Residence Card (Zairyu Card) Guide: Managing Your Status
When entering Japan under a long-term visa, your Residence Card (Zairyu Card) is issued to you by immigration officers at the airport or seaport during your initial entry. This card serves as your official identification and proof of legal residence in Japan.
Obtaining Your Card at the Port of Entry
Long-term visa holders receive their Residence Card immediately upon passing through immigration at the airport. When you arrive, the immigration officer will check your passport and visa, then hand you your physical Residence Card. It is vital to check that your name, nationality, and the "Status of Residence" listed on the card are correct before leaving the immigration counter. If there is a mistake, notify the officer immediately.
Updating Your Information
Your Residence Card must reflect your current living situation. There is a primary update you must manage:
- Address Changes: When you move to a new home, you must take your Residence Card to your local municipal office (City Hall or Ward Office) within 14 days. They will print your new address directly on the back of the card.
Renewing Your Status
A Residence Card has an expiration date that matches the period of stay granted by your visa. To extend your stay, you must apply for an "Extension of Period of Stay" (Kigen Koshin) through the Immigration Services Agency of Japan. This application should be submitted before your current card expires. If your application is approved, you will receive a new Residence Card with the updated expiration date.
Good to know
- Carry it always: Under the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act, foreign residents are legally required to carry their Residence Card at all times. Failure to do so can result in fines.
- Lost cards: If you lose your Residence Card, you must report it to the local police station immediately to obtain a report, then apply for a reissue at an immigration office.
- Digital versions: While some digital services are expanding, the physical Residence Card remains the primary legal proof of status in Japan.
Official information
Rules and fees can change. Please confirm the latest details with the official sources above.
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