What is a Residence Card?

A residence card is an identification card for foreigners living in Japan. It shows the status of residence and the period of stay that the foreigner can stay in Japan.

Foreigners who will stay in Japan for more than three months are required to have a residence card as their identification card.
*Those whose period of stay in Japan is less than three months or those with Temporary Visitor status are not eligible to receive a residence card.

• Please carry it with you at all times.
• The card can be used as identification for procedures at government offices, contracts, etc.

When Can I Get a Residence Card?

1. When you newly enter Japan

   • If you enter Japan from one of the seven airports (Narita, Haneda, Chubu, Kansai, New Chitose, Hiroshima, Fukuoka), you will receive your residence card at the airport.
   • If you enter Japan from airports or seaports other than those listed above, you will receive your residence card by mail after submitting a Notification of Change of Address to the municipality in which you live.
2. When you renew your period of stay

   • If you apply for extension of your period of stay at the Immigration Services Agency and it is approved, you will receive a new residence card.
3. When you change your status of residence

   • If you wish to change the purpose of your stay in Japan, apply to the Immigration Services Agency for a change of status of residence. Once approved, you will receive a new residence card.
4. When you have a new child and acquire a status of residence

Loss or Return of Residence Card

• If you lose your residence card: apply to the Immigration Services Agency for reissuance of your residence card within 14 days.
• When you leave Japan after completing your activities in Japan: return your residence card to the immigration officer at the airport or seaport.

Where is the Immigration Services Bureau?

This is a link to the location and contact information of the regional immigration services bureaus where you can apply for a residence card.

Regional immigration services bureaus

What is a Notification of Change of Address?

When you have decided on a place to live in Japan, you will need to submit a Notification of Change of Address.

Once you have decided on a new address, you need to submit a Notification of Change of Address to your local municipal office within 14 days. You will need your residence card or passport.

If you want to know more, check here!

Notification of Residence and Affiliated Institution Registration｜Immigration Services Agency

Procedures at ports of entry/departure/Procedures at municipalities/Procedures at local immigration offices｜Immigration Services Agency