A Major Administrative Update for Foreign Residents in Japan
Living in a foreign country often involves navigating complex administrative systems, and Japan is no exception. For years, foreign residents in Japan have had to manage multiple identification cards, often requiring separate visits to different government offices to keep their records up to date.
In an effort to simplify these administrative processes, the Immigration Services Agency of Japan officially launched the "Specific Residence Card" (Tokutei Zairyu Card) on June 14, 2026. This new card combines the functions of the standard Residence Card (Zairyu Card) and the My Number Card into a single, integrated piece of identification.
This change represents a significant step forward in reducing the bureaucratic burden on medium- and long-term foreign residents, making it much easier to maintain legal status and access local government services.
Eliminating the Need for Multiple Government Visits
Prior to this integration, foreign residents who renewed or changed their visa status had to complete a multi-step process. First, they had to visit a regional immigration bureau to update their Residence Card. Once the new visa was granted, they were required to make a separate trip to their local municipal office (city or ward hall) to update the information linked to their My Number card.
The introduction of the Specific Residence Card completely eliminates this second step. When you update your status of residence or extend your period of stay at an immigration office, the system automatically updates your integrated My Number information. This means foreign residents no longer need to make a separate trip to their local city or ward office just to update their My Number card details, saving significant time and effort.
Eligibility and Optional Adoption
The Specific Residence Card is available to medium- to long-term foreign residents and Special Permanent Residents who are registered on Japan’s Basic Resident Register. This includes individuals on work visas, student visas, spouse visas, and other long-term statuses. However, it does not apply to short-term visitors, such as tourists or those on stays of three months or less, as they are not registered on the Basic Resident Register.
It is important to note that obtaining the Specific Residence Card is entirely optional. Foreign residents are not forced to merge their cards. If you prefer, you can choose to continue holding two separate cards—the traditional Residence Card and the My Number Card—and manage them individually as before.
Application Process and Fees
The regional immigration bureaus across Japan began accepting applications for the Specific Residence Card on Monday, June 15, 2026.
As of the launch in June 2026, the application process cannot be completed online. Applicants must visit a regional immigration office in person to submit their application and receive the new integrated card.
To encourage adoption and ease the transition, the government has announced that there is no fee for the first-time issuance of the Specific Residence Card, provided the application is made during the resident's first administrative procedure on or after the June 14, 2026 launch date.
New Photo Requirements for Minors
Alongside the launch of the integrated card, the Immigration Services Agency has also updated the visual format of standard Residence Cards issued on or after June 14, 2026.
Under the new guidelines, residence cards for minors aged 1 to under 16 will now feature a face photograph. Previously, younger children were exempt from having their photos displayed on their residence cards. This change aims to improve identification accuracy and security for younger foreign residents living in Japan.
A Welcome Step Toward Digitalization
The integration of the Residence Card and the My Number Card is a clear indication of Japan’s ongoing efforts to digitalize its administrative infrastructure. By bridging the gap between national immigration databases and local municipal registries, the government is making daily life more convenient for the foreign community.
Whether you are a student, a working professional, or a long-term resident, this optional new card offers a practical way to cut down on paperwork and avoid long lines at municipal offices, allowing you to focus more on your life and work in Japan.
Source: 出入国在留管理庁