Residence Card (Zairyu Card)
Hello! It’s your friend from NyuuLy — your go-to guide for all things document-related in Japan.
If you just arrived in Japan, you will hear this word a lot: Zairyu Card (在留カード, zairyuu kaado). We’ll guide you through everything you need to know about the Zairyu Card, the essential ID for foreigners living in Japan.
What It Is
The Zairyu Card (在留カード, zairyuu kaado) is your official ID as a foreign resident in Japan. It shows your name, nationality, date of birth, address, visa status, period of stay, and work permission if applicable.
Who Has This?
A Zairyu Card is issued to mid-to-long-term residents, meaning foreigners who stay in Japan for more than 3 months.
Therefore, most international students and working professionals will receive a Zairyu Card. However, the following people do NOT receive a Zairyu Card:
- Those staying 3 months or less, or temporary visitors
- People with Diplomat or Official status, Special Permanent Residents (特別永住者 / tokubetsu eijuusha), certain foreign mission staff
- People without any official status of resident
How To Get It
There are two main situations when a Zairyu Card is issued:
1. For First-Time Comers to Japan
If this is your first time entering Japan, you may receive your Zairyu Card at a major airport such as Narita, Haneda, Kansai, Chubu, Sapporo, Hiroshima, or Fukuoka. In most cases, the card is issued on the spot after immigration, and you will receive it before leaving the airport.
If you enter through a smaller airport or a port, you might not get it immediately. In this case, you must go to your city office (役所 / yakusho) to register your address. After registration, your Zairyu Card will be delivered to your home by mail, usually within a few weeks.
2. Renewal / Re-issue of Zairyu Card
If you already have a Zairyu Card but need a new one due to visa extension or change of visa status, you must apply at a Regional Immigration Services Bureau.
- Visa Extension: If you extend your period of stay (for example, from 1 year to 3 years), you will receive a new Zairyu Card with updated information.
- Change of Visa Status: If you change your visa type (for example, from Student Visa to Engineer/Specialist in Humanities), apply for a change of status of residence, and a new Zairyu Card will be issued once approved.
Next Step, Registering Your Address
After receiving your Zairyu Card, you must register your address within 14 days of moving into your new home. Bring your Zairyu Card, passport to your local city office (役所 / yakusho). The staff will update your official address on the back of your card.
Read our blog on how to do that here: (link)
If You Lose Your Zairyu Card
Lost your Zairyu Card? Don’t panic. Follow these steps:
- Report it at the nearest police station and get a Lost Property Report Certificate
- Go to the Regional Immigration Services Bureau
- Apply for reissuance within 14 days
You will need your passport, a new photo (4cm × 3cm, taken within 3 months), the police report, and the reissuance application form. Delaying this can cause penalties, so act fast.
Return Your Zairyu Card
You must return your Zairyu Card at immigration when you permanently leave Japan when your residence status ends.
Or when you switch to Special Permanent Resident status.
Nyuuly Pro Tips for Newcomers
- Always carry your Zairyu Card and keep it safe
- Update your address when you move to a new place
- Start visa extension procedures early
Now you are an official resident of Japan! You’ve worked hard to earn your Zairyu Card, and we at Nyuuly are here to help you navigate your new life — so go ahead and enjoy Japan!
