Alien Registration in Japan, Japan visa

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Alien Registration

All foreigners residing in Japan must register as foreign aliens within ninety days of entering the country (with the exception of foreign nationals who enter Japan temporarily for transit purposes, tourists, those who fall under the Japan-U.S. Status of Forces Agreement, and diplomats and their families). The process is quite simple but extremely important. The alien registration card is necessary to receive a re-entry permit, a Japanese driver’s license, or any national health insurance coverage. Register at the nearest local ward, municipal city office, town office, or village office. The card easily fits into your wallet or purse and must be carried with you at all times. You are required to show it to any immigration officer or police officer upon request. Once you obtain this card, you are no longer required to carry your passport.
If you are registering for the first time, bring your passport along with two 3.5x4.5cm photographs of your face full front from the shoulders up (you cannot be wearing a hat). For children under sixteen years old, no photograph is required. You must fill out the appropriate documents (unless you will be residing in Japan for less than one year), and you will then receive a temporary alien registration card.
Do not forget to carry your alien registration card with you at all times. The Japanese police may demand to see this card at any time, and it can be a hassle if you do not have it on you. Children fifteen years old and younger will be issued their foreign registrations immediately. For foreign babies born in Japan, the birth certificate must be submitted to the same office. Any changesmade after the issuance such as a change of address, employer, visa status, authorized period of stay, or issuance of a new passport must be reported within fourteen days. Also, if you lose your registration card, you must apply for reissuance within fourteen days.
Your certificate of alien registration is valid for five years. The expiration date is written on the front side of the card. Within thirty days of the expiration date, your local ward will send you a reminder that your registration is about to expire. Before the expiration date, go back to the local ward or government office and register again. The procedure is the same as above.
You are required to return the alien registration card at the pint of departure such as customs at the airport (unless you have a re-entry permit or a refugee travel document). If an alien is granted Japanese nationality or dies while in Japan, the card must be returned to the place of issuance within fourteen days.
If you have any questions about any of these applications or procedures, you can call the General Information Center for Foreign Residents at 03 3213 8523 or the Foreign Residents Advisory Center at 03 5320 7744.