Residence Card Procedures Every Foreign Resident in Japan Must Understand

 

For foreign residents in Japan, the Residence Card is one of the most important documents you carry.
Many immigration problems do not start with visa issues, but with simple mistakes related to residence card procedures.
This article explains, in clear English, what to do when you need to update, replace, or change the address on your residence card.

 

Updating Your Residence Card (Visa Period Renewal)

 

When your period of stay is about to expire, you must apply for a renewal.
Permanent residents also need to renew the validity of the card itself, even though their status does not expire.
Applications can be submitted from three months before the expiration date (two months for permanent residents).
The procedure is handled by the Immigration Services Agency or through the online system.
Missing the deadline, even by one day, can cause serious problems, so early preparation is strongly recommended.

 

What to Do If You Lose Your Residence Card

 

If your residence card is lost, stolen, or seriously damaged, you must apply for reissuance.
The application must be made within 14 days after you become aware of the loss.
Before going to immigration, you should report the loss to the police and obtain a report number.
Because foreign residents are legally required to carry their residence card at all times, acting quickly is essential.

 

Reporting a Change of Address

 

When you move to a new residence, you must report your new address within 14 days.
Unlike renewal or reissuance, this procedure is not done at immigration, but at your local city or ward office.
When you submit your moving-in notification, the official will update the address on the back of your residence card.
A common mistake is completing the move-in procedure without presenting the residence card.
Always make sure the address is actually written on the card.

 

Why These Procedures Matter (My Practical View)

 

From my experience, many future visa problems begin with small administrative oversights.
Immigration authorities carefully review compliance history when you apply for renewal, permanent residence, or status changes.
Handling residence card procedures correctly shows that you are a responsible resident who respects Japanese rules.
This attitude matters more than many people expect.

 

Final Thoughts

 

Residence card procedures are not difficult, but they are strict.
Knowing where to go, what to do, and when to do it can save you from unnecessary stress later.
If you are ever unsure, asking for professional advice early is far safer than trying to fix a mistake afterward.

 

If you are thinking about obtaining, changing, or renewing your residence status (VISA), please consult our office.
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在留カードは、日本に住む外国人にとって、最も重要な身分証明書のひとつです。
実務上のトラブルの多くは、ビザそのものではなく、在留カードに関する手続ミスから始まります。

 

在留カードの更新（在留期間・有効期限）

 

在留期間が満了する前に、更新申請を行う必要があります。永住者の場合も、在留資格ではなく「カードの有効期限」を更新します。
申請は原則として満了日の3か月前から可能です。1日でも遅れると問題になるため、早めの準備が重要です。

 

在留カードを紛失した場合

 

在留カードを失くした、盗まれた、破損した場合は、14日以内に再交付申請を行う必要があります。
まず警察で遺失・盗難届を出し、その後入管で手続きをします。在留カードは常時携帯義務があるため、迅速な対応が求められます。

 

住所変更の届出

 

引っ越しをした場合、14日以内に新住所の市区町村役場で届出を行います。この手続は入管ではなく、役所で行います。
転入届の際に在留カードを提示し、裏面に新住所を記載してもらうことが重要です。

 

実務家としての一言（私見）

 

更新や永住申請の審査では、「これまできちんと手続きをしてきたか」が必ず見られます。
在留カードの手続を正しく行うことは、日本で信頼される在留外国人としての基本姿勢でもあります。

 

まとめ

 

在留カードの手続は難しくありませんが、期限と場所は厳格です。正しい知識を持ち、早めに行動することが、将来の在留トラブルを防ぐ最大のポイントです。