How to Apply for My Number Card in Japan: A Complete Guide for Foreigners

If you live in Japan as a foreign resident, one of the most important administrative tasks you'll need to complete is applying for your My Number Card (マイナンバーカード). This plastic IC card is issued by the Japanese government and contains your unique 12-digit Individual Number — a lifelong identifier that ties together your tax records, social security, and government services.

Since December 2, 2025, the traditional health insurance card has been fully replaced by the My Number Card. This makes it more important than ever for foreigners to get their card sorted as soon as possible. In this guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know: who can apply, what documents you need, how to apply (including English-friendly options), and how to make the most of your card once you have it.

For a broader overview of navigating Japanese paperwork and government procedures as a foreigner, check out this excellent resource from Living in Nihon.

What Is the My Number Card?

The My Number Card is a government-issued photo ID card that:

• Displays your name, address, date of birth, gender, and photo on the front
• Contains a 12-digit Individual Number (My Number) on the back
• Has an embedded IC chip for use in digital services
• Can be used as official identification at banks, government offices, and hospitals

Your 12-digit Individual Number is permanent — it never changes even if you move, change visa status, or renew your residence card.

The card is free of charge for first-time issuance, making it a no-brainer for most long-term foreign residents.

Who Is Eligible to Apply?

Foreign residents who have completed resident registration at their local city or ward office are eligible to apply. This generally includes:

• Workers on employment visas (Engineer/Specialist in Humanities, Skilled Labor, etc.)
• Students on student visas
• Family members on dependent visas
• Long-term residents and permanent residents
• Spouses of Japanese nationals

You are NOT eligible if you:

• Are a tourist or short-term visitor (under 3 months)
• Do not have a resident record in Japan
• Hold certain diplomatic statuses not included in the Basic Resident Register

If you're unsure about your eligibility, visit your local city hall or ward office — staff can check your resident record status. For more information on working in Japan and visa-related matters, visit For Work in Japan.

Documents and Requirements

Before you apply, make sure you have the following ready:

Important: Your notification letter includes a QR code that makes the online application process much easier. Keep it safe!

How to Apply: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Register Your Address (if you haven't already)

Before you can apply for a My Number Card, you must first complete resident registration (住民登録) at your local city or ward office. As a foreign national, you do this when you report your address within 14 days of moving in.

!How to Apply: Step-by-Step - illustration for How to Apply for My Number Card in Japan

Once your resident registration is complete, the government will mail you an Individual Number Notification Letter (通知カード or マイナンバー通知書) within about 2–3 weeks.

Step 2: Choose Your Application Method

There are five ways to apply for your My Number Card:

1. Smartphone App (Most Popular) Scan the QR code on your notification letter using your smartphone camera. This opens a dedicated application portal where you upload your photo and fill in your details. The app is in Japanese, but the process is straightforward with photo guidance.

2. Online via Computer Visit the official application website at kojinbango-card.go.jp and fill in your details, then upload a digital photo.

3. Postal Mail (Best for Non-Japanese Readers) Download and print the English application form (PDF) available on the official My Number Card website. Fill it out, attach your photo, and send it by post. This is the most English-friendly option.

4. Photo Booth Kiosks Designated photo booths (such as Ki-re-i and other convenience store booths) allow you to apply directly using the built-in application function.

5. At Your Municipal Office You can apply in person at your local city hall or ward office. Staff can help you complete the paperwork.

Step 3: Wait for Processing

After submitting your application, processing takes approximately 3–4 weeks. You will receive a notification postcard when your card is ready to be picked up.

Step 4: Pick Up Your Card at City Hall

Bring the following to the city hall or ward office on your pickup day:

• The notification postcard (saying your card is ready)
• Your residence card
• Your passport
• Your Individual Number Notification Letter (if available)

At the counter, you'll set your 4-digit PIN for the card. You'll actually set multiple PINs:

• A 4-digit PIN for login/authentication
• A 6–16 character password for the electronic certificate

Write these down safely — they are difficult to reset without visiting in person.

For more tips on settling into life in Japan, including administrative procedures and daily essentials, visit Ittenshoku.

Key Uses of the My Number Card in 2025–2026

The My Number Card has expanded significantly in its functions. Here's what you can now do with it:

The card has essentially become the central identity document for all residents of Japan. This is especially significant for foreigners who previously had to carry multiple documents.

Important Tips for Foreign Residents

1. Register a Katakana Alias

One common problem foreigners face is that My Number Card uses alphabetical spelling by default. Some Japanese banks require Katakana spelling for identity verification and may refuse your card if the names don't match.

!Important Tips for Foreign Residents - illustration for How to Apply for My Number Card in Japan

The solution: When registering your resident record, ask to have your name registered in Katakana in the "Remarks Column" (備考欄) of your Certificate of Residence. This prevents identity verification issues at banks and other institutions.

2. Update Your Card When You Move

If you move to a different municipality (city or ward), you must visit your new city hall within 14 days to update your card's address data on the IC chip. Failure to do so can make your card invalid for government digital services.

3. Card Validity Matches Your Visa

Your My Number Card's expiration date is tied to your visa/residence card expiration. When you renew your residence card (at immigration), you must also visit city hall to update your My Number Card validity period.

4. Keep Your PIN Safe

If you forget your PIN, you must visit city hall in person to reset it. There is no online reset option. This can be time-consuming, so store your PIN somewhere secure.

5. Use the English Support Hotline

The government offers a My Number Card support hotline:

• Toll-free: 0120-0178-27
• Paid line: 0570-064-738
• Available in multiple languages including English

My Number Card vs. Other ID Documents

While the My Number Card is not legally mandatory, it has become practically essential for daily life in Japan — especially with the health insurance card phase-out.

For more on healthcare in Japan as a foreigner, read our guide on healthcare in Japan for foreigners.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do I need a My Number Card if I already have a residence card? A: Your residence card (在留カード) proves your visa status, while your My Number Card is your government digital ID. They serve different purposes. As of December 2025, the My Number Card is also your health insurance card, making it essential.

Q: Can I apply before I receive my notification letter? A: Yes! If you have your 12-digit My Number, you can apply online or at city hall even without the letter. However, the letter's QR code makes online application easier.

Q: What happens if I lose my My Number Card? A: Report the loss immediately to your city hall and call the support hotline. You can request a replacement, but there is a fee for lost card reissuance.

Q: My Japanese isn't good — can I apply in English? A: The postal mail method offers English forms. You can also use the support hotline for English assistance. Many larger city halls in urban areas have multilingual staff.

Related Guides

• Banking and Finance in Japan for Foreigners — Opening a bank account requires your My Number
• Healthcare in Japan for Foreigners — Understand your new Myna health insurance card
• Taxes in Japan for Foreigners — File taxes online using your My Number Card
• Daily Life in Japan Guide — Essential administrative tips for expat life

Useful Resources

• My Number Card Official Site (English) — Application forms, FAQ
• Digital Agency My Number FAQ — Official government FAQ
• MailMate My Number Card Guide — Step-by-step guide for foreigners
• Japan Dev My Number Guide — Tips for tech workers in Japan
• Belonging Japan My Number Guide — Comprehensive overview

Applying for your My Number Card might feel like another bureaucratic hurdle, but it's genuinely one of the most useful things you can do as a foreign resident in Japan. With the card now serving as your health insurance ID, potential driver's license, and gateway to all online government services, the sooner you apply, the smoother your daily life in Japan will be.

Take it one step at a time — register your address, wait for your notification letter, and then apply online or by mail. Within a month, you'll have one of the most versatile ID cards in Japan in your wallet.