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Starting June 14, 2026, Japan’s Immigration Services Agency (ISA) is rolling out a major change that affects every foreign resident in Japan: the zairyū card (在留カード) and the My Number card (マイナンバーカード) can now be combined into a single card called the Tokutei Zairyū Card(特定在留カード) — or “Specific Residence Card.”
What’s changing?
Right now, most mid-to-long-term foreign residents hold two separate cards:
- A zairyū card (issued by Immigration)
- A My Number card (issued by your local city/ward office)
Any time your residence status changes — like renewing your visa, changing your visa category, or moving to a new address — you currently have to update both cards separately, at two different offices.
Under the new system, you can apply for a single Tokutei Zairyū card that functions as both. When your immigration status is updated at the Immigration bureau, your My Number card information will be updated at the same time.
Who is eligible?
You can apply for the Tokutei Zairyū card if you are:
- A mid-to-long-term resident (中長期在留者) recorded in the Basic Resident Register (住民基本台帳), or
- A Special Permanent Resident (特別永住者), who can apply for the equivalent Tokutei Tokubetsu Eijusha Shomeisho (特定特別永住者証明書)
You must already be registered as a resident. New arrivals will still receive a standard zairyū card at the airport because the combined card cannot be issued at the airport.
Is it mandatory?
No. The combined card is entirely optional, just like the My Number card itself. You can continue carrying your zairyū card and My Number card as two separate cards if you prefer. If you don’t opt in, you’ll receive the new-format zairyū card instead.
What are the benefits?
- The card can be used as a My Number health insurance card (マイナ保険証)
- It can be used as a My Number driver’s license (マイナ運転免許証) (note: you’ll need to re-register your license info at a police station after receiving the new card)
- Your nickname/通称名 can be printed on the card, just like the regular My Number card
Where and when can you apply?
Applications open June 15, 2025 (Monday) — the first business day after the system goes live on June 14.
At a Regional Immigration Bureau, you can apply when doing any of the following:
- Visa renewal (在留期間更新)
- Change of visa status (在留資格変更)
- Permanent residence application (永住許可)
- Re-issuance of your zairyū Card
- Reporting a change of address details (non-residence-related)
At your City/Ward Office, you can apply when registering or changing your address (転入届 etc.)
Special permanent residents handle everything at the city/ward office, as before.
What documents do you need?
To apply, you’ll need:
- The Tokutei Zairyu card application form (特定在留カード等交付申請書)
- A PIN/password setup request form (暗証番号等設定依頼書)
- One passport-style photo
You’ll also need whatever documents are required for the immigration procedure you’re combining it with (e.g., visa renewal documents).
How long does it take?
The Tokutei Zairyu card takes approximately 10 days longer to issue than a standard zairyū card, due to the additional My Number integration process.
What about the new-format zairyū card?
Even if you don’t apply for the combined card, the design of the standard zairyū card is also changing from June 14, 2026. Key changes to the new-format card:
- Some details move off the card face — “Period of stay,” “Type of permission,” “Date of permission,” and “Date of issuance” will no longer be printed on the card. Instead, they’ll be stored in the card’s IC chip.
- My Number (個人番号) will be printed on the back of the new-format card — but only if you have the combined Tokutei card. The standard new-format zairyū card will not show your My Number.
- Validity period extended for permanent residents — instead of 7 years, the new-format card will be valid until your 10th birthday after issuance (or 5th birthday if under 18).
- Children aged 1–15 will now have their photo on the card, matching My Number card rules.
However, your existing zairyū card remains valid and you don’t need to switch it.
Can you apply online?
Not yet. For now, the Tokutei Zairyu card application cannot be submitted through the Immigration Online Application System (在留申請オンラインシステム). If you want the combined card, you’ll need to visit an Immigration bureau window in person.
Quick summary
| Launch date | June 14, 2026 |
| Application available from | June 15, 2026 (first business day) |
| Who can apply | Mid-to-long-term residents + special permanent residents registered in the Basic Resident Register |
| Is it mandatory? | No — optional |
| Where to apply | Regional Immigration Bureau or City/Ward Office (depending on procedure) |
| Processing time | ~10 days longer than a standard zairyū card |
| Airport issuance | Not available — airports only issue standard zairyū cards |
| Online application | Not currently supported |
This is a genuinely useful update for foreign residents in Japan. If you’ve ever had to spend an entire day bouncing between the Immigration bureau and ward office just to update your address or renew your visa, you’ll appreciate something that’s actually streamlined here.
To learn more about life in Japan, make sure to check out our blog.
