1. Who Are Mid-to-Long-Term Residents?
Under the Immigration Control and Refugee-Recognition Act, a mid-to-long-term resident is a foreign national who has been granted a period of stay of more than three months, excluding those staying under statuses such as Temporary Visitor.
However, persons with the status of residence of Diplomat or Official, as well as Special Permanent Residents, are not considered mid-to-long-term residents.
2. Notification and Other Procedures for Mid-to-Long-Term Residents
Mid-to-long-term residents are required to make certain notifications and complete certain procedures while living in Japan.
Procedures at Municipal Offices
Notification of Place of Residence
When a foreign national establishes a new place of residence in Japan, they must generally notify the relevant municipal office within 14 days from the date on which they establish their place of residence.
When moving to a new address, procedures under the Basic Resident Registration System, such as moving-out and moving-in notifications, may also be required.
Procedures at Regional Immigration Services Offices
In addition to notifying the municipal office of their place of residence, mid-to-long-term residents must make certain notifications to a Regional Immigration Services Agency office.
- Changes to information on the Residence CardIf there is a change in the person’s name, date of birth, sex, nationality or region, or other information subject to notification.Within 14 days from the date of the change.
- Extension of the validity period of the Residence CardThe required procedure must be completed before the Residence Card’s validity period expires.
- Reissuance of a Residence Card due to loss, theft, or other circumstancesThis applies when a Residence Card is lost, stolen, destroyed, or otherwise becomes unavailable.
- Notification concerning an affiliated organizationThis applies to certain changes involving an affiliated organization, such as an employer or educational institution.Within 14 days from the date on which the relevant change occurs.
- Notification concerning a spouseThis applies to certain changes in marital status, such as divorce or the death of a spouse.Within 14 days from the date on which the relevant event occurs.
3. What Is a Residence Card?
A Residence Card is a card issued to foreign nationals who reside in Japan as mid-to-long-term residents.
The Residence Card contains important information concerning the person’s residence in Japan, including their name, nationality or region, date of birth, sex, place of residence, status of residence, period of stay, and whether there are restrictions on employment.
The card also displays a photograph and contains an IC chip.
Main Information Shown on a Residence Card
- Name
- Date of birth
- Sex
- Nationality or region
- Place of residence
- Status of residence
- Period of stay
- Date of expiration of the period of stay
- Employment restrictions
- Residence Card number
- Photograph
4. Obligation to Carry a Residence Card
Mid-to-long-term residents aged 16 or older must carry their Residence Card with them at all times.
If a person is carrying their Residence Card, they are not required to carry their passport.
For foreign nationals who are not mid-to-long-term residents, a passport or other required permit document must generally be carried.
5. Obligation to Present a Residence Card
Mid-to-long-term residents must present their Residence Card when requested to do so by an immigration inspector, immigration control officer, police officer, or other authorized official.
The requirements to carry and present a Residence Card are important for confirming a foreign national’s status of residence, lawful status of stay, and any restrictions placed on their activities in Japan.
７ The Process of Obtaining a New Status of Residence and Entering Japan