[Starting June 2026] "Dual Holding" for foreigners reduced to one card! What is the new "Special Residence Card"?

A great announcement for foreign residents living in Japan and companies that employ foreigners! The "Residence Card" and "My Number Card," which previously took up space separately in your wallets, can finally be combined into a single card.

Its name is the "Specified Residence Card." This new card, which finally began operation on June 14, 2026, what has changed and what are its benefits? We'll explain it quickly and easily!

What exactly is a "Special Permanent Resident Card"?

In a nutshell, it's a card that docks the functionality of a My Number Card onto a Residence Card.

Previously, foreign residents (mid-to-long-term residents) had to carry and manage two separate cards: the "Residence Card" as proof of their visa, and the "My Number Card" used for Japanese administrative procedures. These will now be consolidated into a single card.

★ Point: Switching is optional! Not everyone has to make one. Those who wish to continue with the "two cards" system as before are fine. Also, your current residence card can continue to be used until its expiration date.

Here's the change! 3 big benefits

We will answer the question, "It seems convenient to have it as one piece, but what specifically becomes easier?"

You'll no longer have to go back and forth between the Immigration Bureau and government offices (saving you double the effort)!

This is the biggest advantage. Previously, after renewing your visa (period of stay) at the immigration office, you had to go to your local municipal office to update the information on your My Number card. With a Special Resident Card,Your My Number information on the card will be automatically updated at the same time as you renew your visa at the immigration office.You'll be free from that troublesome "ladder procedure"!

② Wallet and ID, smart and stylish

When opening a bank account, signing up for a mobile phone contract, or completing various administrative procedures, you can confirm your residency status and your identity (My Number function) with just this one card.

③ Permanent residents can conveniently sort by expiration date.

For permanent residents, renewal of the residence card (every 7 years) and renewal of the My Number card (every 10 years) were previously staggered, making management difficult. By integrating them, the expiration dates of their validity periods will be unified, making it easier to prevent accidental expiration.

Points to know before proceeding

The Special Permanent Resident Card is very convenient, but please keep the following points in mind before applying.

• Same-day issuance is not possible (it takes some time). Because special processing is required to integrate My Number data, it is expected to take "about 10 days" longer than issuing a regular residence card. Please apply with plenty of time to spare, rather than waiting until your visa is close to expiring.
• You can't get it at the airport. When you newly enter Japan, the first thing you receive at airport counters such as Narita or Haneda is the usual Residence Card, as before. If you wish to obtain a Special Residence Card, you can apply for a switch when registering your address at the city hall after entering the country, or at the time of subsequent immigration procedures.
• Beware of accidentally letting the "special period" expire When you are in the "exceptional period (up to 2 months)" while your visa renewal application is pending, the My Number function on your card will not be automatically extended. Please be aware that you may need to visit the city hall to complete procedures by the original expiration date.

Towards a smarter and more livable Japan

The introduction of the "Specified Alien Registration Card" this time is a big step forward in resolving the complaints of foreign residents living in Japan about "procedures being troublesome!"

The fact that the red tape has been reduced is welcome news not only for the foreign nationals themselves but also for the HR and general affairs personnel in companies who manage schedules, as it eases their burden.

For those whose resident card renewal date is approaching, or for those who are planning to get a new My Number card, why not consider the "convenience of consolidating into one card"?

(Reference: Immigration Services Agency of Japan "Regarding Application for Issuance of Special Permanent Resident Certificate, etc.")
https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/tokutei.html