Kobe

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Government Offices

Main public administration hubs to assist with residency registration, tax, and official documentation.

Sections

1. Kobe City Hall (神戸市役所 - Kobe Shiyakusho)

  • Location: 6-5-1 Kano-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture
  • Website: Kobe City Official Website
  • Services Provided:
    • Resident Registration: For residents (including foreign residents), this is where you register your address when moving to or within Kobe.
    • My Number Card: Application and issuance of Japan’s national ID card.
    • Tax Services: Local tax inquiries, payments, and certificates.
    • Childcare and Welfare: Applications for childcare services, welfare benefits, and subsidies.
    • Disaster Preparedness: Information on Kobe’s disaster response systems and evacuation procedures.
  • Procedures:
    • Bring your residence card (在留カード - Zairyu Card) and passport for address registration.
    • Fill out the required forms (available in English and other languages).
    • For My Number Card, you may need to provide a photo and wait for processing (can take a few weeks).
  • Costs:
    • Most services are free, but some certificates (e.g., proof of residence) cost around ¥300.
  • Cultural Considerations:
    • Be punctual for appointments.
    • Dress modestly and speak politely (use “sumimasen” to apologize or get attention).
    • Many staff members speak limited English, but translation services may be available.

2. Kobe Immigration Office (神戸出入国在留管理局 - Kobe Shutsunyūkoku Zairyū Kanrikyoku)

  • Location: 29 Kaigan-dori, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture
  • Website: Immigration Services Agency of Japan
  • Services Provided:
    • Visa applications, renewals, and changes (e.g., work visa, student visa, spouse visa).
    • Re-entry permits for residents leaving Japan temporarily.
    • Certificate of Eligibility (COE) applications for new arrivals.
    • Residence card updates (e.g., address changes, status changes).
  • Procedures:
    • Check the required documents for your specific visa type on the website.
    • Arrive early, as the office can get crowded.
    • Fill out forms in advance if possible (available online).
    • Submit your application and wait for processing (can take weeks to months depending on the service).
  • Costs:
    • Visa renewal/change: ¥4,000 (revenue stamp required).
    • Re-entry permit: ¥3,000 (single) or ¥6,000 (multiple).
  • Cultural Considerations:
    • Be patient, as waiting times can be long.
    • Bring all required documents to avoid delays.
    • Staff may have limited English proficiency, so consider bringing a Japanese-speaking friend or interpreter.

3. Ward Offices (区役所 - Kuyakusho)

  • Kobe is divided into 9 wards, each with its own ward office. Examples include:
    • Chuo Ward Office (中央区役所): 1-1-1 Kumoi-dori, Chuo-ku, Kobe.
    • Nada Ward Office (灘区役所): 5-1-1 Fukada-cho, Nada-ku, Kobe.
  • Services Provided:
    • Address registration and updates.
    • Issuance of residence certificates (住民票 - Juminhyo).
    • National Health Insurance (NHI) enrollment and inquiries.
    • Pension system registration.
    • Family registration (e.g., marriage, birth, or death notifications).
  • Procedures:
    • Bring your residence card, passport, and any other required documents.
    • Fill out forms provided at the office.
    • For health insurance, you may need proof of income or employment.
  • Costs:
    • Residence certificate: ¥300–500.
    • Health insurance premiums vary based on income.
  • Cultural Considerations:
    • Offices are busiest in the morning and at the start of the month.
    • Use polite language and avoid raising your voice.
    • Some staff may speak English, but it’s helpful to know basic Japanese phrases.

4. Tax Office (税務署 - Zeimusho)

  • Location: Kobe has several tax offices depending on your ward. The main office is:
    • Kobe Tax Office: 1-3-18 Isogami-dori, Chuo-ku, Kobe.
  • Services Provided:
    • Filing income tax returns (確定申告 - Kakutei Shinkoku).
    • Tax payment inquiries and assistance.
    • Issuance of tax certificates.
  • Procedures:
    • For tax returns, bring your residence card, My Number Card, proof of income, and any deductions.
    • Use the e-Tax system for online filing (available in English).
  • Costs:
    • Filing taxes is free, but late payments incur penalties.
  • Cultural Considerations:
    • Tax season (February–March) is very busy, so plan ahead.
    • Be prepared to explain your situation clearly if you’re self-employed or have multiple income sources.

5. Police Stations (警察署 - Keisatsusho)

  • Main Office: Kobe Chuo Police Station, 1-1-1 Kano-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe.
  • Services Provided:
    • Lost and found (e.g., lost items, including residence cards or passports).
    • Reporting crimes or accidents.
    • Issuance of traffic-related documents (e.g., international driver’s license conversion).
  • Procedures:
    • For lost items, bring identification and describe the item in detail.
    • For driver’s license conversion, bring your foreign license, translation (by JAF), and residence card.
  • Costs:
    • Lost item recovery: Free.
    • Driver’s license conversion: ¥4,000–¥5,000.
  • Cultural Considerations:
    • Police are approachable and helpful but may not speak much English.
    • Always carry identification (residence card or passport) when visiting.

6. Post Offices (郵便局 - Yūbinkyoku)

  • Post offices in Kobe also provide some government-related services, such as:
    • Payment of utility bills and taxes.
    • Banking services through Japan Post Bank.
    • Sending and receiving mail and parcels.
  • Costs:
    • Utility bill payments: Free.
    • Banking fees vary depending on the service.
  • Cultural Considerations:
    • Post office staff are generally polite and efficient.
    • Many post offices have English-speaking staff or translation devices.

General Tips for Visiting Government Offices in Kobe:

  1. Bring Identification: Always carry your residence card, passport, and My Number Card (if applicable).
  2. Prepare Documents: Check the official website of the office you’re visiting for a list of required documents.
  3. Language Barrier: While some offices have English-speaking staff, it’s helpful to bring a Japanese-speaking friend or use translation apps.
  4. Timing: Offices are typically open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday to Friday. Avoid visiting during lunch hours (12:00 PM–1:00 PM) or just before closing.
  5. Politeness: Use polite language and gestures. Bowing is customary when greeting or thanking staff.
  6. Cash Payments: Many offices only accept cash for fees, so bring enough yen.

By understanding the services and procedures of these government offices, you’ll find it easier to navigate life in Kobe as a visitor or resident. Let me know if you need further assistance!