Effective June 14, 2026, Japan will introduce a new Specified Residence Card for foreign nationals. The new card will consolidate the current Residence Card and My Number card into a single document, streamlining administrative procedures for foreign residents. Currently, individuals must complete residence-related procedures with immigration authorities and My Number-related procedures separately at their local city hall, which adds an extra administrative step. Although not mandatory, the Special Residence Card is intended to simplify these processes by integrating both functions into one card. Unlike current Residence Cards, it will no longer display the foreign resident’s particulars (including visa type and period of stay) on its face. Instead, these details will be stored electronically in the chip embedded in the new Specified Residence Card.
The Specified Residence Card will be available to foreign residents who hold a Residence Card and are undergoing an in-country immigration procedure, as well as to special permanent residents. Eligible applicants may apply for the Specified Residence Card when completing immigration procedures, including extensions of stay, changes of status of residence, applications for permanent residence or reissuance of a damaged card.
Concurrently, the authorities will also roll out a new format for the existing Residence Card and Special Permanent Resident Certificate. Under this updated format, some of the items currently printed on the front of the card (e.g. “period of stay”, “type of authorization”, “date of approval”, and “date of issuance”) will likewise no longer be displayed visually and will instead be stored in the chip. Current Residence Cards and Special Permanent Resident Certificates will remain valid and foreign nationals with these will not be required to switch to the new format or apply for a Specified Residence Card.
This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen.
Explore more at Fragomen
Video
Learn how international graduates can stay in France for one year to find work or start a business. Discover eligibility requirements, application steps and transition options for the Job Seeker/New Business Creator permit.
Media mentions
Video
Manager Mihaela Dumitru highlights key considerations for business travelers entering Switzerland, emphasizing that compliance is determined by activities—not duration of stay or entry status.
Video
Partner Rick Lamanna, Senior Associate Jake Paul Minster and Senior Manager Sergio Flores discuss Mexico entry requirements for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including visa processes, documentation requirements and key considerations for travelers.
Video
Partner Diana Quintas highlights Brazil’s offshore visa requirements, including eligibility, application steps and key compliance considerations for assignments over 90 days.
Media mentions
Senior Counsel Mitch Wexler discusses why EB-5 is becoming a popular option for H-1B and F-1 visa holders in Silicon Valley navigating multiple pathways to permanent residence.
Media mentions
Partner Isha Atassi and Director Nofisatu Mojidi discuss key considerations for investors from Africa and the Middle East in the EB-5 program.
Work authorization
Senior Manager Katharina Vorländer examines how Germany’s strictly territorial migration and employment laws impact the deployment of third‑country nationals in offshore wind projects, highlighting compliance risks arising from maritime zone boundaries, work authorization limits and Schengen documentation challenges.
Work authorization
Senior Associate Tugba Ozyakup and Senior Immigration Manager Andreia Ghimis explore how the EU’s Entry/Exit System is reshaping Schengen overstay enforcement, the risks facing travellers and employers and the legal remedies available to challenge or prevent adverse outcomes.
Video
Partner Rick Lamanna, Senior Associate Jake Paul Minster and Senior Manager Sergio Flores discuss Canada’s entry requirements for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including visa-required and visa-exempt nationals, visitor entry rules and key planning considerations for fans, teams, media and volunteers.
Media mentions
Partner Kevin Miner discusses the DOL’s proposed H-1B wage rule and its potential to add significant unplanned costs for US employers.
Media mentions
Video
Learn how international graduates can stay in France for one year to find work or start a business. Discover eligibility requirements, application steps and transition options for the Job Seeker/New Business Creator permit.
Media mentions
Video
Manager Mihaela Dumitru highlights key considerations for business travelers entering Switzerland, emphasizing that compliance is determined by activities—not duration of stay or entry status.
Video
Partner Rick Lamanna, Senior Associate Jake Paul Minster and Senior Manager Sergio Flores discuss Mexico entry requirements for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including visa processes, documentation requirements and key considerations for travelers.
Video
Partner Diana Quintas highlights Brazil’s offshore visa requirements, including eligibility, application steps and key compliance considerations for assignments over 90 days.
Media mentions
Senior Counsel Mitch Wexler discusses why EB-5 is becoming a popular option for H-1B and F-1 visa holders in Silicon Valley navigating multiple pathways to permanent residence.
Media mentions
Partner Isha Atassi and Director Nofisatu Mojidi discuss key considerations for investors from Africa and the Middle East in the EB-5 program.
Work authorization
Senior Manager Katharina Vorländer examines how Germany’s strictly territorial migration and employment laws impact the deployment of third‑country nationals in offshore wind projects, highlighting compliance risks arising from maritime zone boundaries, work authorization limits and Schengen documentation challenges.
Work authorization
Senior Associate Tugba Ozyakup and Senior Immigration Manager Andreia Ghimis explore how the EU’s Entry/Exit System is reshaping Schengen overstay enforcement, the risks facing travellers and employers and the legal remedies available to challenge or prevent adverse outcomes.
Video
Partner Rick Lamanna, Senior Associate Jake Paul Minster and Senior Manager Sergio Flores discuss Canada’s entry requirements for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including visa-required and visa-exempt nationals, visitor entry rules and key planning considerations for fans, teams, media and volunteers.
Media mentions
Partner Kevin Miner discusses the DOL’s proposed H-1B wage rule and its potential to add significant unplanned costs for US employers.
Media mentions