The "Specified Residency Card" (特定在留カード)

Spring is the season of 新生活 (shinseikatsu / new beginnings) in Japan. For those planning to move here, a major update is coming to make your administrative life much easier!
The Japanese government has officially announced that starting June 14, 2026, the 特定在留カード (tokutei zairyū kādo / Specified Residency Card) will be introduced.
This is a new, unified ID that merges your 在留カード (zairyū kādo / Residence Card) and your マイナンバーカード (mainambā kādo / My Number Card) into a single, smart card.

What is the 特定在留カード?

Currently, foreigners living in Japan carry two separate cards:

在留カード (Residence Card): Your primary ID and proof of legal stay.
マイナンバーカード (My Number Card): Used for social security, taxes, and online administrative tasks

Residence Card — From June 14, 2026, you can choose to have one single card that performs both functions.
This simplifies your wallet and your paperwork!

Why is this Great for International Students & Expats?

スムーズな手続き (Smooth Procedures): When you move house or renew your visa, you won’t need to visit multiple offices to update two different cards.
一本化 (Integration): Whether you are opening a bank account, signing a phone contract, or visiting a clinic, this one card serves as your ultimate proof of identity (身分証明書).
便利なオンライン申請 (Convenient Online Application): The card allows you to access マイナポータル (mainapōtaru / Myna Portal), enabling you to apply for government certificates directly from your smartphone.

How Do You Get One?

新規入国者 (New Arrivals): If you are arriving in Japan on or after June 14, 2026, you will be able to apply for this unified card during your initial entry procedures.
在留期間更新 (Visa Renewal): Current residents can switch to the new card when they renew their current period of stay.

Note: Switching to this unified card is currently 任意 (nin-i / optional). You can still choose to keep your standard 在留カード, but the integrated card is highly recommended for a smoother experience.

Essential Vocabulary for This Update

特定在留カードとくていざいりゅうカード (Tokutei Zairyū Kādo) Meaning: Specified Residency Card (Unified Card)
一本化いっぽんか (Ipponka) Meaning: Unification / Integration
運用開始日うんようかいしび (Unyō Kaishibi) Meaning: Service Start Date (June 14, 2026)
身分証明書みぶんしょうめいしょ (Mibun Shōmeisho) Meaning: Identification (ID)

Useful Resources for Your Move

For the latest official details and support for your journey to Japan, check out these links:

出入国在留管理庁 (Immigration Services Agency Official): https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/tokutei.html
Start Your Journey with DEOW Japan: https://jpn-study.com/

Moving to a new country can involve a lot of 手続き (tetsuzuki / paperwork), but Japan is making the process “smarter” for international residents. Mark your calendars for June 14!
We look forward to seeing you start your 新生活 under the cherry blossoms!