If you are planning a medium to long term stay in Japan, you will definitely need a residence card.
Except for short-term stays such as tourism, foreigners who stay in Japan for more than three months will be issued a residence card.
In this post, we will explain how to obtain a residence card and the process after obtaining it.
How to obtain a residence card
①If you are arriving at a major airport
Such as Narita, Haneda, Chubu, Kansai, New Chitose, Hiroshima, and Fukuoka
When you go through immigration, a landing permission stamp will be placed on your passport at the airport along with your landing permission, and you will be given a residence card.
②If you enter the country from an airport or seaport other than those mentioned above
A landing permission stamp will be placed on your passport, and a note will indicate, “You will be issued a residence card at a later date”.
Once you notify the city hall of the city where you live, your residence card will be sent to you by registered mail from “the Regional Immigration Bureau”.
③If you are already in Japan and wish to modify your residence status or extend your stay
You can apply for permission to change your residence status or extend your period of stay at “the Regional Immigration Bureau” that has jurisdiction over your area.
If your application is approved, you will be issued a new residence card.
the Regional Immigration Bureau
Process after acquisition
Once you receive your residence card at the airport or elsewhere, you will need to notify your place of residence at the city hall or ward office of the city or town where you live within 14 days.
Please note that if you do not complete this procedure, you may face penalties.
You can find out which government office you need to visit by searching online （e.g., on Google）.
To search in English, enter “（Your City or Ward Name） city office” or “（Your City or Ward Name） ward office”.
Examples
“Shinjuku City Office”, “Kita Ward Office, Osaka”.
You are required to carry your residence card with you at all times in Japan （except for those under 16 years of age）.
You must present it if requested by a police officer or other authorized personnel.
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