My Number and Residence Card Integration in Japan: What Foreign Residents Should Know

Image from the Immigration Service Agency

Japan’s Ministry of Justice and Immigration Services Agency are introducing a new Specified Residence Card system (「特定在留カード等」) as part of ongoing efforts to improve administrative convenience and streamline procedures for foreign residents.

What is the Specified Residence Card?

The Specified Residence Card is a new type of card that combines the functions of a Residence Card and a My Number Card into a single card. When issued, it can serve both as proof of residence status and as a My Number Card under the My Number system.

A My Number Card is a government-issued photo ID that can be used across many day-to-day administrative procedures in Japan. It also enables secure access to online government services via Mynaportal, supporting various filings and notifications linked to the social security and tax number system. In addition, it can be used for practical services such as obtaining official certificates at convenience stores and, if registered, using the card as a health insurance card (“Myna Health Insurance Card”) at participating medical institutions and pharmacies.

Key points for foreign residents:

• Optional, not mandatory: Obtaining a Specified Residence Card is voluntary, similar to the current My Number Card. Those who prefer to keep separate Residence Cards and My Number Cards may continue to do so.

  
  

• Improved convenience: The combined card allows applicants to update both residence status and My Number information at the same time during administrative procedures, reducing the need to visit multiple offices separately.

  
  

• Issuance begins 14 June 2026: The new system is scheduled to start operating from 14 June 2026, with applications accepted at Immigration bureaus and certain municipal offices.

  
  

• Who is eligible: Mid and Long-term residents (中長期在留者) and Special Permanent Residents can apply.

  
  

• Card details & validity: The card will include residence status, My Number (on the back), and other information. Some details currently shown on the card face may be stored electronically within the IC chip.

  
  

What stays the same:

• Existing Residence Cards and My Number Cards remain valid until their normal expiration dates, and there is no requirement to switch .

• Current obligations for carrying and presenting a Residence Card continue.

  
  

Practical impact:This initiative is primarily administrative and designed to simplify routine updates and interactions with government systems, not to change visa status rules or residency rights.