New Tokutei Zairyu Card (特定在留カード) June 2026: Complete Guide for Foreigners

New Tokutei Zairyu Card (特定在留カード) June 2026: Complete Guide for Foreigners

Starting June 14, 2026, Japan is combining your Residence Card and My Number Card into ONE new card. Here is everything you need to know.

What is the Tokutei Zairyu Card?

The Tokutei Zairyu Card (特定在留カード) — also called "Specified Residence Card" — is Japan's new integrated ID card for foreign residents.

It combines two cards into one:

• Residence Card (在留カード) — your visa status, address, work permission
• My Number Card (マイナンバーカード) — your 12-digit individual number for taxes, health insurance, banking

Why is Japan doing this?

Currently, every time you renew your visa, you must visit TWO places:

With the new Tokutei Zairyu Card, you only visit Immigration. Your My Number information updates automatically.

⚠️ Yamada Hack: This sounds convenient, but there is a BIG risk. If you lose this one card, you lose EVERYTHING — your visa proof AND your My Number. The reissue process is very complicated. Keep this card safe!

Japanese keyword: 特定在留カード / 在留カード マイナンバー 一体化

When Does It Start?

Important: It is OPTIONAL (for now)

You do NOT have to switch immediately. Your current Residence Card and My Number Card remain valid until they expire.

Japanese keyword: 特定在留カード いつから / 2026年6月

Who Gets the New Card?

Automatically issued to:

• ✅ New arrivals to Japan after June 14, 2026
• ✅ Anyone applying for new Residence Card after June 14, 2026
• ✅ Anyone reissuing a lost/damaged card after June 14, 2026

Optional for:

• ✅ Current residents at next visa renewal
• ✅ Special Permanent Residents at next renewal

NOT affected:

• ❌ Short-term visitors (tourists)
• ❌ People without residence status

Japanese keyword: 特定在留カード 対象者 / 誰がもらえる

What Changes on the Card?

Information REMOVED from card surface:

Some sensitive information will no longer be printed on the card. It will only be stored in the IC chip.

Why this matters:

• ✅ More privacy — employers, landlords cannot see visa details just by looking
• ❌ You need special reader to check your own status
• ❌ Immigration officers need equipment to verify

⚠️ Yamada Hack: Take a photo of your current Residence Card NOW, showing your status of residence and expiry date. After switching to the new card, you cannot easily check this information without a card reader or the Immigration app.

Japanese keyword: 特定在留カード 記載事項 / ICチップ

How to Get the New Card

Option 1: Wait for your next renewal (Recommended)

When your current visa expires, apply for extension at Immigration. You will automatically receive the new integrated card.

Option 2: Apply for reissue (If you want it now)

After June 14, 2026, you can visit Immigration to request reissue of your Residence Card as an integrated card.

Cost: Free (regular renewal fee applies if renewing visa)

Where: Your regional Immigration Office

Required documents:

Japanese keyword: 特定在留カード 申請方法 / 切り替え方法

The BIG Risk: What If You Lose It?

This is the most important section. READ CAREFULLY.

With TWO separate cards:

• Lose Residence Card → Go to Immigration, get new one
• Lose My Number Card → Go to City Hall, get new one

With ONE integrated card:

• Lose the card → You lose BOTH functions
• Reissue requires MULTIPLE steps

If you lose the Tokutei Zairyu Card:

Step 1: Call the 24-hour suspension hotline immediately

• This freezes the card to prevent identity theft

Step 2: File a police report (届出)

• Get the receipt number

Step 3: Visit Immigration Office

• Bring police report, passport, photos
• Apply for reissue

Step 4: Wait for new card

• Processing time: 2-4 weeks
• During this time, you have NO official ID

⚠️ Yamada Hack: Make MULTIPLE copies of your new card (front and back). Store one at home, one at work, one in cloud storage. If you lose the card, these copies help prove your identity while waiting for reissue.

Japanese keyword: 特定在留カード 紛失 / 再発行 手続き

Should You Switch? Pros and Cons

✅ Pros:

• One less card to carry
• Visa renewal updates My Number automatically
• Fewer trips to City Hall
• More secure (information in IC chip)

❌ Cons:

• Lose one card = lose everything
• Cannot easily check your own visa status
• Complex reissue process if lost
• Still new system — possible bugs/issues

Yamada's Recommendation:

Wait 6-12 months after launch. Let others find the problems first. Switch when you next renew your visa in 2027 or later.

If you MUST switch early (job requirement, etc.), make sure you:

Useful Japanese Phrases

Use these at Immigration or City Hall:

FAQ

Q: Is the Tokutei Zairyu Card mandatory?

A: Not yet. It is optional for current residents. However, new arrivals after June 2026 will receive it automatically.

Q: Can I keep my old Residence Card and My Number Card?

A: Yes, until they expire. At your next renewal, you will receive the integrated card.

Q: Does this affect my visa status?

A: No. Your visa type, period of stay, and work permissions remain the same. Only the physical card changes.

Q: What if I do not have a My Number Card yet?

A: You can still get the Tokutei Zairyu Card. The My Number function will be added. You should apply for My Number first at City Hall.

Q: Can I use the new card for banking?

A: Yes. The My Number function works the same for bank account opening, tax filing, etc.

Summary: Action Checklist

Before June 14, 2026:

• [ ] Take photos of your current Residence Card (front & back)
• [ ] Take photos of your My Number Card (front & back)
• [ ] Note your visa expiry date
• [ ] Download the Immigration Services Agency app

After June 14, 2026:

• [ ] Decide whether to switch early or wait
• [ ] If switching, gather required documents
• [ ] Keep new card in secure location
• [ ] Set up digital backup methods

*Last updated: April 2026. This guide is for general information. Always confirm with Immigration Services Agency of Japan (出入国在留管理庁) for official procedures.*