21/06/2026
This is to share information on (1) the residence card, which was updated from June 14, 2026, and (2) the specified residence card, which was introduced, too on the same date.
The residence cards are issued to those who enter Japan with a visa as a mid/long-term resident attached to their passports at the port of entry, or those who renewed their residence cards.
The residence card serves as an official ID in Japan, and the holders are required to carry it with them at all times. If any information on the card changes (such as the holder’s address), they must report the change to the local ward office/city hall within the required period (generally within 14 days from the change).
1. Residence card (在留カード）
The residence card was updated starting last week (for cards issued on June 14, 2026 onward). The previous card was green, but the new one is pink, and the information shown on the card has also changed.
The new residence card will not show the period of stay, type of permit, date of permit and date of issue, and such information is available from the embedded IC chip through Residence Card Checker, a free app for scanning your residence card's IC chip.
(2) Specified residence card （特定在留カード）
In addition to the updated regular residence card, it is also possible to apply for and obtain a “Specified Residence Card,” which combines the residence card and the My Number Card into a single card.
This card functions both as a residence card and as a document indicating the holder’s Individual Number. The card can be used for procedures related to social security, taxation, and other administrative services where the My Number is required.
As with an ordinary residence card, the holder is required to carry the card at all times while in Japan. If any information on the card changes, such as the holder’s address, the change must be reported within the prescribed period in accordance with the relevant laws and regulations.
https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/content/001464469.pdf
https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/tokutei.html
I personally do not recommend obtaining a Specified Residence Card.
Unfortunately—and this is rather typical of Japanese government systems—the new residence card cannot currently be read by the IC chip reader apps. In addition, the Specified Residence Card is not very practical at this stage and losing it would cause significant trouble. For example, even if you lose your residence card, you can still prove your identity with your My Number Card. If you lose the integrated card, however, proving your identity may be difficult, especially if you are not familiar with Japanese.
For that reason, I recommend that you carry both your residence card and your My Number Card separately. Carrying your residence card is legally required, but there is no such obligation for the My Number Card. (In fact, having a My Number Card is optional, but I personally find that it offers many conveniences.)
For your reference, it is also possible to combine the My Number Card and your driver’s license into a single card, but I do not recommend this either. When I renewed my driver’s license two years ago, I opted for the integrated version, but rental car companies in Japan were not equipped to accept the My Number–integrated license and asked me to provide alternative identification. As a result, I ended up paying an additional fee to have a separate driver’s license reissued.
Ｑ１－５ どのような外国人が、特定在留カード等の交付を申請することができるのですか。
