Japanese Residence Card (在留カード) — Complete Guide for Foreigners
Your residence card is the most important document you carry in Japan — more than your passport for daily purposes. Understanding what it contains, when to update it, and the consequences of letting it expire protects your legal status here. Here’s everything you need to know. What Is the Residence Card? The Residence Card is a credit-card-sized ID issued by the Japanese government to all mid-to-long-term foreign residents. It proves your legal right to live in Japan and contains: ...