Family Register Certificate: Who Qualifies and What You Get

The Family Register Certificate is an official document used to provide proof of your family lineage and your current legal status.

👤Who it's for

This certificate is available to all Japanese citizens. It serves as a primary way for citizens to verify their familial connections and their official standing within the national registry system.

🎁What you get

When you obtain this document, you receive official proof of your family lineage and your legal status. This documentation is often required for various administrative procedures that need to verify your identity or your relationship to other family members.

💰What it costs you

There is a fee of ¥450 for each copy you request. You can pay this small fee when obtaining the document at a city office or by using the services provided at a convenience store.

⚠️The catch to know

The most important thing to remember is that you cannot simply request this document from any local government office near you. You can only get it from the specific city where your permanent domicile, known as the Honseki, is officially registered. Because the registry is tied to that specific location, you must ensure you are contacting the correct municipality that holds your records.

📝How to apply

1. Locate the specific city or municipality where your permanent domicile (Honseki) is registered.
2. Determine whether you will visit a city office in person or use a convenience store service.
3. Request the specific number of copies you need for your administrative needs.
4. Pay the required fee of ¥450 per copy.