Japan Introduces the New Integrated “Tokutei Zairyū Card” System Starting June 14, 2026
A Complete Guide for Foreign Residents in Japan

Japan has announced a major policy reform that will significantly change how foreign residents manage their residence card and My Number Card information.
Beginning June 14, 2026, eligible foreign nationals will be able to apply for a new card called the Tokutei Zairyū Card (特定在留カード) or Tokutei Special Permanent Resident Certificate (特定特別永住者証明書).

This new card combines the functions of the Residence Card and the My Number Card into ONE card.

For many foreign residents, this will greatly reduce administrative burden and improve daily convenience.

As an administrative scrivener (gyoseishoshi) office specializing in immigration procedures, we have prepared a clear and practical explanation of the new system so you can understand how it affects your future applications.

Source: Immigration Services Agency of Japan, “Application for the Tokutei Residence Card, etc.”
Face photo area has been modified by Trust Administrative Scrivener Office.

What Is the Tokutei Zairyū Card?

A Tokutei Zairyū Card is a residence card enhanced with My Number Card functions.
With this reform:

• Your residence card + your My Number Card become a single card.

• The card is legally treated as a My Number Card under the Number Use Act.

• You can use the card for identity verification, online administrative services, health insurance (“Myna Hokensho”), and (after additional police procedures) as a digital driver’s license.

This integration aims to improve convenience and streamline government operations.

Benefits of Receiving the Tokutei Zairyū Card

For foreigners who currently own both a Residence Card and a My Number Card, procedures often require visiting two different offices:

Main benefits

✔ No need to visit City Hall after immigration procedures
✔ One card for residence status + My Number functions
✔ Functionality available for Myna health insurance and Myna driver’s license
✔ Updated information will be recorded instantly at immigration

Who Can Apply?

The following residents listed in the Basic Resident Register may apply:

• Mid-to-long-term residents

• Special Permanent Residents

Obtaining the Tokutei Zairyū Card is not mandatory.
You may continue using separate Residence Card + My Number Card if you prefer.

When Does Application Start?

• System start date: June 14, 2026 (Sunday)

• Application begins: From June 15, 2026 (Monday) at Immigration Bureaus

• Most municipalities will also start accepting applications on the same day.

Where and When Can You Apply?

(A) At Immigration Bureau (Regional Immigration Offices)

You can apply together with any of these procedures:

• Extension of period of stay (在留期間更新)

• Change of status of residence (在留資格変更)

• Permanent residence application

• Renewal of residence card validity

• Reissuance due to damage

• Reissuance due to exchange request

• Changes to card information (address excluded)

(B) At City Hall / Municipal Offices

Only when the following procedures are treated as “residence address notification” under the Immigration Act:

• First address registration after landing

• Address change notification

• Address notification upon change of status

For Special Permanent Residents (特別永住者)

Applications are handled only at City Hall for:

• Address change

• Reissuance due to damage, loss, or exchange request

• Renewal of validity period

Required Documents

When applying for the new Tokutei Zairyū Card, you must submit:

1. Application form for Tokutei Zairyū Card (特定在留カード等交付申請書)

2. PIN setup form for My Number functions (暗証番号等設定依頼書)

3. One facial photo

※ Depending on your immigration or municipal procedure, additional documents may be required.
Official forms will be published later.

What Happens If You Lose the Tokutei Zairyū Card?

Since this card includes both My Number and residence card functions, you must:

For mid-to-long-term residents:

1. Suspend My Number Card functions

2. Report the loss to the nearest police station

3. Visit your local Immigration Bureau to apply for reissuance of a regular residence card
   (The replacement card will be a standard residence card, not Tokutei.)

4. If you want a Tokutei Card again later, you must apply again during the reissuance process.

For Special Permanent Residents:

• Procedures follow the same principle, but are handled entirely at City Hall.

New Design of Residence Cards (Even if you do NOT apply for Tokutei)

From June 14, 2026, all Residence Cards and Special Permanent Resident Certificates will be updated to a new format.

Major changes:

• Some information will no longer appear on the card face
  (“Period of stay,” “Type of permission,” “Permission date,” “Issuance date”)

• These will be stored inside the IC chip only

• My Number will not be printed on the back of non-Tokutei cards

• Children aged 1 to 16 will now have a photo displayed (previously omitted for under 16)

Validity period changes:

For Permanent Residents / HSP2 / Special Permanent Residents:

Regular mid-to-long-term residents will continue to have validity aligned with their status period.

Frequently Asked Questions (Key Points)

Is it mandatory?

No. Completely optional.

Can I still receive a normal Residence Card?

Yes. If you do not apply for a Tokutei Card, a standard Residence Card will be issued.

Can I apply online?

Not yet.
The online system cannot accept Tokutei applications for the time being.
You must visit a counter in person.

Can I receive the Tokutei Card at the airport?

No.
New arrivals will continue receiving a standard residence card at airports.

Does the Tokutei Card work during “special extension periods”?

The My Number functions are only valid until the original validity date of your residence period.
You must renew the My Number validity at City Hall before it expires.

Why This Matters for Foreign Residents

This reform solves one of the biggest inconveniences foreigners face:

No more visiting both Immigration and City Hall for a single change.

A single integrated card means:

• Faster updates

• Fewer office visits

• Fewer documents to carry

• More efficient identity verification

• Better digital access to government services

How Our Office Can Support You

At Trust Administrative Scrivener Office, we assist clients with:

• Visa extension & change applications

• Permanent residence applications

• Understanding whether the Tokutei Zairyū Card is right for you

• Preparing all required documents

• Avoiding mistakes that may cause delays

• Coordinating timing between immigration procedures and municipal notifications

This reform may affect how you manage your renewals and transitions.
If you want professional guidance, we are here to help.

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Office Name: Trust Administrative Scrivener Office
Administrative Scrivener: Keiko Utsunomiya
Email: info@trust-gyosei.com