Residence Card (在留カード) Guide for Foreigners in Japan [2026]
- The Residence Card is an ID card that mid-to-long-term foreign residents in Japan are obligated to carry.
- This article explains the information shown on the card, the obligation to carry it, updating your address, renewing its validity period, and reissuance procedures if it is lost.
- You will be asked to present it in many everyday situations in Japan, such as opening a bank account or signing a rental contract.
- Procedural requirements can change. For the latest information, check official sources from the Immigration Services Agency.
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Open the Residence Reminder →The Residence Card (在留カード, zairyu kaado) is the official ID card issued to mid-to-long-term foreign residents in Japan. You must carry it at all times and present it on request. It's required for bank accounts, apartment rentals, city hall procedures, and much more. Here's how to read it and manage key procedures.
① Information on the Residence Card
| Field | Content |
|---|---|
| Name | Romanized (same as foreign resident registration) |
| Date of birth | Common Era (Western calendar) |
| Sex | M (Male) / F (Female) |
| Nationality/Region | Country of origin |
| Place of residence | Registered address (must be updated on moving) |
| Status of residence | e.g. Engineer/Specialist in Humanities, Specified Skilled Worker, Business Manager |
| Period of stay | Expiry date of your current permitted stay |
| Card number | 2 letters + 8 digits + 1 letter |
| Work restrictions | "No restrictions", "Only activities within the status", or "No work" |
| Permission for activities outside status | e.g. "Granted (max 28 hrs/week)" — relevant for students working part-time |
② Obligation to carry
Foreign residents aged 16+ who have mid-to-long-term status must carry the Residence Card at all times and present it when requested by police or immigration officers. Failure may result in a fine of up to ¥200,000 (Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act, Article 23).
③ Updating your address
After moving, submit a move-in registration (転入届) at your new city hall within 14 days. The address on the back of your Residence Card will be updated at the same counter.
- Bring: Residence Card + ID
- Where: City hall (resident registration counter) at your new address
- Time: ~15–30 minutes
④ Renewing your Residence Card
You can apply to renew your status of residence starting 3 months before expiry. Apply at the Regional Immigration Services Bureau that covers your address.
| Procedure | Where | Basic documents |
|---|---|---|
| Application for extension of period of stay | Regional Immigration Bureau (入管局) | Residence Card, passport, application form, photo (4cm×3cm), employment certificate (varies by status) |
⑤ Replacement after loss, theft, or damage
If your Residence Card is lost or stolen, apply for a replacement at the Immigration Bureau within 14 days.
- If stolen: File a police report first and attach the theft certificate
- If damaged: Bring the damaged card
- Required documents: Application form, photo (4cm×3cm), passport, (theft) police report
⑥ Anti-counterfeit features
The Residence Card has multiple anti-counterfeiting features: a hologram (rainbow shimmer when tilted), an IC chip (biometric and other data), laser engraving (photo and name), and composite material. Possessing or using a counterfeit card is a serious crime.
FAQ
Where do I update my address on the Residence Card?At your new city hall's resident registration counter, when you submit your move-in registration (転入届). The staff update the address on the back of your card at the same time. Required within 14 days of moving.
What should I do if I lose my Residence Card?If stolen, file a police report first. Then within 14 days, apply for a replacement at your regional Immigration Bureau with the application form, photo, passport, and (if stolen) the police report.
When can I apply to renew my Residence Card?From 3 months before your period of stay expires. Apply at the regional Immigration Bureau that covers your registered address.
Do I have to carry my Residence Card at all times?Yes. Foreign residents aged 16+ with mid-to-long-term status are legally required to carry it and show it to police or immigration officers when requested.
How do I check if I'm allowed to work?Look at the 'Work restrictions' (就労制限の有無) field on the front of the card. 'No restrictions' means you can generally work freely. 'Only activities within the status' means only jobs within your visa category.
Sources
* Rules may change. Please check official sites for the latest information.
📌 Need help with your residence status application or renewal? In-house service
Changes and renewals to your residence status can be handled yourself at the Immigration Services Agency (Foreign Residents Information Center) or at your local municipal office. If you'd like to ask a professional to help prepare documents and handle the application process, you can use our free consultation and referral service with a partner administrative scrivener (gyoseishoshi) (operated by MRI Co., Ltd.). Please note that a consultation does not guarantee approval; whether it is approved depends on the review by the Immigration Services Agency.
Consult a partner administrative scrivener for free →* Consultations and referrals are provided in Japanese. Please confirm official procedures and decisions with the Immigration Services Agency or a professional.
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