Specified Residence Card from June 2026: What Changes When Japan’s Residence Card and My Number Card Are Integrated?
Specified Residence Card from June 2026: What Changes When Japan’s Residence Card and My Number Card Are Integrated?
Japan’s Specified Residence Card will add My Number Card functions to the residence card. It may improve convenience, but foreign residents, employers, and immigration professionals should carefully check the practical details.
日本語版: 2026年6月開始「特定在留カード」とは？
Japan is scheduled to introduce the “Specified Residence Card” system in June 2026. This system allows a residence card to include My Number Card functions, enabling one card to serve both as a residence card and as a My Number Card.
However, the card will not be issued automatically to all foreign residents. Obtaining it is optional, and foreign residents may continue to hold a regular residence card and a My Number Card separately. The Immigration Services Agency’s updated guidance also clarifies several important practical points, including online application limitations, issuance timing, and My Number function validity.
Key point: For the time being, applications for the Specified Residence Card cannot be accepted through Japan’s online immigration application system. If a foreign resident wishes to apply for it together with a residence procedure, the procedure must be handled at the regional immigration office counter.
What is the Specified Residence Card?
The Specified Residence Card is a residence card equipped with measures that allow it to function as a My Number Card. For special permanent residents, a similar system will apply to the Specified Special Permanent Resident Certificate.
Under the relevant My Number legislation, the Specified Residence Card is treated as a My Number Card. This means that one card can serve both as a residence card and as a My Number Card.
When will the system start?
According to the Immigration Services Agency, the system is scheduled to start on June 14, 2026. Since June 14, 2026 is a Sunday, regional immigration offices are expected to start accepting applications on the next business day, June 15, 2026.
Municipal office handling may vary depending on the office and its opening days. Before filing an application, foreign residents should check the latest guidance from both the Immigration Services Agency and the relevant municipality.
Is it mandatory?
No. Obtaining a Specified Residence Card is optional. Just as obtaining a My Number Card is optional, foreign residents may choose whether to apply for the integrated card.
If they do not wish to obtain the Specified Residence Card, they can continue to hold a regular residence card and a My Number Card separately. A new-format residence card is also expected to be issued after the system starts.
The Specified Residence Card affects identity verification, residence status confirmation, and My Number handling.
Who can apply?
The system applies to mid- to long-term foreign residents recorded in Japan’s Basic Resident Register. Special permanent residents may apply for the Specified Special Permanent Resident Certificate.
Foreign nationals on short-term stay or those not recorded in the Basic Resident Register are generally outside the scope of this system.
Where can the application be filed?
An application for the Specified Residence Card may be filed at a regional immigration office or at a municipal office, depending on the procedure being handled together with the application.
| Place of procedure | Main situations | Practical note |
|---|---|---|
| Regional immigration office | When filing an extension of period of stay, change of status of residence, permanent residence application, residence card reissuance application, or other immigration-related procedure | Immigration procedures and residence card-related procedures will continue to be handled by regional immigration offices. |
| Municipal office | When filing a notification of address after landing, change of address, or other procedure deemed to include a residence notification | Actual handling may vary depending on the municipality. |
Can it be requested through the online immigration application system?
This is one of the most important practical points. For the time being, the Immigration Services Agency states that applications for the Specified Residence Card cannot be accepted when using the online immigration application system.
Therefore, if a foreign resident wishes to apply for the Specified Residence Card together with an extension of period of stay, change of status of residence, permanent residence application, or other residence procedure, the procedure must be handled at the regional immigration office counter.
Practical note: The workflow differs depending on whether the applicant prioritizes online filing or wishes to apply for the Specified Residence Card at the counter. Immigration professionals, employers, and registered support organizations should confirm the applicant’s preference before filing.
How long will issuance take?
The Specified Residence Card is expected to take about 10 days longer to issue than a regular residence card.
Foreign residents should consider this timing when they need to submit the card to an employer, travel abroad, update address information, or complete procedures with banks, mobile carriers, public offices, or other institutions.
Will every applicant receive the Specified Residence Card?
No. Filing an application does not guarantee that the Specified Residence Card will be issued. Depending on individual circumstances, a regular residence card may be issued instead.
Therefore, applicants should not assume that the card will always be integrated simply because they request it. They should check the latest operational guidance and their own circumstances before applying.
Special period during renewal and My Number validity
When a foreign resident files an extension application and the examination continues beyond the original period of stay, the applicant may enter the special period under immigration law.
However, the validity of the My Number Card function on the Specified Residence Card is linked to the original expiration date of the period of stay. Even if the immigration case enters the special period, the applicant must complete the necessary procedure at the municipal office before the original residence deadline.
Important: The special period under immigration law and the validity period of the My Number Card function are not the same. Applicants should not assume that no municipal procedure is necessary simply because the immigration application is pending.
Can it be used as a health insurance card or driver’s license?
Like a My Number Card, the Specified Residence Card may be used as a My Number health insurance card and as a My Number driver’s license.
However, driver’s license information will not automatically transfer to the newly issued Specified Residence Card. A separate procedure at a police station or other relevant office will be required to write the license information onto the card.
What should employers check?
Employers of foreign nationals must continue to check residence status, expiration date, work restrictions, and permission to engage in activities outside the permitted status where applicable. The introduction of the Specified Residence Card does not remove the need for proper residence card checks.
At the same time, the My Number will be printed on the back of the Specified Residence Card. Employers should separate residence status confirmation from My Number collection and storage rules.
Employers should separate residence card checks, identity verification, and My Number handling.
Common misunderstandings
Q1. Will all foreign residents automatically receive the Specified Residence Card?
No. The card is optional. Foreign residents may continue to hold a regular residence card and a My Number Card separately.
Q2. Can I receive it when filing an online extension application?
For the time being, the Specified Residence Card application cannot be accepted through the online immigration application system. If the applicant wishes to request it together with an immigration procedure, counter filing at a regional immigration office should be considered.
Q3. Will I always receive the Specified Residence Card if I apply?
No. Depending on individual circumstances, a regular residence card may be issued instead.
Q4. Can I receive the Specified Residence Card at the airport?
No. Upon new landing, a regular residence card will be issued at the airport.
Q5. If my immigration case enters the special period, can I continue using the My Number function automatically?
Caution is required. The My Number Card function remains valid only until the original expiration date of the period of stay. The necessary municipal procedure must be completed before the original residence deadline.
Conclusion
The Specified Residence Card may improve convenience by integrating the residence card and My Number Card functions into one card. However, obtaining it is optional, online application handling is limited for the time being, issuance may take about 10 extra days, and the special period under immigration law does not automatically extend the My Number function.
Foreign residents, employers, registered support organizations, and immigration professionals should confirm the practical workflow before deciding whether to apply for the Specified Residence Card.
Consultation on residence cards and immigration procedures
If you are unsure whether to apply for the Specified Residence Card, how it relates to your residence renewal, or how employers should handle residence card checks and My Number information, Tommy’s Legal Service can assist you with practical immigration guidance.
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