Tenshutsu Todoke: How to Submit a Moving-out Form in Japan

Moving to a city in Tokyo or elsewhere in Japan? Changing addresses? Or leaving Japan for good? There's one form you must fill out before you move on.

Today, we cover how to submit a moving out form (転出届 = tenshutsu todoke) in Japan that all residents must submit before relocating elsewhere.

What is the moving-out (tenshutsu todoke) form?

Tenshutsu todoke (転出届) is a mandatory notification that people living in Japan, including foreigners, must send to their current municipality before they move to a different city or leave Japan, according to the Basic Resident Registration Act (住民基本台帳法).

Primarily, this “moving out” paperwork is called tenshutsu todoke 転出届.

If you are moving within Japan, you must next submit a moving-in form (転入届 = tennyu todoke) to the city where you are relocating.

For example, say you live in Shinjuku City, but you are moving to Minato City. A simplified action plan would look like this:

• Submit a moving-out form to Shinjuku City.

• Receive a moving-out certificate from Shinjuku City.

• Present the moving-out certificate from Shinjuku City to Minato City Office within 14 days of your move.

• Concurrently with 3, submit a moving-in form to Minato City Office.

If you are leaving Japan, then only 1 and 2 are required. (This checklist covers how to move out in Japan for those leaving for a prolonged period or permanently.)

When should I submit a moving-out form in Japan? 

Submit your moving-out form at least 14 days before moving out and no later than the day of the move. 

While cities have varied processes for accepting this application, all cities throughout Japan maintain a 14-day time frame when leaving a city. 

What would happen if I'm late in submitting a moving-out notification in Japan?

Failing to submit a moving-out notification on time can lead to issues with residency status and tax obligations. While penalties are not always enforced strictly, late notification can create avoidable issues across multiple systems.

1. Possible fines under Japanese law

Under the Basic Resident Registration Act (住民基本台帳法), residents are legally required to report address changes promptly. If you fail to submit a moving-out notification on time, you may be subject to a fine of up to ¥50,000.

2. Delays or issues with moving-in registration

If you move to a new city without first submitting a tenshutsu todoke:

• You will not have a moving-out certificate (転出証明書)

• This can delay or complicate your moving-in registration (転入届)

• City offices may require additional explanations or paperwork

Some municipalities will still assist you, but the process often takes longer.

3. Problems with health insurance and pension records

Late notification can affect:

• National Health Insurance enrollment

• Pension records

• Medical eligibility or billing during the transition period

These systems rely on accurate resident registry data, and delays can cause temporary coverage gaps or retroactive adjustments.

4. Tax and administrative complications

If your address is not updated correctly:

• Resident tax notices may be sent to the wrong city

• You may miss tax bills, refunds, or deadlines

• Mail from government offices may be returned or lost

This can lead to late fees or additional follow-ups later.

5. Issues when leaving Japan

If you leave Japan without submitting a Tenshutsu Todoke:

• Your residence may remain registered in Japan

• This can cause complications with tax obligations, pension refunds, or re-entry procedures

• You may be contacted later to retroactively complete the process

What to do if you missed the deadline

If you did not submit your moving-out notification on time:

• Visit your current or former city office as soon as possible

• Explain the situation honestly

• Bring identification and any supporting documents (lease termination, flight ticket, etc.)

Municipal staff will usually guide you through corrective steps.

What is the difference between tenshutsu todoke and tenkyo todoke?

Although both forms are used to report address changes in Japan, 転出届 (tenshutsu todoke) and 転居届 (tenkyo todoke) serve different purposes depending on where you are moving.

💡Tenshutsu Todoke (転出届) = Moving out of a city

You must submit a Tenshutsu Todoke when you are:

• Moving to a different municipality in Japan (e.g., Shinjuku → Minato)

• Leaving Japan for a long-term or permanent stay abroad

This form notifies your current city that you are leaving its resident registry. After submission, you receive a Moving-Out Certificate (転出証明書), which is required to register your new address in another city.

💡Tenkyo Todoke (転居届) = Moving within the same city

You must submit a Tenkyo Todoke when you are:

• Changing addresses within the same municipality

  • Example: moving apartments within Shinjuku City

Because you are not leaving the city’s resident registry, no moving-out certificate is issued, and no tenshutsu todoke is required.

Quick comparison table

In short:

• If you are leaving a city, submit a Tenshutsu Todoke

• If you are staying in the same city, submit a Tenkyo Todoke

What do I need to submit a move-out form in Japan?

When you move-out from one city to another in Japan, you will need to submit the following to the city office:

• Notification of moving out form

• Identification document (driver's license, passport, etc.)

• National Health Insurance Card, Elderly Medical Benefits Card, Infant Medical Care Card, etc.

• Seal registration card (only for those who have already registered)

Additionally, if someone else is submitting the tenshutsu todoke form for you, they will need to present a "power of attorney" and "the representative's own seal (a personal seal is acceptable) and identification documents."

Where can I download the tenshutsu todoke form? 

Municipalities in Japan use different systems to keep their resident registries up to date. Thus, every city has its own form that city residents must fill out when relocating.

To find out the specific process and form for your city, search for 転出届 + [your city name]. Some municipalities call the form 住民異動届 = jyuumin idou todoke, change of residence form, which you can also search for. Minato City uses a 住民異動届 = change of residence form. Shinjuku City uses a 転出届 = moving-out form. 

Note: If you are moving within city boundaries (not moving to a new city), the form you want to look for is 転居届 = tenkyo todoke, which notifies the municipality of a change in address within city bounds. 

Step-by-step how to submit a moving-out form in Japan in-person

Here are the general steps to submit a move-out form in-person before a relocation. 

Step 1. Google your city's official home page. 

