What Is It
The Resident Certificate (住民票, juminhyo) is Japan's official proof-of-residence document, issued by the municipal office (市区町村役場) where an individual is registered. While not a property document in itself, the juminhyo is one of the most frequently required documents in Japanese property transactions and a wide range of other administrative and legal procedures.
Every person living in Japan — both Japanese nationals and registered foreign residents — is entered into the Basic Resident Register (住民基本台帳) maintained by their local municipality. The juminhyo is an extract from this register, certifying that a person resides (or resided) at a specific address.
In the context of property transactions, a juminhyo is typically needed by buyers for property registration, by sellers to verify their identity, and by both parties for banking and contract execution. It is also a standard requirement for visa applications, opening bank accounts, and signing official contracts.
Who Needs It
- Property buyers — required for property registration (所有権移転登記) at the Legal Affairs Bureau
- Property sellers — for identity verification in the transfer process
- Bank account applicants — often required when opening accounts related to property transactions
- Visa applicants — for residence verification as part of visa renewal or change of status
- Contract signers — many official contracts in Japan require a juminhyo as proof of identity and address
- Foreign residents — for various administrative procedures where proof of registered address is needed
What's Included
- Full name — in kanji and furigana (phonetic reading)
- Registered address — current address on file with the municipality
- Date of birth — and age at time of issuance
- Gender
- Household members — other people registered at the same address (can be included or excluded)
- Residence history — previous registered address and date of move-in
- My Number — Japan's individual identification number (optional — can be included or omitted depending on purpose)
- Nationality — for foreign residents, the nationality and residence status are included
How to Obtain
The standard method is to visit the municipal office (市区町村役場) where you are registered and submit a request at the resident services counter. You will need to present photo identification. The certificate is issued on the spot.
A convenient alternative is the Convenience Store Certificate Service (コンビニ交付, konbini kofu). If you have a My Number card (マイナンバーカード), you can print a juminhyo at any major convenience store chain using the multi-function copy machines, available from 6:30 AM to 11:00 PM on most days.
Through JapanPropertyDocs: We can obtain a juminhyo on your behalf with proper authorization. This is particularly useful for property-related transactions where the juminhyo needs to be submitted alongside other documents we are already handling.
Processing Time
Immediate when requested in person at the municipal office or via convenience store. The document is printed and issued on the spot. Through JapanPropertyDocs, processing typically takes 3 to 5 business days.