2026 Update: Why Japan’s Residence Card Layout Has Changed

From June 14, 2026, Japan introduced a new residence card format, including the second-generation residence card and the special residence card.

Japan’s residence card layout has changed as part of a broader update to the residence card system. The main purposes are to strengthen security, prevent forgery and tampering, support digitalization, and prepare for integration with the My Number Card system.

The Immigration Services Agency of Japan has introduced the second-generation residence card and the special residence card. The special residence card is a residence card with measures added so that it can also function as a My Number Card.

For foreign residents, companies, financial institutions, and administrative bodies, this change is important because residence cards are widely used to confirm identity, residence status, work eligibility, and period of stay.

Why Did the Residence Card Layout Change?

The residence card layout changed mainly because Japan is updating the card system to improve security and make identity verification easier and more reliable. The new format also supports the introduction of the special residence card, which can integrate residence card functions with My Number Card functions.

To strengthen anti-forgery and anti-tampering measures
To improve IC chip specifications and card authenticity checks
To support the special residence card linked with My Number Card functions
To review and update the information shown on the card face
To make verification easier for companies, financial institutions, and other organizations

Key point: The change does not mean that currently valid residence cards immediately become invalid. Existing cards remain valid until the expiration date printed on the card.

What Changed from June 14, 2026?

From June 14, 2026, newly issued residence cards and special permanent resident certificates changed to a new format. In addition, the special residence card and special permanent resident certificate were introduced for people who apply for them.

New-format residence cards are issued from June 14, 2026
Second-generation residence cards are introduced
Special residence cards are introduced
Card face information and layout are reviewed
IC chip specifications and security features are updated

What Is the Second-Generation Residence Card?

The second-generation residence card is the new-format residence card introduced after the system update. It replaces the previous first-generation residence card format for newly issued cards.

The new card format includes updated card-face information and improved IC chip specifications. These changes are intended to help organizations check the authenticity of residence cards more accurately.

New residence card format
Updated layout and card-face information
Improved IC chip-related specifications
Designed to support stronger authenticity checks

What Is the Special Residence Card?

The special residence card is a residence card that includes measures to add My Number Card functions. This means eligible foreign residents can apply for a card that combines residence card functions and My Number Card functions into one card.

This change is part of Japan’s digitalization policy and is expected to make administrative procedures more convenient in the future.

Residence card with My Number Card functions
Available through application
Introduced from June 14, 2026
Designed to improve convenience and administrative efficiency

The special residence card is not automatically issued to everyone. It is issued through application under the relevant procedures.

Why Security Was Strengthened

Residence cards are used by companies, banks, mobile phone providers, real estate agencies, and public offices to confirm identity and residence status. If a residence card is forged or altered, it can lead to illegal employment, fraudulent transactions, and other serious problems.

By improving IC chip specifications and making card verification easier, the new system aims to prevent misuse and protect both organizations and foreign residents.

Prevention of forged or altered residence cards
Improved reliability of identity verification
Protection of companies and financial institutions
Protection of foreign residents from misuse and fraud
Support for proper employment and residence status checks

Expansion of Face Photo Display

Another important change is the expansion of face photo display. From June 14, 2026, residence cards issued to persons aged 1 or older include a face photo.

Previously, residence cards issued before June 14, 2026 displayed face photos for persons aged 16 or older. The new rule expands the photo display requirement to younger children as well.

From June 14, 2026, face photos are displayed for persons aged 1 or older
Before June 14, 2026, face photos were displayed for persons aged 16 or older
This helps improve identity confirmation for minors

Do Current Residence Cards Need to Be Replaced Immediately?

No. If you already have a residence card, you generally do not need to replace it immediately just because the layout has changed. Your current residence card remains valid until the expiration date printed on the card.

A new-format card will usually be issued when you complete a relevant procedure, such as renewal, change of residence status, or other applicable card issuance procedure.

Important: Always check the expiration date on your residence card. The layout change does not extend your period of stay or residence card validity.

Impact on Foreign Residents

Foreign residents should understand that the new layout is part of a system update and does not change their residence status by itself. However, they should be aware of the new card format so they can recognize official cards issued after June 14, 2026.

Your residence status does not change automatically because of the new layout
Your current residence card remains valid until its printed expiration date
New-format cards are issued through relevant procedures
Persons aged 1 or older will have a face photo on newly issued cards
Applicants may be able to apply for a special residence card

Impact on Companies

Companies hiring foreign workers must continue checking residence status, period of stay, and work eligibility properly. Because the residence card format has changed, HR staff and managers should become familiar with the new card layout.

Update internal guidance for checking residence cards
Train HR staff on the new card format
Confirm residence status and work eligibility carefully
Check expiration dates and renewal schedules
Use official information and tools when verifying residence cards

Companies should also be careful not to reject a valid card simply because it has an older layout. Cards issued before the layout change remain valid until their expiration date.

Key Points

The residence card layout changed from June 14, 2026
The second-generation residence card and special residence card were introduced
The main purposes are security improvement, forgery prevention, and digitalization
The special residence card can include My Number Card functions
Face photo display now applies to persons aged 1 or older
Existing residence cards remain valid until the printed expiration date

Our Support Services

T Global Expansion supports companies and foreign residents with residence status procedures, visa applications, foreign hiring compliance, and residence card management.

Residence status consultation
Visa application and renewal support
Foreign employee onboarding support
Residence card and work eligibility checks
HR compliance support for foreign hiring
Support for companies employing foreign workers

👉 If you have questions about the new residence card format, residence status procedures, or foreign hiring compliance, please contact us for a consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Why did the residence card layout change?

The layout changed mainly to strengthen security, prevent forgery and tampering, update IC chip specifications, and support the introduction of the special residence card with My Number Card functions.

Q. From when did the new residence card format start?

The new format started from June 14, 2026.

Q. What is a special residence card?

A special residence card is a residence card with measures added so that it can also function as a My Number Card. It is issued through application under the relevant procedures.

Q. Do I need to replace my current residence card immediately?

In general, no. Your current residence card remains valid until the expiration date printed on the card.

Q. Has the face photo rule changed?

Yes. From June 14, 2026, residence cards issued to persons aged 1 or older include a face photo.

Conclusion

Japan’s residence card layout changed as part of a major system update
The new format improves security and supports digitalization
The special residence card allows integration with My Number Card functions
Foreign residents should check expiration dates and follow the correct procedures
Companies should update internal residence card checking practices

Contact Us for a Free Consultation

If you have questions about residence cards, visa applications, foreign hiring, or residence status management, please feel free to contact us. We will support you based on your situation and required procedures.