Moving house in Japan means more than packing boxes. You have to cancel and restart utilities, file a move-out notice at the old city hall, file a move-in notice at the new one within 14 days, and update your residence card, My Number card, bank, and driver's license. Miss a step and you risk fines or a rejected residency renewal.
This checklist lays out every task on a clear timeline, from one month before the move to two weeks after. Each item has a difficulty badge and a plain-English note, and the steps that trip up foreign residents are flagged so nothing slips through. Your progress is saved in your browser as you tick things off.
How to use
- Start at the "1 month before" section and work down through the timeline as your moving date approaches.
- Tick each task once you finish it; the progress bars for that section and the whole move update automatically.
- Tap the arrow on any item to open a note explaining what the procedure is and how to handle it.
- Watch for the purple "foreigner caution" tags on items like the residence card and My Number card updates.
- Your checked items are saved locally, so you can close the tab and pick up where you left off.
FAQ
- Do I need to file a move-out notice if I stay in the same city?
- No. A move-out notice (tenshutsu todoke) is only for leaving your current municipality. If you move within the same city or ward, you file a single change-of-address notice (tenkyo todoke) at that one city hall instead.
- How long do I have to update my residence card after moving?
- You must report your new address within 14 days of moving in. You can do it at the new city hall at the same time as your move-in notice, and the new address is printed on the back of your card.
- What documents should I bring to city hall?
- Bring your passport, residence card, My Number card if you have one, your move-out certificate when filing a move-in notice, and a personal seal (hanko) if you own one.
- Is my checklist data sent anywhere?
- No. Your checked items are stored only in your browser using local storage. Nothing is uploaded or shared, and clearing your browser data will reset the list.
- What happens if I file my move-in notice late?
- The move-in notice is legally required within 14 days. Filing late can result in an administrative fine (karyo) and may complicate other procedures, since several address changes depend on having a registered residence record first.