Click here for instructions on how to obtain a residence card.

“Residence Card” Necessary for Entry and Stay in Japan

Foreigners who will stay in Japan for more than 3 months must have a Residence Card as a proof of identity. This article explains the two procedures required for staying in Japan: Residence Card and Notification of Address Change.

Carrying Your Residence Card

You must carry your residence card with you at all times. If you are asked to show your ID by hospitals, government offices, police officers, etc., you must show your residence card.

■ When you lose your residence card

If you lose your residence card, please apply for reissuance at the Immigration Bureau within 14 days from the day you notice it.

■ When you change your address

If you change your address, etc., notify your local municipality within 14 days, and bring your residence card with you.

Lending and borrowing of residence card are prohibited.

■ If you lend your residence card

A person who does not have a residence card may ask to borrow your residence card to go to a job interview or hospital. However, it is prohibited by law. Even if you think you are helping people, it is a crime to lend your residence card. 

■ If you borrow a residence card

Borrowing a residence card is also a crime. Receiving, possessing, or using someone else’s residence card will not only result in imprisonment and fines, but may also result in your forced return to your country.

Prohibition of Forgery/Alteration of Residence Card

If you run away from the company where you received technical intern training, or if you remain in Japan after your period of stay as an international student is over, and you do not have a valid residence card, you cannot work or go to the hospital. Under such situation, if you see information about forged residence card being sold on social media, you may be tempted to buy one. However, it is a crime.

■ What will be charged as a crime and what will be the punishment?

• Possessing a forged or altered residence card to use for any purpose
  →Serious crime (Imprisonment of up to 5 years or a fine of up to 500,000JPY) + Possibility of forced return

• Using a forged or altered residence card
  →Very serious crime (Imprisonment of between 1 year and 10 years) + Possibility of forced return

If you want to know more, check here!

Notification of Residence and Affiliated Institution Registration｜Immigration Services Agency

What is a Residence Card?｜Immigration Services Agency