Zairyu Card Essentials: A Must-Read Guide For Foreigners
Coming to Japan to study, work, or explore?
If you are going to stay in Japan for more than 3 months, then you'll obtain a thing called a zairyu card (在留カード) or residence card that you'll carry with you throughout Japan.
Having a zairyu card is more than just an ID, which is why this guide is here to explain.
What is a zairyu card?
A zairyu card (在留カード) is a residence card for foreign nationals who stay in Japan for more than 3 months, or 90 days. It is issued by the Immigration Services Agency of Japan under the Ministry of Justice to mid- to long-term foreign residents living in Japan.
Key facts about the zairyu card
Who must have it Foreign nationals who stay in Japan for more than 3 months as mid- to long-term residents.
Who does not receive it Short-term visitors (tourists) and holders of diplomatic or official visas.
Who issues the zairyu card The card is issued and managed by the Immigration Services Agency of Japan under the Ministry of Justice (Japan).
When it is issued It is usually issued when your residence status is granted at a major Japanese airport or later through your local municipal office after you register your address.
Whether you must carry it Foreign residents in Japan are required to carry their zairyu card while staying in the country.
What it is mainly used for It is used to prove your identity and legal residence status when opening a bank account, signing a rental contract, registering your address, and completing most public and private administrative procedures.
For the most part, a residence card serves as official identification and includes your:
Name
Date of birth
Nationality
Photo of yourself
Address
Visa status
Period of Stay
What a zairyu card is not
A zairyu card is not a visa. It only shows the status of residence you were granted. The actual permission to stay in Japan is your residence status, not the card itself.
A zairyu card is not proof of nationality. It only identifies you as a foreign resident legally staying in Japan.
A zairyu card is not the same as a Special Permanent Resident Certificate. People with special permanent resident status (mainly certain long-term residents with historical status) are issued a different certificate under a separate legal system.
A zairyu card is not a substitute for a passport. You still need your passport for international travel and immigration procedures.
With a zairyu card, you can open a bank account and sign rental contacts.
All foreign residents are required to carry the card at all times.
How do I get a zairyu card?
When you land at major international airports in Japan, such as Narita, Haneda, Chubu, and Fukuoka, you'll be issued a residence card for Japan.
If you do not receive one, you'll need to submit a moving-in notification to your local municipal office, where your residence card will be delivered by mail.
Who doesn’t get a zairyu card?
Two main groups do not receive a zairyu card:
Short-term visitors: Since tourists or those on short-term visas are staying in Japan for less than 90 days, they do not get a zairyu card.
Diplomatic and Official Visa Holders: They are exempt from holding a zairyu card.
What if I lose or damage my Zairyu Card?
Residence card reinsurance application sample
If you lose your card or if your zairyu card is heavily damaged, then you'll need to apply for a re-issuance of a residence card at your nearest Regional Immigration Services Bureau within 14 days of the loss.
You'll need to bring:
Residence card reissue application form (PDF)
1 Photo
Lost property report, theft report, or disaster damage report
Passport
Fill out this application form if you want to use kanji characters for your name on your residence card.
There is also no additional cost when applying for a new residence card reissuing.
What happens to my zairyu card when I move within Japan?
When you move in Japan, you'll need to update the address registration on your card.
For this step, you must go to your local municipal office within 14 days to submit a moving-in notification to be registered in your new city.
At the municipal office, you will also obtain a national health insurance and resident record (juminhyo).
Your new address will be printed on the back of your zairyu card, meaning you'll get your same card in less than 30 minutes.
How do I change my residence status on my zairyu card?
If you want to change your residency status, you'll need to apply for a change of status at the Regional Immigration Services Bureau so that a new card can be issued to you.
In general, you'll need to present:
Necessary documents
Passport
Current residence card
A photo
Application form
You'll need to prepare the necessary documents depending on your current status and the new status you want to change. So check the MOJ's change my residence status application procedures for your situation.
Zairyu card validity vs period of stay – what’s the difference?
Many people confuse the expiration date printed on the card with their actual right to stay in Japan.
Here is the difference:
The period of stay is your legal permission to remain in Japan under your current residence status.
