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A Simple Explanation of the Family Register and Resident Record Systems
In administrative procedures in Japan, the terms “registered domicile” and “address” often appear. Both are important pieces of information about a person, but their meanings and roles are completely different.
Simply put, a registered domicile is the place where the family register, which only Japanese nationals have, is located, while an address is the place where a person actually lives. Therefore, “a person who has a registered domicile” means “a Japanese national.”
A registered domicile serves as the basis for managing a family register. A family register records matters concerning a person’s legal status and family relationships, such as birth, marriage, divorce, death, and parent-child relationships.
By contrast, an address is the place where a person actually lives. A resident record is created and managed based on this address.
Registered Domicile as the “Place of the Family Register” and Address as the “Place of Daily Life”
A registered domicile does not necessarily have to be the place where a person currently lives. For example, some people choose their family home, place of birth, a place where they used to live, or a place to which they have a personal attachment as their registered domicile. As long as it is a place in Japan that can be identified by an existing land name and lot number, it is possible, for example, to designate places such as Mount Fuji or the Imperial Palace as one’s registered domicile.
In contrast, an address is not something that can be freely chosen. It is determined based on the person’s actual living situation.
Difference in Roles
The main role of a registered domicile is to provide official proof of family relationships and legal status through the family register. In procedures such as inheritance, marriage, divorce, birth, and death, certified copies of family registers or removed family registers are often required.
The main role of an address is to serve as the basis for everyday administrative services. Resident records, taxes, National Health Insurance, elections, and the delivery address for various official notices are generally handled based on a person’s address.
In other words, it may be helpful to understand them as follows:
Registered domicile = information used to prove legal status and family relationships
Address = information that connects a person’s actual living situation with administrative services
A Registered Domicile Does Not Automatically Change When a Person Moves
A common misunderstanding is that when a person moves, their registered domicile also changes. However, even if a person changes their address, their registered domicile does not automatically change.
When changing an address, a resident record change procedure is required. On the other hand, when changing a registered domicile, a separate family-register procedure, such as filing a notification of transfer of registered domicile, is necessary.
Summary
Both registered domicile and address are important pieces of information in official procedures, but their roles are different.
A registered domicile is the place used to manage a family register and is used to prove family relationships and legal status. An address is the place where a person actually lives and serves as the basis for everyday administrative services, such as resident records, taxes, insurance, and elections.