Every city in Japan has an official website where directions regarding their moving-out procedures can be found. If the city's official site is not available in English, look for the kanji 転出届 or 住民異動届 to find the relevant directions. 

Step 2. Download the move-out form from your city office website and fill it out. 

While the forms will vary, the information you will be requested to fill out remains largely the same. Some city offices have the form available in English.

Image. Shinjuku’s English Tenshutsu Todoke Form is available in English, Chinese, and Korean.

Find the form by searching [市/区/転出届] in your browser. Most city offices now allow you to download and print out the form from their website.

Step 3. Gather the required documentation as listed by your city office. 

Generally speaking, these items will include ID verifying documents (My Number Card, driver’s license, residence card, etc.), your inkan, and your health insurance card. 

Step 4. Go to your city office and submit the paperwork. 

Bring the filled-out form and the required documentation discussed in Step 3 to your city office. If you aren’t sure which desk to stand at, you can ask, “Tenshutsu todoke wo dashitai no desuga…” (I’d like to submit a moving-out notice.)

Step 5. Receive the moving-out certificate. 

After receiving your paperwork, the municipality will issue you a moving-out certificate (転出証明書 = tenshutsu shou mei sho) that you must bring with you when registering in a new city in Japan. 

The moving out certificate japan form that you will receive

How to submit a moving-out form in Japan by proxy

Most cities allow the use of a designated proxy (代理人 = dairinin) to submit this paperwork so long as all other conditions are followed. 

In addition to your documents covered in the previous section, your proxy must bring personal ID verification, their inkan, and a certificate of appointment (委任状= ininjyou), which you issue to your proxy. You can find the certificate of appointment form on each city's website.

Minato City’s proxy certificate of appointment document (Japanese PDF)

Additionally, certain rules and conditions surrounding proxies apply, depending on the city. 

Step-by-step how to submit a moving-out form in Japan by postal mail

Most cities allow you to submit the moving-out form by postal mail. If your city permits this, these are the general steps:

Step 1. Download the moving-out form from your municipality's website. 

Translated: Nagoya’s Mail-In Tenshutsu Todoke Move out Form

Fill it out and set aside. Also, make note of the municipality address to which you must send your paperwork. 

Step 2. Make photocopies of the required ID-verifying documents to include with your moving-out form. 

This ID will be included with your moving-out form. Generally speaking, it will be 1 of the following: 

• My Number Card

• Driver's license

• Residence card

Step 3. Include a self-addressed return envelope with an 110-yen stamp affixed.

Required so that they can send you a moving-out certificate. 

It will take from 1 week to 10 days to receive a certificate of moving out by mail. Because you must use the moving-out certificate to complete your registration in a new city, officials advise that you list your new address on the return envelope. 

(Alternatively, find out how to use Japanese postal mail forwarding to receive mail at your new address!)

Use the My Number Card to fast-track the moving-out form

As of 2025, many municipalities now support online submission of the moving-out form (Tenshutsu Todoke) via MyNa Portal.

If you have a My Number Card, you can use the MyNa Portal to report your move-out through an online application without going to the city office, which means less paperwork. Check your city's eligibility on the official MyNa Portal or municipal website. Some cities now allow online submission even if you’re moving abroad.

This fast-track does not apply to My Number Notification Card holders. 

Instructions and allowances for submitting a moving-out form with your My Number Card will differ from city to city. Be sure to research whether your city has made this available or not.

Additionally, you’ll need to visit the municipal office in person to complete the required registration when moving into your new municipality.

Note: You can not use this method when you are leaving Japan.

Can I submit the moving-out form online?

Yes — if your municipality supports it. Many cities now allow you to submit the form via the MyNa Portal if you have a My Number Card (not just the notification version).

You can:

• Log into MyNa Portal using your card and reader or phone

• Submit the moving-out form online

• Still need to visit the new city to file your moving-in (転入届) form

Check your municipality here: https://myna.go.jp

Common Japanese phrases for your city office visit

Navigating the city office can be much easier with these essential Japanese phrases. Practice these beforehand to communicate effectively with staff.

Getting started

Finding the right department

Submitting documents

Common questions you might be asked

If you need help

Document-related questions

For proxy submission

Key terms

Frequently asked questions

What is 転出届 tenshutsu todoke? 

The meaning of 転出届 = tenshutsu todoke is a "moving out" form that residents in Japan must file with their current municipality before moving out.

When should I submit a tenshutsu todoke? 

The tenshutsu todoke should ideally be submitted about 2 weeks in advance of moving. However, if one is unable to submit it before their moving date, they must submit it post-move as soon as possible.

Who can submit a tenshutsu todoke? 

The tenshutsu todoke can be submitted by the individual moving, the head of the household, or their representative.

What happens after the tenshutsu todoke procedure is completed? 

After the tenshutsu todoke procedure is completed, a moving out certification (tenshutsu shomei sho) is issued.

What documents do I need to bring for the tenshutsu todoke procedure? 

For the tenshutsu todoke procedure, you will need to bring your Residence Card, and the Notice of Moving Out (Tenshutsu Todoke) from your previous ward office. In some cases, proof of your flight ticket may also be required.

What if I didn't give a moving-out notification before I moved to a new city?

If you didn't give notification of moving out before moving to a new city, you should submit the Tenshutsu Todoke as soon as possible after moving. Go to your nearest Residents' Affairs Division (市民課) or Community & Residents' Affairs Division (区民生活課), as they will help you in this process.

In closing

Navigating the process of moving can be daunting, especially when it involves understanding and complying with legal requirements in a foreign country. However, with the right information and guidance, the process of submitting a Tenshutsu Todoke, or moving-out form, in Japan can be straightforward and manageable.

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