Status of Residence and Residence Card

What is Status of Residence?

Status of residence is a legal qualification required for foreign nationals to enter and stay in Japan. It is granted by the Immigration Services Agency. In principle, all foreign nationals staying in Japan hold some form of status of residence.

There are various types of status of residence, granted according to the nature of activities or personal status. For example, "Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services" for working at a company, "Spouse or Child of Japanese National" for those married to a Japanese citizen, and "Student" for those studying in Japan.

The scope of permitted activities and whether employment is allowed differs depending on the status of residence. To engage in activities outside the permitted scope, a separate "Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted" is required.

What is a Residence Card?

A residence card is issued to foreign nationals who stay in Japan for a mid- to long-term period. It contains information such as name, date of birth, gender, nationality, address, status of residence, period of stay, and whether employment is permitted. A photograph is also affixed for those aged 16 and over.

The card contains an IC chip to prevent forgery, which stores all or part of the information printed on the card.

Who Receives a Residence Card?

Residence cards are issued to foreign nationals who stay in Japan for more than 3 months with a status of residence (mid- to long-term residents). Typical recipients include those staying for more than 3 months with statuses such as "Spouse or Child of Japanese National," "Permanent Resident," "Long-Term Resident," "Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services," or "Student."

Two Roles of the Residence Card

• A "certificate" proving that the holder is lawfully residing in Japan, as certified by the Minister of Justice
• A "permit" that replaces the traditional endorsement stamps in passports

Information on the Residence Card

The following information is recorded on the residence card:

• Name
• Date of birth
• Gender
• Nationality/Region
• Address
• Status of residence
• Period of stay (expiration date)
• Whether there are work restrictions
• Residence card number
• Photograph (for those aged 16 and over)

When any recorded information changes, a notification is required. For example, when your address changes, you must report it at the municipal office, and the new address will be recorded on the back of the residence card.

Obligation to Carry the Residence Card

Mid- to long-term residents aged 16 and over are required to carry their residence card at all times under Article 23, Paragraph 2 of the Immigration Control Act. Those under 16 are exempt from this obligation, but guardians should keep the card in a safe place so it can be presented when needed.

Penalties for violating the carrying obligation:

• Not carrying the residence card: Fine of up to 200,000 yen
• Refusing to present the card: Imprisonment of up to 1 year or a fine of up to 200,000 yen

Notifications and Procedures

When information on your residence card changes or if you lose it, you must file the appropriate notification.

Extension of Period of Stay

An application to continue staying in Japan, filed before the expiration date at the regional immigration bureau.

Change of Status of Residence

An application to change from one status to another. For example, changing from "Student" to "Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services."

Change of Name, Nationality, etc.

If your name or nationality changes (e.g., due to marriage), you must notify the regional immigration bureau within 14 days.

Renewal of Residence Card Validity

Required for permanent residents, Highly Skilled Professional (ii) holders, and those whose card expires on their 16th birthday.

Reissuance of Residence Card

If your card is lost, stolen, or significantly damaged, apply for reissuance at the regional immigration bureau. In case of loss or theft, you must apply within 14 days of learning of the fact, with supporting documents such as a police report.

Address Notification

Address notifications are filed at the municipal office (city/ward/town hall), not at the immigration bureau.

• Newly arrived in Japan: Notify within 14 days of determining your address
• Change of address: Notify within 14 days of moving to the new address