From June 14, 2026: Photos for Children Aged 1 to Under 16 on Residence Cards in Japan
This article is the English version. The Japanese version is also available.
Children Aged 1 to Under 16 Will Also Have Photos on Residence Cards in Japan
From June 14, 2026, Japan is expected to introduce a new format for residence cards and special permanent resident certificates. Under the new format, photos are expected to be displayed for children aged 1 to under 16.
- Japan’s new residence card and special permanent resident certificate format is expected to start from June 14, 2026.
- Children aged 1 to under 16 are expected to have their photos displayed on the new card format.
- Even if an application is filed before June 14, 2026, a child photo may be requested if the card is expected to be issued on or after that date.
- Families planning residence card procedures for children should prepare the photo early and check the latest official guidance before filing.
The Immigration Services Agency of Japan has announced information regarding applications for Specific Residence Cards and related certificates. In connection with this system, the format of ordinary residence cards and special permanent resident certificates is also expected to change.
One of the most important practical changes concerns children’s photos. Under the current system, residence cards and related certificates for persons under 16 do not display a photo. However, after the enforcement of the amended law, photos are expected to be displayed for persons aged 1 to under 16 as well.
The official information is described as planned information as of the publication date and may change in the future. If you are planning a procedure around June 14, 2026, please check the latest official guidance before filing.
1. The residence card format is expected to change
From June 14, 2026, Japan is expected to begin operating a system related to the integration of residence cards and My Number Cards. Along with this change, the format of ordinary residence cards and special permanent resident certificates is also expected to be revised.
This does not mean that current residence cards immediately become invalid. According to the official guidance, current residence cards and special permanent resident certificates will continue to remain valid even after the new format begins to be issued.
2. Children aged 1 to under 16 are expected to have photos displayed
The key point for families is that the new format is expected to display photos for children aged 1 to under 16.
Until now, many families may have understood that children under 16 generally do not need a photo on the residence card. Around the start of the new card format, this assumption may no longer be safe.
| Age | Expected treatment under the new format |
|---|---|
| Under 1 year old | The official guidance specifically discusses the photo display rule for persons aged 1 to under 16. |
| 1 to under 16 | A photo is expected to be displayed on the new residence card or related certificate format. |
| 16 or older | Photos continue to be handled under the usual rules for residence cards and related certificates. |
3. The issuance date may matter more than the application date
A particularly important point is that the filing date alone may not determine whether a child photo is required.
Even if an application or notification is filed before June 14, 2026, a photo may still be requested for a child aged 1 to under 16 if the residence card or special permanent resident certificate is expected to be issued on or after the enforcement date.
- Do not assume that a child photo is unnecessary simply because the application is filed before June 14, 2026.
- If the card will be issued on or after the enforcement date, the new format may apply.
- For young children, arranging an acceptable ID-style photo can take time, so early preparation is recommended.
4. Procedures where this may become relevant
The official guidance states that a Specific Residence Card application may be made together with several residence card-related procedures. These include procedures such as extension of period of stay, change of status of residence, permanent residence, renewal of the validity period of a residence card, reissuance of a residence card, and certain notification procedures.
For special permanent resident certificates, procedures such as renewal of the validity period, reissuance due to loss, reissuance due to damage, and replacement may also be relevant.
Therefore, if a child’s residence card or special permanent resident certificate procedure is scheduled around June 14, 2026, families should check whether a child photo needs to be prepared.
5. Practical tips for preparing a child photo
(1) Prepare the photo early
Taking a suitable ID-style photo for a young child may take more time than expected. If there is a possibility that the card will be issued after June 14, 2026, preparing the photo early can help avoid delays.
(2) Check the required photo rules
Photo requirements may include size, background, facial direction, recentness of the photo, and other technical conditions. Before filing, confirm the latest requirements with the regional immigration office, municipal office, or the official guidance.
(3) Confirm again before filing
Because the official information is still described as planned information, requirements may change before the system starts. Families should confirm the latest information again shortly before filing.
6. Summary
From June 14, 2026, Japan’s new residence card and special permanent resident certificate format is expected to display photos for children aged 1 to under 16.
Even when an application is filed before the enforcement date, a child photo may be requested if the card is expected to be issued on or after June 14, 2026.
Families planning residence card procedures, extension applications, change of status applications, or special permanent resident certificate procedures for children should prepare the child photo early and check the latest official guidance.
Consultation on residence card and visa procedures in Japan
Tommy’s Legal Service supports foreign residents and families with residence status procedures in Japan, including extension applications, change of status applications, permanent residence, dependent status, and residence card-related procedures.
If you are planning a residence card procedure for your child around June 14, 2026, please confirm the necessary documents and filing timing in advance.
This article is a general explanation based on publicly available information. Requirements may differ depending on the type of procedure, filing office, timing, and future official updates.
