Changing first name

Hi everyone,

I have been living in Japan for 3 years under a marital visa (renewed this year until 2027). I'm currently in the process of changing my first name via the embassy of my country and I'm wondering if doing so will have an impact on my visa?

When I will go to immigration to get a new residence card with my new name on it, will they be able to refuse, revoke my visa or reduce it?
Also, for those who went through the process, how smooth is it with the city hall and bank?

I think these three things are the most stressful and I hope it gets done without problem.

Thank you!

People change their name all the time. I would go to the local city hall of your area and they can change the name on your documents and residence card I believe. I don't think you need to go to immigration to change the name on the residence card as the card has already been issued to you.

It doesn't hurt to call/email to find out what is needed in terms of changing your documents. Good luck!

When you change your name, date of birth, gender, or nationality/region due to marriage or other reasons, you are required to report this to the Immigration Bureau within 14 days of the change.
This quote from Immigration.

Whatever things/cards/account that have your old name, you'll need to update it in order not to create any unforeseen problems. Japan being a 'paper' country, where most are not interconnected,(but slowly getting there), you'll need to stop by immigration, city hall, tax, insurance,licence, shops etc. to get the old<>new name sort out.

And yes, your Status of Resident won't be affected by name change, it's normal. But goodluck/have fun running around updating your new name. So Immigration and cityhall first..