Foreign nationals residing in Japan for the medium to long term are required to fulfill various obligations during their stay.

Among these, notifications are often underestimated, and their importance is not always fully recognized.

Failing to submit a required notification may result in your current residence status being considered improper, which can affect the renewal or change of your residence status and applications for permanent residence.

This article explains what notifications are, why they matter, and the potential consequences of failing to submit them.

These misunderstandings sometimes come to light during the application preparation process.

Some typical examples include:

1. “I don’t need to do anything because my new employer will submit the notification.”

Both the organization and the individual have notification obligations. The individual must submit the notification within 14 days.

2. “I resigned but assumed I didn’t need to submit a notification because I will be re-employed soon.”

Notifications are required both when leaving your previous organization and when starting a new position. A single form is also available that allows both notifications to be submitted simultaneously.

3. “I thought I could remain in Japan without changing my residence status, even if I divorced my spouse.”

Divorce or the death of a spouse is considered a significant change affecting residence status. Notifications must be submitted to the Immigration Services Agency within 14 days.

4. “I didn’t know about the notification system, and nobody informed me.”

 Information is provided upon entry, and detailed instructions are available on the official website of the Immigration Services Agency.

Foreign nationals residing in Japan for medium to long-term periods have various notification obligations depending on their circumstances.

Currently, the notifications required to be submitted by the individual to the Immigration Services Agency include:

• Notification of residence address (moving, new residence)
• Notification related to your organization (employment, job change, resignation, enrollment, graduation, etc.)
  • Notifications are also required if the organization’s name or address changes.
  • Be aware of changes in company structure due to mergers or splits.
• Notification regarding a spouse (divorce, death)

In most cases, the organization accepting foreign nationals (companies, educational institutions, etc.) also has notification obligations.

These requirements exist to ensure proper residence management, maintain communication channels, and prevent misconduct.

During the review process for residence status renewal or change, compliance with notification obligations is evaluated.

Failing to submit notifications may negatively affect the review.

Even for permanent residence applications, proper residence management is highly valued, and missed notifications may become a negative factor.

In particular, failing to submit notifications related to the organization may create inconsistencies between actual employment or study activities and the reported information, which can lead to additional checks or unfavorable assessments during the review process.

If it becomes apparent that a notification has been missed, it is strongly recommended to submit it promptly.

Submitting a late notification is far better than completely neglecting the obligation.

【Change of Address Notification】

• Within 14 days from the date of the change
• Submit directly at the municipal office counter

【Organization or Spouse Notification】

• Within 14 days from the date of the change
• Submit to the Immigration Services Agency of Japan
• There are three submission methods:

1. Online
   • Use the e-Notification system (available 24/7, 365 days)
   • You can also check submission history and processing status
2. By Mail
   • Enclose the notification form and a copy of your residence card
   • Write “届出書在中” or “NOTIFICATION ENCLOSED” on the envelope
   • Use traceable mail or delivery with a record
   • Address:
     14th Floor, Yotsuya Tower,
     1-6-1 Yotsuya, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0004
     Tokyo Regional Immigration Services Bureau
     Residence Investigation Division – Notification Section
3. In Person at the Counter
   • Go to the regional Immigration Services Bureau with jurisdiction over your area
   • Bring the notification form and your residence card
   • Submit during office hours

Notifications are an important step that significantly affects your future residence status renewals and permanent residence applications.

Properly submitted notifications reflect well on your residence management.

Even small omissions can compromise your residence status and disrupt long-term residence planning.

In practice, failing to submit notifications has resulted in individuals being unable to qualify for long-term residence, forcing repeated short-term renewals.

During daily residence activities, notifications may feel cumbersome and are sometimes overlooked.

However, fulfilling this small obligation reliably is the first step toward keeping your future options open.

Notifications are a crucial action for protecting your residence status.

If you have questions or concerns, consult a professional.

Our office is also available for assistance—feel free to reach out through our inquiry form.

Please Note

Immigration-related information is subject to change, so please always refer to the latest updates provided by the Immigration Services Agency.