If you want to read this article in Japanese, click here
Introduction
Living in Japan can be exciting, but many foreign residents say the most confusing part is city hall procedures.
Whether you live in Tokyo, Osaka, or a smaller city like Koga City in Fukuoka, the rules are similar — and often very difficult to understand, especially if Japanese is not your first language.
This article explains the 7 procedures foreign residents most commonly get confused about, using clear English so you can understand them easily.
If you feel unsure about any of these steps, remember:
You do not need to solve everything alone.
① Moving Procedures (Address Registration)
In Japan, you must register your address every time you move.
There are 3 types:
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Moving-in (転入届) – when you come to a new city
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Moving-out (転出届) – when you leave your old city
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Moving within the same city (転居届)
Why it’s confusing:
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Many people don’t know which form they need
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Some procedures require a personal seal (inkan)
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The deadline is 14 days — many people forget
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Your residence card also needs updating
② National Health Insurance (NHI)
Most foreign residents staying longer than 3 months must join NHI.
Common questions:
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“How much does it cost?”
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“When should I join or leave?”
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“Is my hospital bill discounted?”（→ Yes, usually 70% is covered）
Many people join late because the rules are difficult to understand.
③ National Pension
People aged 20–59 may need to join the pension system.
Why people get confused:
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The letters from city hall are difficult
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“Exemption” and “payment” systems are hard to understand
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Students often qualify for student exemption, but the process is complicated
④ My Number (Personal ID Number)
Your “My Number” is needed for:
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Jobs
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Taxes
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Opening a bank account
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Phone contracts
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School applications
Many foreign residents struggle because:
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They didn’t receive the letter
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They moved recently
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They don’t know how to request re-issue
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Instructions are mostly in Japanese
⑤ Taxes (Resident Tax / Income Tax)
When you start working, taxes become part of life in Japan.
What confuses people:
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Difference between “income tax” and “resident tax”
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Why resident tax starts a year later
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Reading tax letters (very difficult Japanese)
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What “nenmatsu chousei” (年末調整 / year-end adjustment) means
⑥ Garbage Rules & Local Community Rules
Each city has different rules — especially for garbage separation.
In Koga City, for example:
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Different bags are required
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Days differ by area
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Recyclable items have specific rules
Many foreign residents accidentally break the rules because the system is complex.
⑦ Going to the Hospital (Medical System)
Japan’s medical system confuses many newcomers.
Common problems:
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How to fill out the medical questionnaire
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Understanding insurance coverage
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Referral letters required for large hospitals
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Different rules for clinics vs. hospitals
EFK LLC (EFK合同会社) supports foreign residents living in not only Koga City, the wider Fukuoka area, and other cities as well !!!
We provide easy-language explanations, city hall accompaniment, and daily-life support to help foreign residents complete procedures smoothly — reducing stress for both residents and local government offices.
📌 Summary
City hall procedures in Japan are difficult even for Japanese people.
For foreign residents, they can easily become a “gray-zone” stress point.
If you are unsure about:
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Your address registration
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Health insurance
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My Number
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Taxes
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Hospital visits
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Garbage rules
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Any city hall procedure
You don’t have to handle it alone.
👉 Free Consultation
https://efk2025.co.jp/contact/
