Moving in Japan (2026): How Foreigners Complete Address Changes via Mynaportal & Avoid Visa Penalty Traps
Updated September 2026 | Written by Luna H
Moving to a new apartment or changing cities in Japan is an exciting milestone, but it comes with strict legal administrative requirements. Under Japanese immigration law, mid-to-long-term foreign residents are strictly required to register their new physical address within 14 days of moving. Failing to update your address on time can result in fines up to ¥50,000, account locks at Japanese banks, or in severe cases, complications during visa renewal.
While local city ward offices (区役所 / 市役所) can be overwhelming with long wait times, modern digital workflows—such as using the Mynaportal One-Stop Moving Service combined with a local ward counter visit—have made the process significantly smoother. Here is your practical, step-by-step guide to updating your Residence Card address, transferring your My Number card records, and ensuring your mail follows you seamlessly.
💡 Quick Expat Summary
- The 14-Day Deadline: You must report your new residential address at your local ward or city hall within 14 calendar days of physically moving into the new home.
- Online Moving-Out Notice (Tenshutsu): If you have a valid My Number Card, you can submit your moving-out notification (Tenshutsu-todoke) online via Mynaportal to skip visiting your old ward office.
- Mandatory Physical Counter Visit: The moving-in notice (Tennyu-todoke) and physical Residence Card back-printing must still be completed in person at your new ward office.
Understanding the Two-Step Moving Procedure in Japan
When changing cities or wards in Japan, your administrative move is split into two distinct parts:
- Part 1: Moving-Out Notification (転出届 - Tenshutsu-todoke): Filed with your old municipal ward office. This unregisters you from your old district and issues a moving certificate (Tenshutsu Shomeisho).
- Part 2: Moving-In Notification (転入届 - Tennyu-todoke): Filed with your new municipal ward office along with your physical Residence Card (在留カード). The officer will print your new address on the back of the card on the spot.
Note: If you are simply moving to a different apartment within the same ward, you only file a Change of Address Notice (転居届 - Tenkyo-todoke) at your local ward office.
⚠️ Crucial Warning: Do Not Miss the 14-Day Rule
The 14-day clock starts on the day you officially move in, not the day you signed your lease contract. If you delay beyond 90 days without a valid reason, Immigration has the legal authority to initiate residence status revocation proceedings. Always prioritize your ward office visit during your first week after moving.
Step-by-Step Guide: Completing Your Address Change
Follow these exact steps to complete your legal registration quickly and efficiently:
Step 1: Submit Moving-Out Notice Online or In-Person
If you hold a physical My Number Card, log in to the Mynaportal app on your smartphone. Navigate to the Moving Procedure Online Service to submit your moving-out notice digitally. If you do not have a My Number Card, visit your old ward office counter to receive a paper Tenshutsu Shomeisho certificate.
Step 2: Visit Your New Ward Office
Within 14 days of moving, visit the resident registration desk (住民課 / 市民課) at your new municipal city hall. Bring the following items:
- Physical Residence Card (Zairyu Card) for all moving family members.
- Physical My Number Card (if issued).
- Paper Tenshutsu Shomeisho (only if moving-out was done in person without Mynaportal).
- Passport.
Step 3: Update Secondary Systems at Ward Office
While at the ward office counter, ensure you also complete these bundled tasks on the same day:
- National Health Insurance (NHI): Transfer your NHI enrollment to the new ward.
- My Number Card Digital Certificate: Update the stored address inside your card chip and set your new address on the surface.
Step 4: Set Up Japan Post Mail Forwarding (eTenko)
Set up Japan Post's free 1-year mail forwarding service (転送サービス - Tenso Service) online or at any post office counter. This guarantees that official mail from your bank, credit card companies, or tax offices sent to your old address gets forwarded automatically to your new home.
Moving Procedure Methods Compared
| Process | Mynaportal (Digital) | Ward Office Counter | Time Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Moving-Out (Tenshutsu) | Submitted online via smartphone app | In-person visit to old ward office | 5 mins online vs. 1-2 hours in person |
| Moving-In (Tennyu) | Not available online (Must visit counter) | In-person visit to new ward office | 30 - 90 minutes depending on queue |
Useful Japanese Phrases for Ward Office Counters
📌 Key Japanese Phrases for Moving Registration
- "I came to register my moving-in notification."
転入届の提出に来ました。(Tennyu-todoke no teishutsu ni kimashita.) - "Please update the address on my Residence Card."
在留カードの住所変更をお願いします。(Zairyu kaado no juusho henkou o onegaishimasu.) - "I submitted my moving-out notice via Mynaportal."
マイナポータルで転出手続きをしました。(Mainapootaru de tenshutsu tetsuzuki o shimashita.)
Summary: Stay Compliant and Stress-Free
Updating your address in Japan may feel like administrative paperwork overload, but staying within the 14-day legal window keeps your visa status 100% compliant and protects your financial accounts. Take advantage of Mynaportal to skip half of the queue, visit your new ward office with your physical Residence Card, and activate mail forwarding to enjoy your new home without administrative worries!
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