Dec 22, 2024
Everything You Need to Know About the Japanese Residence Card (Zairyū Card)
If you’re planning to live in Japan for a while, there’s one small but mighty card you’ll need to get familiar with: the Japanese Residence Card, or Zairyū Card (在留カード). This isn’t just another piece of plastic to stuff into your wallet—it’s proof of your legal status in Japan and a key to unlocking essential services like renting an apartment, opening a bank account, and even getting a mobile phone plan.
Let’s dive into everything you need to know about this all-important document, from who needs one to how to keep it updated, and why you should never leave home without it.
Who Needs a Zairyū Card?
Not every foreigner in Japan is required to have a Zairyū Card (在留カード), also known as a residence card. However, if you plan to stay in Japan for more than 90 days, then yes—you will need one. This card serves as official proof of your residence status and is essential for everyday activities such as opening a bank account, signing a rental contract, or getting a mobile phone plan.
There are a few exceptions where a Zairyū Card is not required:
✅Short-term visitors staying less than 90 days, such as tourists, business travelers, or those on temporary visas.
✅Diplomats and government officials, as they fall under a different visa category.
✅Special permanent residents, such as some long-term Korean, Chinese, and other foreign residents who have had established residency in Japan for generations.
For everyone else planning a longer stay—whether for work, study, or family reasons—the Zairyū Card is an absolute must.
How Do You Get a Japanese Residence Card?
Getting your Zairyū Card is one of the first official steps you’ll take after arriving in Japan. If you enter through one of the major international airports, such as Narita, Haneda, or Kansai International Airport, immigration officials will issue your card on the spot once they approve your mid- to long-term visa status.
However, if you arrive through a smaller airport or port that doesn’t issue residence cards, don’t worry. Your card will be mailed to your registered address after you complete your residential registration at your local municipal office.
Once you have your card, you’ll need to register your address within 14 days of moving into your new home in Japan. To do this, visit your local municipal office with your Zairyū Card and passport. Your new address will be officially recorded and printed on the back of your card.
What Information Is on the Zairyū Card?
The Zairyū Card isn’t just an ID—it’s a detailed record of your residency status in Japan. It contains the following key information:
Your name, date of birth, gender, and nationality
Your residency status and the expiration date of your visa
Your registered address (once updated at your local municipal office)
Your work permissions, if applicable
If you make any major changes in your life—such as getting married, changing your nationality, or legally changing your name—you must notify the Regional Immigration Services Bureau within 14 days to update your card accordingly.
Why Your Zairyū Card Is Essential for Daily Life in Japan
Source: E House
Your residence card is more than just proof of your visa status. It’s required for almost every major administrative or financial process you’ll go through while living in Japan. You’ll need your Zairyū Card to:
Sign rental contracts for an apartment
Open a bank account at any Japanese financial institution
Apply for a mobile phone plan
Register for health insurance and other public services
Prove your identity to officials such as police or immigration officers
By law, as of 2025, all foreign residents over 16 years old must carry their Zairyū Card at all times. Forgetting it at home could result in a fine of up to 200,000 yen, and refusing to show it to authorities could even lead to imprisonment for up to one year. In short—keep it with you!
What Happens If You Move?
If you move to a new residence within Japan, updating your address is a must. Failing to do so could cause issues with your residence status, mail delivery, or official paperwork. Here’s what you need to do:
✅ File a Notification of Moving Out (転出届) at your current ward or city office before leaving. You’ll receive a Moving Out Certificate (転出証明書, Tenshutsu Shōmeisho), which is required to register your new address.
✅ Submit a Notification of Moving In (転入届) at your new ward or city office within 14 days of your move. Be sure to bring your Moving Out Certificate, passport, residence card (Zairyū Card), and My Number Card (if applicable).
✅ Update your Zairyū Card by having your new address recorded on the back at your new municipal office. This step is crucial for maintaining your legal status in Japan.
If you’re moving within the same city or ward, you still need to submit a Notification of Change of Address (転居届, Tenkyo Todoke) to update your records. To make the process smoother, some city offices allow online reservations for address changes, so it’s a good idea to check your local office’s website in advance to save time and avoid long waits. Additionally, your health insurance and My Number details may also need to be updated, so be sure to ask about any additional procedures when submitting your documents.
Leaving and Re-entering Japan
If you plan to travel outside of Japan, the good news is that you don’t need a re-entry permit as long as you return within one year. This system, known as Special Re-Entry Permission (みなし再入国許可, Minashi Sai-Nyūkoku Kyoka), allows mid-to-long-term residents to leave and re-enter Japan smoothly.
What to Do Before You Leave:
✅ When departing Japan, make sure to check the “Departure with Special Re-Entry Permission” box on your embarkation card (ED card).
✅ Keep your Zairyū Card (在留カード) with you, as you’ll need it to re-enter Japan.
✅ If your residence status or period of stay expires while you're abroad, you will not be allowed to use the Special Re-Entry system. Ensure your visa remains valid before leaving.
If you plan to be outside of Japan for more than one year, you will need to apply for a standard re-entry permit (再入国許可, Sai-Nyūkoku Kyoka) before leaving. Without this, your residency status will be canceled, and you will have to apply for a new visa to return to Japan.
Residence Card Expiration and Renewal
Your Zairyū Card (在留カード) isn’t valid forever—it comes with an expiration date based on your residency status. Keeping track of your card’s validity is crucial to avoid legal issues and maintain your stay in Japan.
How Long Is Your Residence Card Valid?
The validity of your Zairyū Card depends on your residency status:
✅ Permanent residents & highly skilled professionals (ii) – Valid for 7 years
✅ All other residents – Tied to your approved period of stay (e.g., 1 year, 3 years, or 5 years)
It’s important to renew your card before it expires to ensure you maintain your legal status in Japan. If your card is nearing its expiration, head to your Regional Immigration Services Bureau well in advance to apply for a renewal.
Lost or Stolen Residence Card? Here’s What to Do
If you lose your Zairyū Card, don’t panic! Just follow these steps:
1️⃣ Report the loss to the police and obtain a Loss Report Certificate (紛失届出証明書, Funshitsu Todokede Shōmeisho) if needed.
2️⃣ Visit your nearest Regional Immigration Services Bureau within 14 days to apply for a replacement.
3️⃣ Bring your passport, a passport-sized photo, and the police report (if applicable).
Residential Registration and Certificates
Once you move into a new residence in Japan, you must register your address at your local municipal office. After completing this process, you will receive a Certificate of Residence (住民票, Jūminhyō)—a crucial document required for many official and administrative tasks.
Your Jūminhyō is often needed when applying for public services, opening a bank account, signing a rental contract, enrolling in health insurance, or setting up utilities like gas, electricity, and internet. Some employers may also request a copy as part of their hiring process.
It’s a good idea to keep a copy of your Certificate of Residence in a safe place, as you may need it multiple times throughout your stay in Japan. If you ever require an official copy, you can obtain one from your municipal office for a small fee. Staying on top of your residential registration ensures a smooth and hassle-free experience when handling important paperwork in Japan.
Final Thoughts
The Zairyū Card is an essential part of life in Japan for foreign residents. Whether you’re registering your address, opening a bank account, or even just going about your daily life, this card is the key to making everything run smoothly. It may seem like a hassle at first, but once you have it set up, it’s easy to manage—just make sure to keep it updated and carry it with you at all times.
If you have any questions about moving to Japan or navigating the paperwork, feel free to contact us here. We are happy to answer any questions you have about this process.