Can I transfer my residence card to a monthly apartment? Things you should change your address for and things you don't need to

2025/09/10

Can I transfer my residence card to a monthly apartment? Things you should change your address for and things you don't need to

Students who are renovating their homes or entering higher education may use monthly apartments for short-term stays. In such cases, how should they handle their residence registration?

To put it simply, there is no need to transfer your residence registration to a monthly apartment.

In this article, we will explain the role of resident registration in monthly apartments, and whether you should or should not change your address when living in a monthly apartment.

You don't need to transfer your residence card to a monthly apartment

Even if you move into a monthly apartment, you generally do not need to change your residence registration. This is because you only change your residence registration when you "move your base of operations." Therefore, for monthly apartments, which are primarily for short-term stays, there is no need to change your residence registration.

If the place is recognized as your main residence, it is possible to move, but depending on the monthly apartment management company, the contract may state that "your residence registration cannot be changed," and in reality, the majority of people do not move their residence registration.

What is a resident registration card?

A resident's card indicates the base of your life

A resident registration card is an official document that shows a person's residence record. It also records a history of people moving in and out, allowing you to know where a person currently lives.

Articles 22 and 23 of the Resident Registration Act stipulate that you must submit a notification within 14 days of moving in or moving house. If you do not change your residence registration without a valid reason, you may be subject to a non-penal fine of up to 50,000 yen.

However, in this case, the base of life refers to a permanent residence, so a temporary residence is not considered a base of life. The definition of temporary is vague, but generally, a residence of less than one year is considered temporary.

If you are staying for less than one year, you do not need to transfer your residence card.

As mentioned above, if your residence is temporary, transferring your residence registration is optional.

• Temporary housing for less than a year while renovating your home
• Temporary residence for less than one year after returning from overseas
• A student who moved to Tokyo to continue his studies and will be staying in a monthly apartment for just one year.

In the above cases, there is generally no need to transfer your residence registration. However, if you need a part-time job or if that is your only address, you may need a residence registration. Some monthly apartments prohibit transferring residence registration, so be sure to check in advance if transferring is necessary.

You shouldn't rent a monthly apartment for a long-term stay of more than one year.

Monthly apartments are generally rental properties intended for short-term stays of one month to one year, so it is common for residence registration not to be changed. Therefore, if you are staying for a long period of one year or more, it is better to choose a rental apartment or condominium rather than a monthly apartment.

Also, if you are staying for more than a year, renting a property may be cheaper than renting a monthly apartment. If you are returning to Japan from overseas for a period of more than a year, you should either move back to your parents' home or to the address where you have your resident registration, or consult with your local government office.

Things you should change your address when staying in a monthly apartment

One thing you should change your address for when you're staying in a monthly apartment is your mail. Once you've decided to move into a monthly apartment, go to the post office and submit a change of address form. This will allow mail addressed to your old address to be forwarded to your monthly apartment address for one year.

Especially if you shop on various websites, if you register your monthly apartment address, it can be a hassle to change it again when you move out. Therefore, it is a good idea to submit a change of address notification so that your mail can be delivered to your monthly apartment.

Things you don't need to change your address when staying in a monthly apartment

• My Number Card
• Garage certificate
• driver's license
• Credit card

You may need to transfer your residence certificate or be asked to submit it in order to obtain your My Number card, garage certificate, or driver's license. Since you cannot transfer your residence certificate in a monthly apartment, you cannot change your address on your My Number card, garage certificate, or driver's license.

However, when it comes to garage certificates, there are exceptions where they will allow you to change your address if you are staying for a long period of time. If you are staying for a long period of time and absolutely need to change your address, please check with the police station in your jurisdiction and then consult with the management company.

If you are only staying for a short period of time, there is no problem in using your credit card at your original address. If you have submitted a change of address notice for postal mail, you will be able to receive important notices by mail.

For monthly apartments, choose "Livemax"

Monthly apartments, which can be rented immediately and used for as long as needed, are chosen by many people, both individuals and corporations.

Livemax Monthly Apartments has over 20,000 rooms in major cities across Japan, all of which are conveniently located thanks to our unique market research. We also offer special seasonal plans and campaigns, so please feel free to contact us.