The expiration date on your zairyu card shows how long that card itself is valid.
In most cases, these two dates match. However, if you extend or change your residence status, your legal period of stay can be updated first, and you must then receive an updated residence card showing the new expiration date.
Important points to know:
Even if your residence status has been approved, you must still hold a valid zairyu card that reflects your current status.
You are required to complete the card update procedure after your status extension or change.
Always check the expiration date printed on your card and apply for renewal or status changes before it expires.
This distinction is especially important when renewing your stay, changing your residence status, or completing administrative procedures such as opening bank accounts or signing rental contracts.
How do you renew my zairyu card?
When you renew your zairyu card, you also apply to extend your stay in Japan. You must apply before the expiration date at any Regional Immigration Services Bureau district office or branch.
In general, you'll need to submit:
Necessary documents
Passport
Current residence card
A photo
Application form
Check MOJ's renewal application procedures for your residence status to learn its renewal documents.
How can I get permanent residence in Japan?
When you stay in Japan long enough, you can change your residence card to a permanent residence card.
Japan's special permanent resident certificate/card (example)
Getting PR in Japan allows you to engage in any activity for as long as you want without any restrictions.
The most common method is to stay in Japan for at least 10 consecutive years (1-5 years for highly skilled professionals).
Not only do you need to stay in Japan for a certain amount of years, but you also need to have a stable life, no criminal record, and proof of tax payments.
Switching to get a PR in Japan is similar to changing your residence status in Japan. Thus, you'll need to go to the Regional Immigration Services Bureau with the necessary documents:
PR application form
Passport
Current residence card
A photograph
An application form for Permanent Residence
Check MOJ's PR application procedures to see their other necessary documents.
Additionally, it can take up to 4-6 months, and once your PR status is approved, you'll need to pay 8,000 yen.
What happens to my zairyu card if I leave Japan temporarily?
When a foreign national in Japan wants to leave and re-enter Japan, they can fill out one of two re-entry permits:
Special re-entry permission: Foreign nationals wanting to temporarily leave Japan for less than a year. You can pick up this paper at the airport.
Re-entry permission: For foreign nationals who want to leave Japan for over a year but less than 5.
If you do not have a re-entry permit, then when you leave, you will lose your visa status in Japan.
What happens if I leave Japan permanently?
If you leave Japan permanently, you must return your residence card. The simplest method is giving your residence card to the Immigration officer at an airport or seaport.
Frequently asked questions
What is the meaning of a zairyu card?
A zairyu card (在留カード) is a residence card for foreign nationals living in Japan for more than 3 months. It can be an ID that helps you get a bank account and sign rental agreements.
How long is the zairyu card valid?
Your zairyu card is valid depending on your visa status. For example, those on a working holiday visa will have a maximum status of 1 year. In contrast, a spouse visa can last up to 5 years.
Do you need to return your residence card when leaving Japan?
If you plan to leave Japan permanently, you must return your residence card to the Immigration officer at an airport or seaport. However, if you are planning to leave Japan temporarily, then you'll need re-entry permission so that you won't lose your residence status.
Can you enter Japan with an expired residence card?
You will not be able to enter Japan if your residence card expires.
Is a zairyu card the same as my resident record?
No. Your zairyu card is different from your resident record. Your resident record is created by your local city or ward office after you complete resident registration and register your current address. The information from your resident record is then reflected on the back of your zairyu card. Both documents are linked but serve different administrative purposes.
Do I need my zairyu card to apply for a My Number (individual number) card?
Yes. Foreign residents must present their zairyu card when applying for a number card (My Number card) and receiving their individual number. Your zairyu card is used to verify your identity and your registered address before your social and administrative information is issued under Japan’s social security and tax systems.
Can I update my address or family information on my zairyu card?
Yes. When you move, you must report your new current address to your local city or ward office and complete resident registration. If you change important personal details (such as your name or information related to a registered family member), you may also need to update your residence card through the immigration bureau.
In closing
Having your zairyu card is one part of an essential document for foreigners living in Japan. Other IDs include your driver's license, My Number Card, and health insurance card.
Always ensure you carry this card around with you and update it when it's time to do so.
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