What is a residence card in Japan and who needs one?
A residence card is issued to foreign nationals with a medium to long-term status of residence, and it records the holder's status, period of stay and other conditions. It functions as an identity document within Japan and must generally be carried at all times by those who hold one.
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How it works
The card is issued on arrival at major airports for eligible statuses, or later by local immigration authorities, and it must be updated when personal details or the status of residence change. Local municipal offices are also notified of address changes linked to the card, connecting it to residency registration.
Commonly mixed up with
A residence card is sometimes confused with a general identity card available to anyone in Japan. It is issued specifically to medium to long-term foreign residents and does not apply to short-term visitors.
What is a residence card in Japan and who needs one?
| Knowledge, Tokyo | Legal, visa and entry |
|---|---|
| Short answer | A residence card is issued to foreign nationals with a medium to long-term status of residence, and it records the holder's status, period of stay and other conditions. It functions as an identity document within Japan and must generally be carried at all times by those who hold one. |
| How it works | The card is issued on arrival at major airports for eligible statuses, or later by local immigration authorities, and it must be updated when personal details or the status of residence change. Local municipal offices are also notified of address changes linked to the card, connecting it to residency registration. |
| Commonly mixed up with | A residence card is sometimes confused with a general identity card available to anyone in Japan. It is issued specifically to medium to long-term foreign residents and does not apply to short-term visitors. |
| Last reviewed | 2026-08-08 |
Short questions
- Who receives a residence card?
- Foreign nationals with medium to long-term statuses of residence receive one.
- Do short-term visitors get a residence card?
- No, short-term visitors are not issued a residence card.
- Must the card be carried at all times?
- Holders are generally required to carry it and present it if asked by authorities.
- What happens if the address changes?
- Address changes must be reported to the local municipal office, which updates the card.
- Where is official guidance published?
- The Immigration Services Agency of Japan publishes residence card guidance.
Sources
More in this track
- What is a status of residence in Japan?
- What types of work visa exist for Japan?
- What are the rules for a short-stay entry into Japan?
- What are the customs allowances for arriving in Japan?
- How does changing a status of residence work in Japan?
- What is the difference between permanent residency and other long-term statuses in Japan?
- How does a dependant status of residence work in Japan?
- What is the highly skilled professional status in Japan?
- What changes must foreign residents report to immigration authorities in Japan?
These pages explain how the rules work and link the authority that owns them. They are not legal, tax or immigration advice, and amounts and thresholds change, so open the source before you act.
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