Nagoya

1. Key Services Offered by Nagoya City Hall

Nagoya City Hall provides services in the following categories:

A. Resident Registration (住民登録, Jūmin Tōroku)

• Who Needs It: All residents, including foreign nationals staying in Japan for more than 90 days.
• Services Provided:
  • Registration of residence (住民票, Jūminhyo)
  • Change of address (moving in, moving out, or within Nagoya)
  • Issuance of residence certificates (住民票の写し, Jūminhyo no Utsushi)
• Cost:
  • Issuance of a residence certificate: ¥300 per copy.
• Procedure:
  1. Visit the City Hall or your local ward office (区役所, Kuyakusho) within 14 days of moving.
  2. Bring your Residence Card (在留カード, Zairyū Kādo) and passport.
  3. Fill out the required forms (available in Japanese; English assistance may be available).
  4. Submit the forms and receive confirmation of your registration.
• Cultural Considerations:
  • Be punctual with deadlines (e.g., 14 days for address changes).
  • Bring all required documents to avoid delays.

B. National Health Insurance (国民健康保険, Kokumin Kenkō Hoken)

• Who Needs It: All residents not covered by employer-provided health insurance.
• Services Provided:
  • Enrollment in the National Health Insurance system.
  • Issuance of a health insurance card.
  • Payment of premiums based on income.
• Cost: Premiums vary depending on income and household size.
• Procedure:
  1. Register for National Health Insurance at the City Hall or ward office after completing your resident registration.
  2. Bring your Residence Card, passport, and proof of address.
  3. Fill out the application form and receive your insurance card.
• Cultural Considerations:
  • Health insurance is mandatory in Japan, so ensure you register promptly.
  • Premiums are typically paid monthly, and late payments may incur penalties.

C. Tax Services (税務, Zeimu)

• Who Needs It: All residents, including foreign nationals, who earn income in Japan.
• Services Provided:
  • Registration for local taxes (住民税, Jūminzei).
  • Issuance of tax certificates (課税証明書, Kazei Shōmeisho).
  • Payment of taxes.
• Cost: Varies based on income and tax obligations.
• Procedure:
  1. Register your income details at the City Hall or ward office.
  2. Request tax certificates if needed for visa renewals or other purposes.
  3. Pay taxes at designated banks, convenience stores, or online.
• Cultural Considerations:
  • Tax payments are taken seriously in Japan, so ensure timely compliance.
  • Keep receipts of payments for future reference.

D. Childcare and Education Services (子育て・教育, Kosodate/Kyōiku)

• Who Needs It: Families with children.
• Services Provided:
  • Enrollment in daycare centers, kindergartens, and schools.
  • Childcare subsidies and allowances.
  • Information on public and private education options.
• Cost: Varies depending on the type of service and household income.
• Procedure:
  1. Visit the City Hall or ward office to inquire about available childcare facilities.
  2. Submit required documents, such as proof of residence, income, and child’s identification.
  3. Apply for subsidies if eligible.
• Cultural Considerations:
  • Education is highly valued in Japan, and there is a strong emphasis on punctuality and preparation.
  • Be prepared to navigate a competitive application process for some childcare facilities.

E. Garbage and Recycling Services (ごみ・リサイクル, Gomi/Risaikuru)

• Who Needs It: All residents.
• Services Provided:
  • Information on garbage sorting and collection schedules.
  • Issuance of garbage disposal guides.
• Cost: Free, but you must purchase designated garbage bags for certain types of waste.
• Procedure:
  1. Obtain a garbage disposal guide from the City Hall or ward office.
  2. Purchase designated garbage bags at supermarkets or convenience stores.
  3. Follow the sorting and collection schedule strictly.
• Cultural Considerations:
  • Japan has strict garbage sorting rules (e.g., burnable, non-burnable, recyclables).
  • Failure to follow the rules may result in fines or uncollected garbage.

F. Multilingual Support Services

• Who Needs It: Foreign residents and visitors.
• Services Provided:
  • Interpretation and translation services.
  • Multilingual guides for city services.
  • Assistance with administrative procedures.
• Cost: Free.
• Procedure:
  1. Visit the Nagoya International Center (NIC) or contact the multilingual support desk at City Hall.
  2. Request assistance in your preferred language.
• Cultural Considerations:
  • English is not widely spoken in Japan, so take advantage of these services if needed.
  • Be patient and polite when communicating through interpreters.

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2. How to Access Nagoya City Hall Services

Nagoya City Hall is located in the Naka Ward, near the Nagoya Castle. Here’s how to access it:

• Address: 1-1 Sannomaru 3-chome, Naka-ku, Nagoya, Aichi 460-8508, Japan.
• Nearest Station: Shiyakusho Station (市役所駅) on the Meijo Subway Line.
• Hours of Operation: Monday to Friday, 8:45 AM to 5:15 PM (closed on weekends and public holidays).
• Contact Information:
  • Phone: +81-52-972-3111
  • Website: Nagoya City Official Website (Japanese; some pages available in English).

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3. Cultural and Local Considerations

• Language Barrier: While some staff may speak basic English, most forms and procedures are in Japanese. Bring a Japanese-speaking friend or use the multilingual support services if needed.
• Punctuality: Japanese culture values punctuality, so ensure you meet deadlines for registrations and payments.
• Politeness: Always be polite and patient when dealing with City Hall staff. Bowing is a common gesture of respect.
• Documentation: Bring all necessary documents (originals and copies) to avoid delays.
• Cash Payments: Many services require cash payments, so carry sufficient yen with you.

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4. Additional Resources

• Nagoya International Center (NIC):
  • Provides support for foreign residents, including legal advice, language classes, and cultural exchange programs.
  • Website: Nagoya International Center
• Ward Offices (区役所, Kuyakusho):
  • Each ward in Nagoya has its own office for local services. Check the ward office closest to your residence for convenience.

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By following this guide, you should be able to navigate Nagoya City Hall services with ease. If you have any specific questions or need further assistance, feel free to ask!