■ Introduction: A New Era in Residence Management

On June 12, 2026, Minister of Justice Hiroko Hiraguchi announced a significant development during a press conference. The operation of the “Specified Residence Card,” which integrates the Residence Card and My Number Card, will commence on June 14.

This new system represents a groundbreaking reform that will substantially improve convenience and efficiency for foreign nationals residing in Japan and the companies that employ them. From the perspective of an immigration lawyer specializing in visa applications, this article provides a comprehensive explanation of the Specified Residence Card, including its details, benefits, application procedures, and practical considerations.

■ What is the Specified Residence Card? Understanding the Basics

The Specified Residence Card is a new integrated card that combines the previously separate “Residence Card” and “My Number Card.”

[Previous System]
Foreign residents in Japan held two separate cards: a “Residence Card” that proves their immigration status and a “My Number Card” required for social security and tax purposes. After completing procedures related to residence status at Regional Immigration Services Bureaus, such as extending their period of stay, they had to visit municipal offices separately to update their My Number Card information.

[New System]
With the Specified Residence Card, both residence status and My Number information can be updated comprehensively at the Regional Immigration Services Bureau alone. This eliminates the duplicate procedures, significantly reducing both time and financial costs.

■ Benefits of the Specified Residence Card – Why Integration Now?

During the press conference, Minister Hiraguchi stated that the system “enables integrated processing of various procedures, improving convenience for foreign nationals and enhancing administrative efficiency.” Let’s examine the specific benefits.

[1. Simplified Procedures]
The greatest advantage is the unification of service windows. Procedures that previously required visits to two separate offices can now be completed solely at the Regional Immigration Services Bureau. For those working during regular weekday business hours, the burden of visiting multiple government offices was particularly significant.

[2. Time and Cost Reduction]
Travel time to offices, waiting time, and transportation costs are all reduced. This is especially beneficial for those living in remote areas or with demanding work schedules.

[3. Efficient Card Management]
Managing one card instead of two reduces the risk of loss by half. Additionally, renewal timing is unified, making management simpler.

[4. Improved Access to Administrative Services]
With integrated My Number Card functionality, access to online administrative services (such as Myna Portal) becomes smoother.

[5. Benefits for Employers]
For companies employing foreign nationals, reducing the time employees spend on administrative procedures improves operational efficiency. Additionally, the unified management of residence status and My Number information offers compliance advantages.

■ Application Methods and Start Dates – When, Where, and How?

[Eligible Applicants]

  • Foreign nationals residing in Japan
  • Those who already possess a My Number Card
  • Those with valid residence status

[Application Start Dates]

  • Municipal offices with weekend service: From Saturday, June 14, 2026
  • Regional Immigration Services Bureaus: From Sunday, June 15, 2026

[Application Procedure]
When visiting a Regional Immigration Services Bureau for procedures such as extending your period of stay, you can apply for the Specified Residence Card. Application is voluntary, not mandatory.

[Required Documents (anticipated)]
Specific required documents should be confirmed with each bureau, but generally the following are expected:

  • Current Residence Card
  • Current My Number Card
  • Passport
  • Application form (distributed at the office)
  • Photograph (specified size)

■ Frequently Asked Questions – Resolving Your Concerns

[Q1. Is it mandatory to switch cards?]
A. No, application is voluntary. You may continue using your current Residence Card and My Number Card.

[Q2. What happens to my existing Residence Card and My Number Card?]
A. They are expected to be returned when the Specified Residence Card is issued. Please confirm details when applying.

[Q3. Is there a fee?]
A. While not explicitly stated in the official announcement, fees are expected to follow the same structure as conventional Residence Card renewals.

[Q4. When is the best time to apply?]
A. It is most efficient to apply when you are already conducting procedures at the Regional Immigration Services Bureau, such as extending your period of stay or changing your status of residence.

[Q5. Can family members apply together?]
A. Yes, if each family member meets the requirements, applications can be made together.

■ Practical Considerations – Advice from Specialists

[Choosing the Right Timing]
If your period of stay renewal is approaching, it is efficient to consider switching to the Specified Residence Card simultaneously with the renewal procedure. Conversely, if your renewal is still far off, there is no need to rush the switch.

[Corporate Response]
Companies employing foreign nationals are advised to have HR departments disseminate this information to employees. Departments managing residence periods should particularly understand this new system.

[Record Keeping]
Keep careful records of your application number and application date. There may be a waiting period before the card is issued.

■ Future Outlook – Digitalization of Residence Management

The introduction of the Specified Residence Card signifies major progress toward digitalizing Japan’s residence management system. The following developments are anticipated:

[1. Expansion of Online Applications]
Procedures related to residence status may become increasingly available online.

[2. Integration with Other Administrative Services]
Access to more administrative services utilizing My Number Card functionality will likely become available.

[3. International Interoperability]
Looking ahead, integration with international digital ID infrastructure is also envisioned.

■ What Companies Can Do Now – Checklist for HR Departments

□ Provide information to foreign national employees about the new system
□ Create a list of employees with upcoming period of stay renewals
□ Conduct internal briefings and distribute informational materials
□ Confirm information about the nearest Regional Immigration Services Bureau
□ Review treatment in employment regulations and similar documents
□ Share information within general affairs and HR departments

■ Professional Support – Consultation Available Anytime

Residence status and visa applications require specialized knowledge. The optimal timing and method for applying for the Specified Residence Card vary depending on individual circumstances.

  • Should I apply simultaneously with my period of stay renewal?
  • What documents are required?
  • Is there a risk of application rejection?
  • How should the company provide support?

If you have such questions or concerns, please consult an immigration lawyer specializing in visa applications. We provide optimal advice tailored to individual situations.

■ Conclusion – Greater Convenience, Smoother Processes

The launch of the Specified Residence Card operation brings significant convenience improvements for foreign nationals living and working in Japan. While application is voluntary, the benefits are clear:

✓ Procedures completed at a single location
✓ Time and cost savings
✓ Simplified card management
✓ Improved access to administrative services

When you have occasion to visit a Regional Immigration Services Bureau for procedures such as extending your period of stay, please consider switching to the Specified Residence Card.

We hope you will utilize this new system as a step toward making your life in Japan more comfortable and smoother.

[Reference]
Yahoo! News: https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/36440bc826c3c1df8e3a0c96f1b7436131f5fdaf

This article is based on information as of June 12, 2026. For the latest information or specific cases, please confirm with the Regional Immigration Services Bureau or a specialized immigration lawyer.

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