My Number Card Guide for Foreign Residents in Japan [How to Obtain and Relationship with Period of Stay]
Foreign residents in Japan can also obtain a My Number Card. With the abolition of health insurance cards in December 2024, the My Number Card is becoming increasingly necessary as a MyNa Health Insurance Card. It also offers many features that simplify daily life, such as e-Tax for filing tax returns and obtaining certificates at convenience stores. Furthermore, the "Specified Residence Card," which integrates the Residence Card and My Number Card, is scheduled to start operating in June 2026.
The issuance of the "Specified Residence Card," which integrates the Residence Card and My Number Card, is scheduled to begin on June 14, 2026. This will allow My Number Card functions to be assigned simultaneously with residence applications, eliminating the need for duplicate procedures at the counter. Please check the latest information from the Immigration Services Agency of Japan for details.
1. Can foreigners obtain a My Number Card?
Yes. Foreign residents who meet the following conditions can obtain a My Number Card:
- Have a period of stay in Japan exceeding 3 months (mid- to long-term residents, special permanent residents)
- Are registered as residents in Japan
Those with a temporary stay (tourist visa) are not eligible.
2. Benefits of Obtaining It
New issuance of health insurance cards will end in December 2024. You can use your My Number Card as a health insurance card when visiting medical institutions.
Online tax filing is possible with a smartphone + My Number Card. No need to visit a tax office.
You can obtain certificates such as resident certificates, seal registration certificates, and taxation certificates at multi-copy machines in convenience stores (no need to go to the city office).
With a My Number Card, you can apply online for extensions of your period of stay, etc.
You can check and manage administrative information such as pensions, medical care, and taxes online.
Can be used as a valid identification document alongside your Residence Card for opening bank accounts, contracting mobile phones, etc.
3. Application Process
4. Relation to Period of Stay (Important)
The validity period of My Number Card functions, such as the MyNa Health Insurance Card, is linked to the expiration date of your Residence Card. If your period of stay expires, you will not be able to use your MyNa Health Insurance Card, even during the special grace period while your application is under review.
| Timing | Required Action | Procedure Location |
|---|---|---|
| During application for extension of period of stay | Change the validity period of your My Number Card at the municipal office counter before your period of stay expires | Municipal office counter |
| After receiving a new Residence Card | Immediately change the validity period of your My Number Card at the municipal office counter after receiving it | Municipal office counter |
The validity period of your My Number Card is not automatically extended just by receiving a new Residence Card. A separate procedure at the municipal office counter is required. Forgetting this will result in being unable to use your MyNa Health Insurance Card even after your status of residence has been renewed.
5. What is a Specified Residence Card? (From June 2026)
From June 14, 2026, the issuance of the "Specified Residence Card," which integrates the Residence Card and My Number Card, is scheduled to begin (due to amendment of the Immigration Control Act).
Key Points of the Specified Residence Card
- Can be applied for at the municipal office or immigration counter simultaneously with a residence application
- One card can be used as a Residence Card, My Number Card, and MyNa Health Insurance Card
- Address changes are expected to be completed at a single municipal office counter
- Automatic renewal of My Number Card functions in line with the renewal of the period of stay is currently being considered
๐ Immigration Services Agency of Japan | About Applying for Specified Residence Card, etc.
6. Procedures when Returning to Your Home Country
When returning to your home country, please return your My Number Card at the municipal office counter. This procedure can be done together with your moving-out notification. If you return home without returning it, problems may arise later.
7. Frequently Asked Questions
Official Reference Links
๐ Immigration Services Agency of Japan | About Applying for Specified Residence Card, etc.
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