How to Renew Your Visa & Get a My Number Card in Japan – Complete Guide

Your Residence Card (在留カード, Zairyu Card) and visa have expiration dates — and letting them lapse is a bureaucratic nightmare you do not want. This guide walks you through renewing on time and picking up your My Number Card, Japan's all-in-one digital ID.

1. Renewing Your Zairyu Card (Residence Card)

When do you need to renew?

• When your visa status is approaching its expiry date — file at least 3 months early
• When you're changing your residence status (e.g., moving from a Student visa to a Work visa)

Documents required (standard work visa renewal)

• Renewal application form (download from the Immigration Services Agency website)
• Your current passport + Zairyu Card
• Certificate of Employment from your employer (Zaisho Shomei)
• Last 3 months' pay stubs
• Tax return documentation (if applicable)
• Application fee: $27 (¥4,000)

Where to apply

Head to your nearest Immigration Services Agency office (出入国在留管理局, Nyukoku Kanri Kyoku). In the Greater Tokyo area: Shinagawa, Tachikawa, or Yokohama. Prefer to skip the queue? You can also apply online at immigration.e-gov.go.jp.

2. My Number Card (マイナンバーカード)

Your My Number is a 12-digit national ID number issued to every resident of Japan — including foreign nationals. Between 2024 and 2026, the physical My Number Card is being upgraded to double as your health insurance card too.

Why bother getting the card?

• Print your Juminhyo (residence certificate) at any 7-Eleven or convenience store — no trip to City Hall required
• File your taxes online via eTax
• Use it as proof of identity for banking, phone contracts, and other services
• Functions as your health insurance card (from 2024 onwards)

How to apply

• After registering your address, you'll receive your My Number notification letter by post
• Apply for the physical card online at mynumbercard.kojin-bango.go.jp or in person at your local City Hall (Shiyakusho)
• Allow 1–2 months for processing, then return to City Hall to collect your card

💡 Once you have your My Number Card, you can print a Juminhyo at any convenience store, 24/7, for around $1.35 (¥200) — beats standing in line at City Hall by a mile.