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Your Residence Card Explained

government Last updated: 2024-12-12

Everything about your zairyū card — what it means, when to carry it, and how to update it.

🗣️ Key Vocabulary

在留カード Residence card ざいりゅうカード zairyū kādo
在留資格 Residence status (visa type) ざいりゅうしかく zairyū shikaku
在留期間 Period of stay ざいりゅうきかん zairyū kikan
更新 Renewal こうしん kōshin
資格外活動 Activities outside status (work permission) しかくがいかつどう shikakugai katsudō

What is the Residence Card

The residence card (zairyū kādo) is your primary ID in Japan. It proves your legal status and right to live here.

Who gets one: All foreign residents staying more than 3 months When: Issued at the airport (major airports) or immigration office Validity: Matches your visa period, up to 5 years

Your residence card number is used for banking, phone contracts, employment, and government services.

Reading Your Card

Front: - Photo - Name (as in passport) - Date of birth - Nationality - Address (updated at ward office) - Status of residence (visa type) - Period of stay - Work permission status

Back: - Re-entry permit info - Update history - My Number (if linked)

Carrying Requirements

By law, you must carry your residence card at all times. Police may ask to see it. Failing to present it can result in a fine up to ¥200,000.

Acceptable alternatives: - Special permanent residents: may carry Special Permanent Resident Certificate instead - None for regular residents — card must be on you

If asked by police:

Step 1: Stay calm and cooperative

ID checks are routine in Japan. Present your card when asked.

💬 What to Say

はい、在留カードです
Hai, zairyū kādo desu
Yes, here is my residence card

When to Update Your Card

Update your card at the ward office for: - Address changes (within 14 days of moving) - Name changes

Update at immigration for: - Visa renewal/extension - Status change - Lost/damaged card replacement - Photo update (required every 7 years for permanent residents)

✅ Checklist

🔗 Resources