What is a residence card? 　 

1) What is a residence card? 　 

What is a residence card? [Immigration Services Agency of Japan]

The residence card contains the following information about the foreigner who has been issued the card

Name, date of birth, gender, nationality/region, place of residence, residence status, period of residence, employment status, etc.

If the information on the card changes, the foreigner's notification is sent to the Immigration Service.

The residence card always contains the most up-to-date information, as notification is required if the information on the card changes.

When applying for a company in Japan, you must match your residence status with the line of work you are choosing. It is important for both companies and you to understand the importance of the residence card status to avoid problems such as illegal employment.

＞If you are wondering what a status of residence is, please read this page. 

About residence status 

2) Things to check on your residence card　 

The following is an explanation of what your employer is going to check on your resident card as he recruits you.

First, the following five points.

①Confirm the identity of the foreigner by checking their "name" and "photograph".

②Confirm that the card will not be issued without residence status.

③Confirm that the foreigner is allowed to work by checking the "Employment Restrictions" section.

④Check whether the applicant is within the period of stay or has overstayed in Japan by checking [Period of stay].

⑤Check whether or not you can engage in activities other than those permitted under your residence status by checking the "Permission to engage in activities other than those permitted under your residence status" column (on the back).

Whether or not there are work restrictions is indicated on the front of the residence card (see figure (3) above). 

Even if the card states that you cannot work, if you have "permission to engage in activities other than those permitted under your residence status", you can in principle work up to 28 hours per week, excluding the sex industry. Make sure you check the information on the back of your card regarding permission to engage in activities other than those permitted under your residence status.

In particular, 'student' and 'family member' statuses often allow you to engage in activities other than those permitted under your residence status.

In addition, there are cases where you can work even if it is not listed on your residence card: "” Designated activities" residence status.

Designated activities are activities that are approved individually by the Minister of Justice, so they are different for each person.

The types of activities you can carry out are therefore described on a piece of paper called a designation, which is usually attached to your passport.

If your residence status is 'Designated Activities', do not forget to check the letter of designation.

As mentioned above, the content of each activity is different, so it is important to note that this is not necessarily a residence status that allows you to work.

＞For more information on Designated Activities, please click here.

What is the residence status "Designated Activities"? 

4) Points to be aware, from a company’s point of view

As mentioned above, it is important to check the residency card when hiring a foreigner. However, in recent years there has been an increase in the number of foreigners working illegally with forged residence cards.

In order to avoid risks, here are some points that companies should be aware of when checking residence cards and how to deal with them.

② Check with the application that reads resident card information

The Immigration Services Agency of Japan has a special way of making sure it is not forged; "Residence Card etc. Reading Application' can be used to read the contents of the IC chip on the Residence Card and compare this information with the original to confirm that the card has not been forged or tampered with.

This application can be downloaded from the following website.

③ Checking that your residence card number has not expired

The Immigration Services Agency of Japan provides the "Residence Card Number Revocation Information Inquiry" on its website, which allows you to check whether or not your residence card number has expired.

Immigration Services Agency of Japan, Residence Card Number Revocation Information Inquiry

In recent years, counterfeit cards using legitimate resident card numbers have been discovered, so it can be said that checking the number and expiry date alone is not sufficient to check for forgery.

It is recommended that (1) and (2) are also checked.

In addition, although not related to forgery, a residence card with a hole in it has already expired.

B）Make a copy of the residence card at the time of recruitment

When hiring a foreigner, or joining a Japanese company, make sure to take the original residence card and make a copy of it.

To avoid being accused of encouraging illegal employment if you inadvertently allow a foreigner to work after their residency period has expired, or if you are a foreigner who’s company did not make sure to check the limits of your residence card, it is necessary for the company to keep track of the residency period.

5）What happens if I lose my residence card?

If you lose your residence card, you must apply for a replacement card within 14 days of the loss.

You should first report the loss to the police and then assist the foreigner to go to the Immigration Office with the report and the necessary documents