Immigration Information

Alien Registration Certificate (mibun shomeisho)

The Alien Registration Certificate is sometimes referred to as Gaijin Card

All foreigners residing in Japan for more than 90 days must have an Alien Registration Certificate. This certificate must be carried at all times, except for children under 16. To apply:

When: Within 90 days of arrival
Where: Local ward or city office
Bring: Passport and 2 recent passport-sized photos (3.5 cm x 4.5 cm)
Photos taken at photo vending booths scattered around Japan are sufficient.

Children under 16 may be registered by a parent or guardian, but must register as an adult within 30 days of their 16th birthday. lost certificates, address change, extension of stay, change of employment, name, nationality, etc., must be registered.

When: Within 14 days
Bring: Alien Registration: written certificate of supporting documents regarding
change

In the case of a newborn, follow the procedures below:

1. Apply to your embassy for a passport
2. Within 14 days of birth, submit a "Notification of Birth" to your ward or city office
3. Within 30 days, apply to the Immigration Bureau for resident status
4. Within 60 days, apply for Alien Registration

For more information or if you have any questions call the Immigration Information Center at 03-3213-8523 Mon.-Fri. between 9-12 or 1:30-4

Re-entry Permit

All foreigners who hold an Alien Registration Certificate must obtain a Re-entry Permit prior to any temporary departure from Japan. A Re-entry Permit may be obtained at your local immigration office. In Tokyo, these are:

Tokyo Regional Immigration Bureau
2F & 3F, Otemachi Godo-Chosho
Dai Ichi-go Kan
1-3-1 Otemachi, Chiyoda-ku
Tel: 03-3213-8111
Hours: M-F, 9-12 and 1-4

Hakozaki Immigration Branch Office
Tokyo City Air Terminal Bldg.
42-1 Nihonbashi Hakozaki-cho, Chuo-ku
Tel: 03-3664-3046
Hours: M-F, 9-12 and 1-4

All applications must be made in person (except for children)

These items are obtained or completed at the office:

1. Application for Re-entry Permit
2. 3,000 yen revenue stamp for Single Re-entry Permit, or 6,000 yen revenue stamp for
Multiple Re-entry Permit
3. Certificate for Payment of Fee

Take the following items:
1. Passport
2. Alien Registration Certificate


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