On June 14, 2026, the Specified Residence Card, which combines the regular Residence Card and the My Number Card into a single card, was introduced. The Specified Residence Card is non-mandatory. Those who want the card must submit a specific application for it. International students may continue to carry the traditional two-card combination of a Residence Card and a My Number Card separately. For more information, please refer to the website of the Immigration Services Agency of Japan.
Immigration Services Agency: Regarding applications for the issuance of a Specified Residence Card
Types of Residence Cards for International Students
From June 14, 2026 onward, international students with “Student” residence status may use any one of the following residence card types:
1. Specified Residence Card |
2. Second Generation Residence Card |
3. First Generation Residence Card |
|
What is it? |
A combined Residence Card and My Number Card | New format. Separate from the My Number Card | Old format. Separate from the My Number Card |
Who is using it/ Who can use it? |
Residence Card holders who want a Specified Residence Card. *For new arrivals in Japan, you will first receive a Second Generation Residence Card when passing through Immigration at the airport. You can then apply at your local municipal office for this card |
A. Those who enter Japan on or after June 14, 2026 who do not want a Specified Residence Card. B. Those applying for an Extension of Period of Stay or a Change of Status of Residence who do not want a Specified Residence Card. |
Those who were already residing in Japan before June 14, 2026, and whose current Residence Card is still valid. |
Advantages and Important Notes on the Specified Residence Card (My Number Card-combined card)
Advantages:
Instead of holding two different cards which need to be renewed separately at the Immigration Services Agency (Residence Card) and municipal office (My Number Card), you only have one card to renew. Renewal of the Specified Residence Card is done at the Immigration Services Agency.
Important Notes:
About Procedures
- Applications cannot be submitted through the Immigration Services Agency's Online Residence Application System.
- The processing time for a Specified Residence Card application may take about 10 days longer than the processing time for a regular Residence Card.
- A Specified Residence Card cannot be issued at an airport immigration counter when you first arrive in Japan.
Notes for Daily Life
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Certain banking procedures may be temporarily unavailable.
At some banks, individuals holding a Specified Residence Card or a new format Second Generation Residence Card may face temporary freezes of certain procedures through mobile apps or other online banking services.
Example: Japan Post Bank's "Yucho Procedure App" (please refer to the bank's official notice for details).
Yucho Bank Temporary Delay of Services Notice
Security Precautions
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Never show the number printed on the back of the Specified Residence Card card to others!
The back of the Specified Residence Card displays your My Number (Individual Number), which is highly sensitive personal information. Please handle your card with great care. Do not casually show this number to others or post photographs of the card on the internet, including social media platforms.