Municipal & Resident Support
Learn about municipal office procedures, resident registration, national health insurance enrollment, and guidelines for daily life in Japan.
Understand the rules, registrations, and work permissions required to maintain your legal status in Japan as an international student, and discover how to leverage local city hall services.
Visas & Status of Residence Overview
Foreigners reside in Japan under one of 29 status of residence categories. Your activities, rights, and limitations are determined by this specific status.
The "Student" Residence Status
The status for studying at Japanese universities, junior colleges, technology colleges, vocational schools, or language schools is designated as "Student". The period of stay is decided individually by the Minister of Justice and will not exceed 4 years and 3 months.
Residence Card & Individual Number ("My Number")
Residence Card (Zairyu Card)
A Residence Card is issued to foreign nationals staying in Japan for more than three months. By law, you must carry it at all times.
- Airport Issuance: Issued immediately at major hubs including New Chitose, Narita, Haneda, Chubu, Kansai, Kobe, Hiroshima, or Fukuoka. At other airports, it is mailed after address registration.
- Address Registration: Bring the card to your local municipal office to register your address within 14 days of moving in.
Individual Number ("My Number")
All residents in Japan are assigned a 12-digit social security and tax number. This is different from the number on your residence card.
- A notification card will be mailed to you after address registration. You can apply for a physical photo ID "My Number Card" by mail or online.
- Used for administrative procedures, part-time jobs, bank accounts, and international remittances.
Permission for Part-time Work
The "Student" status is granted for study purposes and does not permit work by default. However, you can work part-time if you apply for and receive the necessary work permit (Permission to Engage in Activity Other than that Permitted under the Status of Residence Previously Granted).
How to Apply
- At Airport: First-time entrants living in Japan for >3 months can apply directly at the airport during landing procedures.
- After Arrival: File the application at a regional immigration services bureau.
Work Limitations & Penalties
Students are strictly limited to working 28 hours per week (increased during long school vacations).
※ Engaging in income-generating activities without proper approval or exceeding the hours limit will result in severe punishment and deportation.
Local Government Services
Each municipal government offers its own service for international students residing in their area, such as homestays, local events, language classes, and scholarships. Please inquire directly at the municipal office (city hall/ward office) in your neighborhood to discover what is available.
Required Notifications & Filings
You must file notifications or applications with regional authorities as soon as possible in the following situations. Neglecting to update official organizations can result in fines or status issues.
Regional Immigration Services Bureau
Submit an application or notification to the immigration bureau in the case of:
- Any change in your name, sex, date of birth, or nationality/region
- Any change in your school (e.g., transferring schools, graduating, or withdrawing)
- If your residence card is lost, stolen, or severely damaged
Local Municipal Office (City/Ward Hall)
Submit resident registrations and updates to the municipal office in the case of:
- When your address in Japan changes (must register within 14 days of moving)
- Before returning to your home country after finishing your studies in Japan
- Enrolling in the National Health Insurance (NHI) program
Official Directories & Portals
Web Japan - Japan Links
Comprehensive directory index linking you directly to official websites of all 47 prefectures and major municipal governments across Japan.
Daily Life Support Portal for Foreign Nationals
Launched by the Immigration Services Agency of Japan to provide useful, multi-language daily life guides and administrative guidelines.
CLAIR (Council of Local Authorities for International Relations)
An organization operated by Japanese prefectures and designated cities to support local internationalization programs, activities, and events.