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.
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