New Residence Card Program in Japan
February 9, 2012— On July 9, 2012, Japan will launch a new Resident (Zairyu) Card program, which will replace the current Alien Registration Card (ARC) system of identification for foreign nationals who work or reside in Japan for more than three months. Most existing ARC holders will be able to continue using their cards until they expire.
Under the new program, the maximum stay for foreign residents will be extended to five years, the minimum stay for major work visa categories will be reduced to three months, and there will be new reporting requirements. Cardholders will be allowed to travel abroad without the need for a re-entry permit, provided they return to Japan within one year.
Unless exempt, foreign nationals who will remain in Japan for more than three months will receive a Resident Card upon arrival at Japan’s four major international airports: Narita, Haneda, Chubu and Kansai. Those entering Japan at other airports will receive their Resident Card by mail after arrival. Under the current system, foreign nationals are required to obtain their ARC at their municipal office within 90 days of arrival. The new Resident Card will include the holder’s name, residential address, visa type, and expiration date, along with other information.
The following classes of foreign nationals will not be required to obtain a Resident Card: (1) persons admitted to Japan for three months or less; (2) persons granted temporary visitor status; (3) persons granted diplomat or official status; (4) persons recognized by a Ministry of Justice ordinance as having a status equivalent to one of the three preceding statuses; (5) special permanent residents; and (6) undocumented foreign nationals.
Foreign nationals holding Alien Registration Cards that expire before July 8, 2015 will not be required to take any action when the new program launches. They can continue using their ARCs while valid and will be issued the new Resident Card when they renew their visa or change to a different visa category.
Foreign nationals holding ARCs that will expire on or after July 8, 2015 must obtain a Resident Card, but are free to do so at any time before July 8, 2015. Dependent children younger than 16 must obtain a Resident Card before their 16th birthday or before July 8, 2015, whichever comes first. The maximum period of stay for foreign residents will be extended to five years under the new system, from the current three years. The minimum period of stay for major work visa categories will be reduced to three months, from one year currently.
The new Resident Card system will modify reporting requirements and relax re-entry requirements for foreign residents. Resident Card holders will be required to report all changes to personal information appearing in their Resident Cards (including change of employer or change in marital status) at their local immigration office, except for address changes which will continue to be reported to their municipal office. Currently, the municipal offices handle all reporting requirements.
Under the new system, Resident Card holders may travel abroad without obtaining a re-entry permit, provided they return to Japan within one year. This policy will also apply to ARC holders pending a change-over to Resident Cards. Currently, ARC holders must obtain a re-entry permit in order to travel abroad.
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