Residence Card in Japan: How to Obtain Your Residence Card at the Airport
When moving into Japan for a mid- or long-term stay, one of the most important documents you will receive is your Residence Card. Issued to foreign nationals, this card serves as proof of your legal status in the country. In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about obtaining your residence card at Japanese airports, the process involved, and what to do if you don't receive your card immediately.
What is the Japanese Residence Card and Why is it Issued at the Airport?
The Japanese Residence Card is an essential document for foreign nationals planning to stay in Japan for more than three months. This card, issued under Japan’s immigration management system, serves as an official form of identification that contains your personal information, such as your name, date of birth, nationality, and the status of your residence. It is mandatory for long-term residents to carry this card during their stay in Japan, as it serves as proof of their permission to reside in the country.
Residence cards are typically issued at certain international airports upon entry into Japan. The reason for issuing these cards at the airport is to streamline the process and ensure that foreign nationals have their legal documents in order as soon as they arrive in the country. For those who do not receive their card at the airport, other steps must be taken, as outlined in the sections below.
Airports in Japan Where You Can Obtain Your Residence Card
You can obtain your Residence Card upon arrival at the following international airports in Japan:
- Narita Airport (Tokyo)
- Haneda Airport (Tokyo)
- Kansai Airport (Osaka)
- Chubu Airport (Nagoya)
- New Chitose Airport (Sapporo)
- Hiroshima Airport
- Fukuoka Airport
At these airports, along with the Landing Permission seal in your passport, a Residence Card will be issued. If you are entering through a different port of entry, such as Sendai Airport, a note will be placed in your passport stating that your residence card will be issued later. In such cases, you will need to follow a different procedure, which we’ll discuss in the next section.
Step-by-Step Process to Obtain Your Residence Card at the Airport
When you arrive in Japan at one of the international airports mentioned above, the process to obtain your Residence Card is straightforward. Here's a step-by-step guide:
- Present Your Passport and Documents: You will need to present your passport with a valid visa and the Certificate of Eligibility issued by a Japanese embassy or consulate. This is essential for the issuance of your residence card.
- Immigration Check: After verifying your documents, the immigration officer will place a Landing Permission stamp in your passport. This stamp will indicate your legal status and length of stay in Japan.
- Receive Your Residence Card: For long-term residents, a Residence Card will be issued immediately after the immigration check at the immigration bureau. This card will serve as your main form of identification in Japan during your stay.
- Complete Additional Forms (If Applicable): If you plan to work while in Japan, you can also apply for a work permit at the airport. This is called a “Permit to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted under the Status of Residence Previously Granted.” This permit will allow you to work up to 28 hours per week while studying or residing in Japan.
- Departure from Airport: Once you have received your Residence Card and completed all necessary checks, you can proceed to customs and exit the airport.
What to Do if You Do Not Receive Your Residence Card at the Airport
If you arrive at a port of entry where the Residence Card is not issued (such as Sendai Airport), you will only receive a Landing Permission seal in your passport, along with a note stating that your Residence Card will be issued later.
In this case, you will need to follow these steps:
- Notify the Local Municipal Office: Upon arrival at your new residence in Japan, you must visit the local municipal office and submit a moving-in notification. This informs the government of your new address and is a required step to receive your residence card.
- Wait for Your Residence Card: After notifying the municipal office, the Residence Card will be mailed to your new address by the immigration bureau. It is important to make sure your address is accurate to avoid delays in receiving your card.
- Follow Up If Necessary: If there is a significant delay in receiving your Residence Card, you may need to contact the immigration bureau or your local municipal office to ensure that the necessary steps were completed correctly.
Required Documents for Obtaining Your Residence Card at the Airport
To ensure a smooth process when obtaining your Residence Card at the airport, you will need to present the following documents:
- Your passport with a valid visa.
- Certificate of Eligibility, which must be obtained from a Japanese embassy or consulate before your arrival in Japan.
- Completed application forms, including any necessary forms for work permits or other special permissions.
It is important to carry all of these documents with you during your journey to avoid any issues at the airport.
FAQs About the Residence Card Issuance at Airports
Do I need a visa to obtain a residence card?
Yes, you must have a valid visa, as well as the Certificate of Eligibility, to receive a Residence Card at the airport.
What happens if I lose my residence card?
If you lose your Residence Card, you should report the loss to the immigration bureau as soon as possible. A new card can be issued after you submit the necessary forms.
Can short-term visitors get a residence card?
No, the Residence Card is only issued to those staying in Japan for more than three months. Short-term visitors do not receive a residence card.
Do I need to carry my residence card with me at all times?
Yes, it is mandatory for all foreign residents in Japan to carry their Residence Card with them at all times during their stay.
What Happens If There is a Delay in Receiving Your Residence Card?
If there is a delay in receiving your Residence Card, particularly if you entered Japan through an airport where the card is not issued immediately, the first step is to ensure that you have completed the moving-in notification at your local municipal office.
Delays can occur for several reasons, such as:
- Incomplete paperwork at the municipal office.
- Incorrect address details submitted.
- Delays in processing by the immigration authorities.
In such cases, it is recommended to follow up with the immigration bureau or the municipal office to resolve any issues.
How to Update Your Address After Receiving Your Residence Card at the Airport
Once you have received your Residence Card, any change of address must be reported to your local municipal office. Here’s how you can update your address:
- Submit a Moving Notification: If you move to a new address within Japan, you must submit a moving-out notification to the municipal office where you previously resided and a moving-in notification to the new municipal office.
- Update Your Residence Card: Once you have notified the municipal office of your new address, they will update your Residence Card with the new information. This is a mandatory step, as failure to update your address can result in penalties.
- Additional Updates: If you change your employer or marital status, these changes must be reported to the immigration bureau within 14 days. You can download the necessary forms from the immigration bureau website.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Obtaining Your Residence Card at the Airport
When applying for your Residence Card at the airport, it’s important to avoid common mistakes that can cause delays or complications:
- Not carrying your passport and Certificate of Eligibility: Always ensure that you have your passport with the appropriate visa and the Certificate of Eligibility to avoid issues at immigration.
- Failing to submit a moving-in notification: If you do not notify the municipal office of your new address, you will not receive your Residence Card. Make this a priority after arriving in Japan.
- Ignoring deadlines for reporting changes: Any changes to your address, employer, or marital status must be reported to the immigration bureau within 14 days. Failure to do so can result in penalties.
By following these steps and avoiding these common mistakes, you can ensure that you obtain your Residence Card smoothly and without delays during your stay in Japan.
