Nozei Shomeisho: Your Guide to Japan's Tax Certificate

Nozei shomeisho (納税証明書) is a document that serves as proof of payment of taxes in Japan. It is issued by the local tax office and is required for various purposes, such as applying for a loan, obtaining a visa, or registering a vehicle. 

The document contains the taxpayer's name, address, tax identification number, and the amount of taxes paid.

Read on for a quick explanation of what it is and how to get one. 

What is nozei shomeisho?

Nozei shomeisho is a tax payment certificate issued by the local government in Japan. This certificate proves that an individual has paid their taxes for a given year, and it is required for various purposes such as immigration, loan applications, and other legal procedures.

An example of a nozei shomeisho, Sony Bank

The nozei shomeisho document doesn’t provide information about the individual's taxable income. Instead, it only shows the amount of taxes paid by the individual. 

To obtain a nozei shomeisho certificate, an individual must apply to their local government office. 

The application process may vary depending on the local government office, but generally, the individual needs to provide their personal information, such as name, address, and tax identification number.

Also, remember that the nozei shomeisho certificate is only valid for the year it was issued. Therefore, individuals who require this certificate must obtain a new certificate for each tax year.

Who needs a nozei shomeisho (納税証明書)—and when?

Common situations where you may need one

• Visa renewal or immigration applications

• Permanent Residency applications

• Bank loan or mortgage applications

• Housing applications

• Employment verification in certain industries

• Vehicle registration or business procedures

• Official situations requiring proof of tax compliance

Which certificate do you actually need?

Japan has several tax certificates, and they are often confused. Use this quick guide to understand which one applies to your situation:

What nozei shomeisho does and does not prove

It DOES prove:

• You have paid your local resident tax

• You have no outstanding unpaid resident taxes for the covered year

It DOES NOT prove:

• Your income level

• Total earnings

• Full tax liability

If you need proof of income, you need a Kazei Shomeisho (課税証明書) or Shotoku Shomeisho (所得証明書) instead.

Nozei shomeisho for immigration (visa renewal & status applications)

If you’re applying for a visa renewal, status change, or permanent residency in Japan, immigration authorities often require proof that you have correctly paid your taxes. One of the key documents used for this is the Nozei Shomeisho (納税証明書).

When immigration requires a nozei shomeisho from foreigners

Immigration may request a nozei shomeisho for:

• Visa renewal

• Change of status applications

• Long-term residency applications

• Permanent Residency applications

Immigration uses this document to confirm:

• You have paid your resident taxes correctly

• You do not have unpaid tax debts

• You are financially compliant in Japan

⚠️ Important Immigration often requires both:

• Nozei Shomeisho (納税証明書) = proves taxes were paid

• Kazei Shomeisho (課税証明書) = shows income & assessed tax

These two documents together prove:

• you earned income

• you were assessed correctly

• you paid what you owed

How many years of certificates are required?

This depends on your application type and immigration office, but generally:

Requirement specifics may differ depending on your visa category, city, and immigration office. Always check the latest immigration guidance before applying.

Where to get a nozei shomeisho for immigration

You must obtain the certificate from the municipality where you were registered as a resident during the applicable tax year. This is usually your:

• City Hall

• Ward Office

• Municipal Tax Office

You can typically apply:

• In person

• By mail

• At convenience stores (in supported cities)

• Online (only in some municipalities, often requiring MyNumber)

Validity period

For immigration, documents normally must be issued within the last 3 months. Older certificates may not be accepted.

Who cannot get a nozei shomeisho?

You may not be able to obtain this certificate if:

• You recently moved to Japan and haven’t lived here long enough to be taxed

• You had no taxable income in the previous tax year

• You have unpaid taxes

• You were not registered as a resident during the relevant year

In these cases, immigration may request alternative documentation, so contact your municipal office or immigration bureau.

Fees & processing time

• Typical fee: 300–400 yen per certificate

• Processing time:

  • Same day: in most in-person cases

  • Postal applications: about 1–2 weeks

  • Convenience stores: instant (if available)

How to get a nozei shomeisho

To obtain a nozei shomeisho, taxpayers must submit an application (納税証明書交付請求書 = nozei shomeisho koufu seikyusho) to their local tax office with the necessary documentation and fees. 

Application for nozei shomesho

The process can vary depending on the city, but it typically involves filling out a form, providing proof of identity, and paying a fee (300 to 400 yen). 

Once the request is processed, the taxpayer will receive the document in the mail.

Keep in mind that a nozei shomeisho only serves as proof of payment of taxes and does not provide information on the taxpayer's income or tax liability. For that, taxpayers must obtain a separate document called kazei shomeisho (課税証明書). 

a. Eligibility criteria

To obtain a nozei shomeisho, an individual must have paid their taxes in full and have no outstanding tax debts. The certificate is issued by the local ward office or city hall where the individual resides. 

b. Application process

There are 3 ways you can apply for a nozei shomeisho. 

You can apply for this certificate by visiting your local ward office or city hall in person. You must provide identification documents such as a passport or driver's license. You will also need to fill out an application form and pay a fee for the certificate.

