Immigration

Japan | Specified Residence Card (SRC): Key considerations for companies and individuals

Summary

Japan has introduced a new Residence Card format from 14 June 2026, together with an optional Specified Residence Card (SRC) that combines the Residence Card and My Number Card.

Because the SRC is optional and standard new-format Residence Cards will continue to be issued, companies and individuals should consider whether the convenience of an integrated card justifies the additional procedures, fees, and compliance obligations.

The detail

Key Benefits

Potential Benefits of the Specified Residence Card (SRC) include:

• Consolidation of the Residence Card and My Number Card into a single card.
• Reduced administrative procedures following residence status extensions or changes.
• Ability to use the card as a My Number Health Insurance Card and My Number Driver’s License.
• Free conversion opportunity for certain eligible applicants during the initial implementation period.
• Support for greater digitalization of government services.

Note that longer validity periods for certain categories, such as Permanent Residents and Highly Skilled Professionals (ii), are not exclusive to the SRC. These will also apply to standard new-format Residence Cards issued on or after 14 June 2026.

Key Considerations

Companies and Individuals considering the SRC should be aware of the following:

• The SRC is optional, and existing Residence Cards and My Number Cards may continue to be used separately.
• Online applications are currently not available, which may create administrative inconvenience as applicants must sign and submit physical forms.
• Issuance generally takes approximately 10 days to two weeks, which is longer than for a standard Residence Card.
• Additional fees and payment procedures may apply.
• Replacement procedures may be significantly more complex if the card is lost or stolen.
• Issuance of an SRC is not guaranteed, even where requested.
• Electronic certificate validity must be monitored carefully to avoid disruptions to My Number-linked services.
• The legal requirement to always carry the Residence Card remains unchanged.

Under the new card format introduced on 14 June 2026, certain information will no longer appear on the card surface and will instead be stored only on the IC chip. This applies to both SRCs and standard new-format Residence Cards.

Access to this information may require the use of a card reader application and the holder’s consent, and some information may not be readily viewable, particularly during the initial implementation phase.

What Employers Should Consider

Considering the introduction of the SRC, the following operational aspects may be relevant for employers:

• Different card types (SRC and standard new-format Residence Cards) are expected to co-exist, meaning organizations may need to manage multiple formats within their workforce.
• Existing identity identification and right-to-work checks may require adjustment, particularly where certain immigration information is no longer visible on the card surface.
• Use of SRCs may introduce additional data handling considerations, as My Number information is embedded within the same card. Care should be taken to avoid unnecessary collection, copying, or retention of such information.
• Administrative processes may become more complex where employees choose to adopt the SRC, including coordination of application timing with immigration or municipal procedures.
• The overall operational impact may vary depending on whether the SRC is adopted, considering the additional steps involved and the current scope of benefits.
• Companies should consider whether supporting SRC applications aligns with operational efficiency, given the additional processing steps and limited current benefits.

What this means

The introduction of the SRC does not require immediate action by all foreign nationals. Individuals may continue to use a standard new-format Residence Card and are not required to obtain an SRC.

However, employers and foreign nationals may benefit from familiarizing themselves with the key differences between the two options, including application procedures, processing timelines, fees, document verification considerations, and the handling of My Number information.

The practical implications may vary depending on individual circumstances and existing operational or compliance processes.

How we can help

As the SRC is optional, the key consideration is not simply eligibility, but whether obtaining an SRC is appropriate considering the individual’s circumstances and any related operational factors.

Vialto can assist in:

• Clarifying the differences between the SRC and the standard new-format Residence Card.
• Assessing the practical implications of each option.
• Navigating the immigration and compliance considerations associated with the new system.
• Supporting SRC and other immigration applications.

We continue to engage closely with the relevant authorities and monitor policy developments to ensure our advice remains aligned with the latest practices. As further details emerge, we will continue to keep you informed.

If you would like to discuss how these changes may impact on your organization or employees, please contact your usual Vialto representative.

Contact us

For a deeper discussion on the above, please reach out to your Vialto Partners point of contact, or alternatively:

Noriyuki Tominaga
Partner

Jia Ee
Director

Yuko Furuya
Manager

Hikaru Yamanaka
Senior Associate

Soohyang Lee
Senior Associate

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Vialto Partners (“Vialto”) refers to wholly owned subsidiaries of CD&R Galaxy UK OpCo Limited as well as the other members of the Vialto Partners global network. The information contained in this document is for general guidance on matters of interest only. Vialto is not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for the results obtained from the use of this information. All information is provided “as is”, with no guarantee of completeness, accuracy, timeliness or of the results obtained from the use of this information, and without warranty of any kind, express or implied, including, but not limited to warranties of performance, merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. In no event will Vialto, its related entities, or the agents or employees thereof be liable to you or anyone else for any decision made or action taken in reliance on the information in this document or for any consequential, special or similar damages, even if advised of the possibility of such damages.

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