Investing in Japan
How to Set Up Business in Japan
Laws & Regulations on Setting Up Business in Japan
Section 2. Visas and Status of Residence
2.7 Alien registration
Foreign nationals residing in Japan longer than a stipulated period must complete alien registration in accordance with the provisions of the Alien Registration Law.
2.7.1 Purpose of alien registration
The Alien Registration Law is designed to establish clearly the residence and identity of foreign nationals residing in Japan through alien registration. This registration provides data used for administering immigration control as well as education, welfare, medical care and other services available to foreign nationals.
2.7.2 Foreign nationals required to register
Foreign nationals must apply for alien registration at the municipal office in the city, ward, town or village in which they reside within 90 days of entering Japan (except when re-entering Japan on a re-entry permit) or, for foreign nationals born in Japan, within 60 days of their birth. However, foreign nationals departing Japan within 90 days of their landing date, and those born in Japan departing within 60 days of birth, are not required to apply for registration.
2.7.3 Jurisdiction and method of application
The application process for alien registration must be completed at the municipal office in the city, ward, town or village in which the foreign national resides. For the new registration applicant must provide the required information in an Application for Alien Registration, available at the municipal office, and submit this form together with his/her passport and two full-face photographs (photographs not required for persons less than 16 years of age). As a general rule, the foreign
national must personally appear at the municipal office to complete these registration procedures. However, if the foreign national is less than 16 years of age or is unable to complete the procedures personally due to illness or other physical disability, a family member or relative (unless less than 16 years of age) living with that foreign national may complete registration on his/her behalf.
