Japan Rolls Out “Specified Residence Card” from June 14, 2026 – One-Card Solution Combines Residence & My Number Functions, Moves Visa Details to Chip
- XAVIO
- 22 hours ago
- 4 min read
Updated: 2 hours ago
Published: March 4, 2026 By Xavio – VisasUpdate Japan Immigration Desk
Japan is introducing one of the most significant updates to foreign resident documentation in over a decade. From June 14, 2026, the Immigration Services Agency (ISA) and the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications will begin issuing the new Specified Residence Card (特定在留カード), an optional single-card solution that merges the existing Residence Card and My Number (Individual Number) card into one secure, chip-based document.
At the same time, all new and reissued Residence Cards and Special Permanent Resident Certificates will adopt a revised format that removes several sensitive personal details from the visible surface of the card and stores them electronically in the embedded IC chip instead.
The dual changes are voluntary for most foreign residents but are being heavily promoted as a major step toward reducing administrative burden, improving data security, and preparing Japan’s residence system for future digital ID integration.
Core Features of the Specified Residence Card (June 14, 2026 onward)
Single card for two functions Combines:
Residence status information (previously on the Residence Card)
My Number (Individual Number) for tax, social security, and administrative purposes
Voluntary adoption Foreign residents are not required to switch — current Residence Cards and My Number cards remain valid until expiry.
Eligibility to apply Available only when undergoing an in-country immigration procedure, such as:
Extension of period of stay
Change of status of residence
Application for permanent residence
Reissuance of lost/damaged Residence Card Special Permanent Residents (Zainichi Koreans, Taiwanese, etc.) can also opt in during renewal or reissuance.
In-person biometrics required Applicants must appear in person to provide fingerprints and electronic signature (new mandatory step).
Personal collection The card must be picked up personally at the immigration office — no proxy collection allowed.
Major Visual & Data Change (All New/Reissued Cards)
From June 14, 2026, every new or reissued Residence Card and Special Permanent Resident Certificate will display fewer details on the front surface. The following items will no longer be printed visibly:
Period of stay
Type of status of residence
Date of approval
Date of issuance
These four pieces of information will be stored exclusively in the IC chip and can only be read with authorized immigration or municipal scanners.
Visible fields on the new cards
Name
Nationality/region
Date of birth
Address in Japan
Card number
Photo
Validity period
Why Japan Is Making This Change in 2026
Foreign residents currently manage two separate processes:
Immigration updates (extension, change of status, address change) → Immigration Bureau
My Number updates (address change, card reissuance) → Local city/ward office
This dual-track system causes repeated document submission, multiple office visits, and unnecessary administrative friction — especially burdensome for people who move frequently, change jobs/status, or have families.
The Specified Residence Card solves this by:
Allowing one visit to update both residence status and My Number information
Reducing the number of physical cards foreign residents carry
Enhancing security — sensitive visa details (status type, expiry) are no longer visible if a card is lost or stolen
Preparing infrastructure for future mobile/digital ID wallets
The decision to move certain data to the chip also aligns with global best practices (EU residence cards, ICAO standards) and reduces risks of identity theft or misuse.
Practical Implications for Foreign Residents
Benefits
One card instead of two → easier daily life (banking, renting, mobile contracts, healthcare)
Single-point updates — change address or status once, both systems update
Higher security — no visible visa type or expiry on the card surface
Future-proof — lays groundwork for digital ID integration
Drawbacks / Considerations
In-person visit + biometrics required (no proxy pickup)
Transition period (2026–2028) will see mixed card formats in use
My Number card remains separate for anyone who chooses not to opt into the Specified Residence Card
Current cards remain fully valid
No forced replacement — existing Residence Cards and Special Permanent Resident Certificates continue until expiry
No penalty for keeping the old format
Related Immigration Reforms in Japan (2026–2028)
The Specified Residence Card is part of a broader modernization wave:
Faster permanent residency pathways for highly skilled professionals (70+ points = PR after 1 year) → Japan Permanent Residency New Rules 2026
Mandatory pledge for Engineer/Specialist visas in dispatch/EOR setups (effective March 9, 2026) → Japan Engineer Visa Pledge 2026
JESTA pre-travel authorization for 74 visa-waiver countries (mandatory from 2028) → Japan JESTA 2028: Mandatory Pre-Travel Authorization for 74 Countries
Ongoing improvements to the Technical Intern Training Program → Japan Technical Intern Training Program – 2026 Reforms
Frequently Asked Questions – Specified Residence Card 2026
Q: Do I have to get the new Specified Residence Card?
No — it is completely voluntary. Current Residence Cards and My Number cards remain valid until expiry.
Q: When can I apply for it?
Only when you are already undergoing an in-country immigration procedure (extension, change of status, permanent residency application, reissuance, etc.).
Q: What personal details will no longer be printed on the card?
Period of stay, type of status of residence, date of approval, and date of issuance. These will be stored in the chip only.
Q: Will daily life (banking, renting, contracts) be affected?
No — the chip contains all necessary data. Most services already scan the chip rather than rely on printed information.
Q: Do Special Permanent Residents qualify?
Yes — they can opt in during renewal or reissuance of their Special Permanent Resident Certificate.
Q: Is this the first step toward a full digital ID?
Officials have not confirmed, but the chip-based design and removal of visible details are widely seen as preparation for mobile/digital ID wallets in the future.
For the official announcement, application procedures, card design preview, eligibility flowchart, and FAQ, visit the Immigration Services Agency of Japan (ISA): www.isa.go.jp.
Explore our dedicated Japan immigration section for real-time alerts on residence card changes, visa rules, permanent residency pathways, JESTA rollout, and technical intern updates.
Japan is simplifying life for foreign residents while boosting security — the Specified Residence Card is a big step forward. Check if you qualify during your next immigration appointment
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