The Resident Card System in Japan - How to Renew Your Resident Card & Required Documents and Status of Residence
Residence cards are issued by the Immigration and Residence Management Agency to foreigners who have the correct status of residence. If you hire a foreigner who does not have this card, you are hiring an illegal worker, and the employer is at risk of being punished.
In this issue, we will take a closer look at what kind of things can be confirmed with a residence card, how and when to renew it, and what documents you need to bring with you when doing so. We will also discuss what to do if you lose your residence card and the penalties for employing a foreigner whose residence period has expired.
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What is a residence card?
A residence card is issued to foreigners staying in Japan for medium to long term.
It contains the person's first and last name, date of birth, gender, nationality (region), place of residence, status of residence, period of stay, expiration date of the residence card and card number, and whether the person is currently able to work.
Those who are 16 years of age or older are also required to display a picture of their face and to report any changes in the items listed on the card. Residence cards are not issued for those staying for less than three months for travel purposes, etc.
For basic information on residence cards, please read the following article.
▶︎ What is a residence card? How to obtain it, what it contains, the obligation to carry it with you, and how to reissue it if you lose it.
How to renew your residence card and required documents
Renewal of a residence card is done by the cardholder. The required documents are as follows
- written application
- photographic portrait
- Current Resident Card
When applying, you must also present your passport to the Immigration and Residence Management Agency. You will be notified of the result of your application by postcard, and your renewal is complete when you take the postcard to the Immigration and Residency Management Agency and receive a new resident card.
Residence card expiration date and renewal timing
Renewal of the resident card must be done before the expiration date. The expiration date of the resident card depends on the status of residence, and also on the timing of change of status of residence or renewal of period of stay. Let's take a closer look at the expiration date of the resident card for each status of residence and the timing of renewal procedures.
Varies depending on status of residence
The timing of renewal depends on the status of residence and the renewal period varies, such as every 5 years, 3 years, 6 months, or 4 months. When you renew your residence card, an examination is also conducted to determine your new period of stay.
Specifically, they will be examined on their usual attitude toward life and whether they have been engaged in the activities permitted under their status of residence. Even permanent residents are required to renew their resident card, which expires after seven years from the date of issuance.
For technical intern trainees
The renewal period of the technical intern trainee's residence card is based on the period of stay designated by the Minister of Justice (not to exceed one year) for technical intern trainees (Technical Intern Training 1). Technical internship No. 2 and No. 3 are also renewed in accordance with the period of stay designated by the Minister of Justice (not exceeding two years).
When a trainee wishes to move from Technical Internship No. 1 to No. 2 or from No. 2 to No. 3, it is necessary to pass a skills test for each. It is important to steadily acquire skills based on the practical training plan and prepare well for the certification test.
For specified skilled workers
For those who have obtained Specified Technical Skill No. 1, the residence card is renewed for one year or every six months or four months, with a maximum of five years. For those with the specified skill No. 2, it is renewed every three years, one year, or six months.
Both technical intern trainees and specified skilled workers can renew their status three months prior to the expiration date. Please always be aware of the expiration date of your residence card so that you do not miss the time for transferring or renewing your status.
How to Renew Your Residence Card Online
Currently, it is not possible to renew your residence card online. Renewal of a residence card must be done in person at the Immigration and Residency Management Agency with jurisdiction.
The Immigration and Residency Management Agency's website has a format for the application form for permission to extend the period of stay, so you can download and fill out the necessary information in advance to facilitate the process at the counter.
In addition to the application documents, you will also need your residence card, photo, and passport, so be sure to confirm in advance what you will need and remember to bring them with you.
Renewal of a residence card can be applied for three months prior to the expiration date. If you rush to apply at the last minute before the expiration date, you run the risk of being denied permission due to incomplete documentation, etc., and thus becoming an illegal immigrant.
It is important to plan ahead and prepare for the renewal procedure well in advance.
What to do if you lose your residence card
If you have lost your valuable residence card, immediately file a lost property report at the nearest police station. You must then go to the Immigration and Residence Management Agency that has jurisdiction over the area where you live and apply for the re-issuance of your residence card.
The documents required to apply for reissuance are as follows
- Application for Reissuance of Residence Card
- passport
- photographic portrait
- Copy of lost property report (with police stamp of acceptance)
- Material to prove identity (e.g., copy of certificate of residence, etc.)
Once all the documents are submitted to the Immigration and Residence Management Agency with jurisdiction and the fee is paid, a new residence card will be issued at a later date.
Once you realize that you have lost your card, you should take the necessary procedures as soon as possible. Prompt notification is essential to prevent unauthorized use of your residence card.
In the event of theft, a damage report should be filed with the police. A copy of the damage report must be attached to the grant application.
For more detailed information, please see the following articles
▶︎ I have lost my residence card! How to reissue a new card
Expiration of Residency is a Serious Violation! Precautions to avoid illegal residency
Staying in Japan with an expired visa constitutes an illegal act called "illegal remainder. Illegal aliens are subject to deportation as soon as they are discovered, and will be deported from Japan.
In addition, if you were working while remaining in the country illegally, you would be considered "illegally employed" and could be punished as a criminal. If you are found to be working illegally, the company that employed you will be punished and will have no choice but to terminate your employment.
Furthermore, if you are deported, that fact will remain on your record permanently. Once deported, it will be very difficult to obtain a visa for Japan in the future, and even if the visa is granted, you will be subjected to a more severe examination than before.
Illegal residency is a serious offense that could cast a serious shadow over your own future. Be sure to change your status of residence or renew your period of stay before it expires.
If you fail to meet the requirements for change or renewal, you must leave the country immediately. Please do not be optimistic and pay close attention to the expiration date of your stay in Japan.
If you want to stay in Japan for a long time, it is most important to follow the rules and maintain a lawful status of residence. Be aware that the legal system is so strict that "I didn't know" is not acceptable.
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summary
The resident card is an important identification card for foreigners to stay in Japan legally. The resident card contains important information about your stay in Japan, such as your status of residence and period of stay.
Please be aware of your status of residence and the expiration date of your visa, and be sure to report any changes in the information immediately to keep your status of residence legal.
In addition, always carry your residence card with you and show it immediately when asked to present it by an immigration inspector or police officer. If you have lost your card, please apply for its reissuance immediately.
Proper management of your residence card is the first step to ensure your safety and security in Japan. By following the rules and acting responsibly, you will have a fulfilling stay in Japan.
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