Another way to apply is via postal mail. In this case, you would download the application form from the city office, fill out the application form, include a photocopy of your ID, and follow payment steps. 

The third method is available from some cities and wards via convenience store. You would use the multipurpose copy machine to follow the application steps and print out a tax certificate. Go to your city’s official website to see if they offer this service to residents. 

c. Required documentation

When applying for a nozei shomeisho, the individual must provide proof of their tax payments, which can be done by presenting their tax payment receipts. 

Note: The required documentation may vary depending on the local government. Check with the local ward office or city hall for specific requirements before applying for the certificate.

Penalties for falsifying information on nozei shomeisho

If an individual is found guilty of submitting a fraudulent document, they can face imprisonment for up to three years or a fine of up to 500,000 yen. 

Additionally, if a tax evasion scheme is discovered, the individual can face imprisonment for up to five years or a fine of up to 1,000,000 yen.

Practical uses of nozei shomeisho

1. Business operations

Nozei shomeisho is an essential document for businesses operating in Japan. It serves as proof of tax payment and is often required by government agencies, financial institutions, and other business partners. 

By keeping accurate records of nozei shomeisho, businesses can demonstrate financial stability and credibility. In addition, nozei shomeisho can be used to claim tax credits, which can help reduce a company's tax burden.

2. Personal finance management

A nozei shomeisho can be used to apply for a mortgage or other loan, as financial institutions often require proof of tax payment. 

Additionally, nozei shomeisho can be used to claim tax refunds, which can help individuals reduce their tax burden and increase their disposable income.

Difference between nozei shomeisho, kazei shomeisho, and shotoku shomeisho

When dealing with Japanese tax documents, it’s common to come across several certificates with similar names but different purposes.

Below shows the distinctions between Nozei Shomeisho (納税証明書), Kazei Shomeisho (課税証明書), and Shotoku Shomeisho (所得証明書) to help you know which certificate you need depending on your situation.

Frequently asked questions

How can one obtain a tax certificate for visa application purposes?

To obtain a tax certificate for visa application purposes, an individual needs to visit their local city office and request a nozei shomeisho (納税証明書) or a kazei shomeisho (課税証明書). These certificates show the individual’s tax status and provide information about their taxable income.

What documents are required to acquire a tax certificate?

To acquire a tax certificate, an individual typically needs to provide their resident card (在留カード) and their personal seal (印鑑). In some cases, additional documents may be required, such as a copy of their income tax return or proof of address.

Where can I find a sample of a tax certificate?

Individuals can find a sample of a tax certificate on the website of their local city office or on the website of the National Tax Agency (国税庁). The sample certificate can be used as a reference to understand the information included on the certificate.

Can a tax certificate be obtained online, and if so, how?

In some cases, a tax certificate can be obtained online through the e-Tax system (e-Taxシステム). To use this system, an individual needs to have a My Number Card (マイナンバーカード) and a personal computer with an internet connection.

👉 Go to our Japanese business glossary to learn more about the various tax types in Japan.

What is a Nozei Shomeisho?

A Nozei Shomeisho (納税証明書) is a Japanese tax payment certificate issued by local tax offices. It proves that you have paid your residence tax (municipal tax) and is often required for visa applications, loan approvals, and official procedures.

How do I get a Nozei Shomeisho online?

You can request a Nozei Shomeisho online through your local municipal tax office’s website or Japan’s e-Tax system. Requirements may vary by municipality, and some may require you to have a My Number card or a digital signature.

Can I get a Nozei Shomeisho at a convenience store (コンビニ)?

In some areas, you can obtain a Nozei Shomeisho at convenience stores that provide government document printing services. Check if your municipality supports this service and what identification you will need.

What is the difference between a Nozei Shomeisho and a Kazei Shomeisho?

• Nozei Shomeisho confirms you have paid your residence tax.

• Kazei Shomeisho (課税証明書) shows your taxable income and the amount of tax assessed. Both are issued by local tax offices but serve different official purposes.

Is there an English version of the Nozei Shomeisho?

No official English version is typically issued, but some municipalities may provide translated guides or samples. You can also find unofficial translations online or request assistance from your local city hall or immigration office.

What is a tax payment certificate in Japan?

A tax payment certificate generally refers to the Nozei Shomeisho, which proves your payment of local residence tax. This document is often needed for official processes like visa renewal or financial applications.

How do I get a Kazei Shomeisho in English?

Like the Nozei Shomeisho, official English versions of the Kazei Shomeisho are rare. You may obtain a Japanese copy from your local tax office and use certified translation services if needed for official purposes.

What documents are required to get a Nozei Shomeisho for a visa?

Typically, you need a valid ID (such as a residence card), your My Number card if applicable, and the application form provided by your local municipal office. Requirements can vary, so confirm with your local tax office.

In closing

Obtaining a nozei shomeisho is an essential step for individuals residing in Japan who need to prove their tax payment history. It is a certificate that confirms that the individual has paid their taxes and is up-to-date with their obligations.

The certificate can be obtained from the local tax office, and it is necessary for various administrative and legal procedures.