your residence card.
- Personal Seal – It can be just your “mitome-in,” or seal of approval. Additionally, some offices in Japan allow for your to simply sign your name without needing your personal seal. (Check your nearest ward office to confirm first.)
- When having a third party request the certificate for you, a proxy authorization form is required.
III. Handling Fee & Operating Hours
Handling Fee: 300 yen per certificate
Unless you have multiple services that require you to submit a certificate of residence, it’s recommended that you only purchase one copy, as they expire after 90 days.
Operating Hours
- Ward Office and Branch Office hours: Weekdays, 8:45~17:15
- Post Office hours: Weekdays, 9:00~17:00
Location of Hakata Ward Office
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