In Japan, the personal seal, or inkan, holds significant importance in legal and financial transactions. Whether you’re buying property, signing contracts, or applying for a loan, inkan registration (印鑑登録) is a vital step to ensure your seal is officially recognized. This guide provides everything you need to know about the process, from required documents to helpful tips. Discover how to register your seal smoothly and why it’s a must-have for navigating Japan’s administrative systems.
If you’re interested in exploring other guides in Japan, please take a look below.
Table of Contents
Chapter 1: What is 印鑑登録 / Inkan-Tōroku?
Inkan tōroku (印鑑登録) refers to the process of registering your personal seal (inkan) with the municipal office where your resident record is registered. In Japan, personal seals are often used instead of signatures for official purposes. There are situations where you may be required to submit an 印鑑証明書 (certificate of seal registration), which verifies that your seal is registered. To obtain this certificate, you first need to register your seal with the municipal office.
Common situations where 印鑑証明書 (certificate of seal registration) is required
You may need to provide an 印鑑証明書 in the following situations:
- Registering a company or business
- Buying or selling real estate
- Signing a housing loan agreement
- Renting a property
- Verifying identity when starting a new job
- Conducting land transactions
印鑑登録 ensures that your personal seal can be officially recognized for these important legal and financial activities.
Chapter 2: Which Seal Should Be Registered?
In Japan, individuals typically use three types of personal seals: jitsuin (実印), ginkōin (銀行印), and ninin (認印). These seals serve different purposes in daily life and official matters. For details about the differences between these types, please refer to the following guide.
印鑑登録 is specifically for registering your jitsuin, which is the most important type of seal. Once registered, the 印鑑証明書 (certificate of seal registration) serves as proof that your seal is officially recognized as your jitsuin.
The jitsuin plays a crucial role in verifying identity and authorizing significant legal and financial transactions.
Chapter 3: How to register your Seal?
Visit the municipal office
Bring the required items to the municipal office where your resident record is registered.Required items:
- Identification document, such as a residence card (在留カード) or My Number card (マイナンバーカード)
- A personal seal (印鑑) that you wish to register
Receive your 印鑑登録カード
Once your registration is successfully processed, you will receive an 印鑑登録カード (Seal Registration Card). This card is essential for obtaining an 印鑑証明書 (Certificate of Seal Registration) in the future.How to obtain an 印鑑証明書:
- Present your 印鑑登録カード at the municipal office.
- If you have a My Number card, you can also print the certificate at certain convenience store printers. Please note that not all convenience stores support this service.
This process ensures that your seal is officially registered and recognized for legal and administrative use.
Chapter 4: Points to note
The name on the seal you wish to register must match the name recorded on your resident record (住民票). For further information on how to make your seal, please refer to the article below.
