Sendai

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City Registration

Information on the city registration process for new residents, including documentation and procedures.

Sections

1. Overview of City Registration in Sendai

City registration in Japan is mandatory for anyone planning to stay in the country for more than 90 days. In Sendai, this process is handled by the Sendai City Hall or the local ward office (ๅŒบๅฝนๆ‰€, kuyakusho) in your area of residence. The registration process involves notifying the city of your address and updating your residency status.

2. Categories of Registration

There are two main categories of city registration:

  1. Moving In Notification (่ปขๅ…ฅๅฑŠ, Tennyลซ Todoke): For those moving to Sendai from another city in Japan or from abroad.
  2. Change of Address Notification (่ปขๅฑ…ๅฑŠ, Tenkyo Todoke): For those moving within Sendai.
  3. Moving Out Notification (่ปขๅ‡บๅฑŠ, Tenshutsu Todoke): For those leaving Sendai to move to another city in Japan.

For this guide, we will focus on the Moving In Notification, as it is most relevant for new residents.

3. Procedures for City Registration in Sendai

Step 1: Visit the Appropriate Office

  • You must visit the ward office (ๅŒบๅฝนๆ‰€, kuyakusho) that corresponds to your new address in Sendai. Sendai is divided into five wards:
    • Aoba Ward (้’่‘‰ๅŒบ)
    • Miyagino Ward (ๅฎฎๅŸŽ้‡ŽๅŒบ)
    • Wakabayashi Ward (่‹ฅๆž—ๅŒบ)
    • Taihaku Ward (ๅคช็™ฝๅŒบ)
    • Izumi Ward (ๆณ‰ๅŒบ)
  • If you are unsure which ward office to visit, you can check the Sendai City website or ask your landlord for clarification.

Step 2: Timing

  • You must complete your city registration within 14 days of moving into your new address in Sendai. If you are arriving from abroad, this 14-day period begins from the day you land in Japan.

Step 3: Required Documents

Prepare the following documents before visiting the ward office:

  1. Residence Card (ๅœจ็•™ใ‚ซใƒผใƒ‰, Zairyลซ Kฤdo): Issued at the airport upon arrival in Japan.
  2. Passport: For identification purposes.
  3. Moving Out Certificate (่ปขๅ‡บ่จผๆ˜Žๆ›ธ, Tenshutsu Shลmeisho): If you are moving to Sendai from another city in Japan, you must obtain this document from your previous city office before moving.
  4. Lease Agreement or Proof of Address: This could be your rental contract or a utility bill showing your new address.
  5. My Number Card (ใƒžใ‚คใƒŠใƒณใƒใƒผใ‚ซใƒผใƒ‰): If you already have one, bring it for updating your address.
  6. Application Form: Available at the ward office. You will fill this out on-site.

Step 4: Submit the Application

  • At the ward office, go to the Resident Registration Counter (ไฝๆฐ‘็™ป้Œฒ็ช“ๅฃ, Jลซmin Tลroku Madoguchi) and inform the staff that you are there to register your address.
  • Submit your documents and fill out the necessary forms. The staff will assist you if you have any questions.

Step 5: Receive Confirmation

  • Once your registration is processed, your new address will be printed on the back of your Residence Card. This serves as proof of your registration.
  • If you have a My Number Card, it will also be updated with your new address.

4. Costs

  • City registration itself is free of charge.
  • However, if you need to reissue or update your My Number Card, there may be a small fee (typically around ยฅ1,000โ€“ยฅ2,000).

5. Additional Considerations

Health Insurance Enrollment

  • After completing your city registration, you will also need to enroll in the National Health Insurance (ๅ›ฝๆฐ‘ๅฅๅบทไฟ้™บ, Kokumin Kenkล Hoken) unless you are covered by an employer-sponsored health insurance plan.
  • The health insurance counter is usually located in the same ward office. Bring your Residence Card and proof of income (if applicable) to complete this process.

Pension Enrollment

  • If you are staying in Japan for more than three months, you are required to enroll in the National Pension System (ๅ›ฝๆฐ‘ๅนด้‡‘, Kokumin Nenkin). This can also be done at the ward office.

Bank Account and Phone Registration

  • You will need proof of address (your updated Residence Card) to open a bank account or register for a mobile phone plan in Japan. Completing your city registration is a prerequisite for these services.

6. Cultural and Practical Tips

  1. Language Assistance:

    • While some staff at the ward offices in Sendai may speak basic English, it is advisable to bring a Japanese-speaking friend or use a translation app to facilitate communication.
    • The Sendai International Center offers support for foreign residents and may provide interpretation services if needed.

  2. Timing:

    • Ward offices can be busy, especially on Mondays and after holidays. Arrive early in the morning to avoid long wait times.
    • Office hours are typically 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday to Friday. They are closed on weekends and public holidays.

  3. Politeness:

    • Japanese culture places a strong emphasis on politeness and patience. Be respectful and courteous to the staff, even if there are delays or misunderstandings.

  4. Bring a Pen:

    • While pens are usually provided, itโ€™s a good idea to bring your own to fill out forms.

  5. Dress Neatly:

    • While there is no formal dress code, dressing neatly shows respect and can leave a good impression.

7. Useful Resources

  • Sendai City Official Website: https://www.city.sendai.jp (Available in Japanese; some pages are translated into English.)
  • Sendai International Center: https://int.sentia-sendai.jp (Provides support for foreign residents, including language assistance and cultural orientation.)
  • Miyagi Multicultural Center: Offers resources and advice for foreign residents in Sendai and Miyagi Prefecture.

By following these steps and tips, you should be able to complete your city registration in Sendai smoothly. If you have any further questions or need clarification, feel free to ask!