For all Foreign Residents in Japan - Information Regarding the Individual Number System - January 2023 - Individual Number (My Number) Card

Oct 5, 2026

Uploaded by cksankcs

Information for foreign residents in Japan explains how the Individual Number system (My Number) works and how a 12-digit Individual Number is assigned after creating a Certificate of Residence. It details the Individual Number Notice, how to use the notice for confirming the number, and warns residents not to disclose their number except for limited tax-related requests from employers. The guide also covers the Individual Number Card (My Number Card), its identification and administrative uses, eligibility conditions, application steps, and support contact numbers.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages6

Reading Time15 min

AccessFree to download

Regarding Your Individual Number (My Number)

Individual Number assignment and permanence

Individual Number Notice and QR code

Important rules about sharing My Number

Regarding Your Individual Number Card (My Number Card)

What the card is

Benefits of having the card

Important notes and eligibility

How to Apply for your Individual Number Card

Application methods overview

Smartphone application steps

For all Foreign Residents in Japan Information Regarding the Individual Number System January 2023 Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications Digital Agency Regarding Your Individual Number (My Number) 􀁺 Your ‘Individual Number’ (My Number) can be used for obtaining various documents and completing certain municipal processes related to things such as social insurance, taxes, and disaster relief. After arriving in Japan, and having your Certificate of Residence made, you will be assigned 12-digit Individual Number. 􀁺 Your Individual Number will be unique to you and will not change throughout your lifetime. 􀁺 Note that if you decide to temporarily leave Japan and re-enter, your number will be the same, it also cannot be changed at your request. A notification regarding your Individual Number Card will be mailed to you (via Simple Registered Mail) 􀁺 After you register your address at your local municipal office, an official letter (see below) will be mailed to you in about 2-3 weeks. 􀁺 An ‘Absentee Contact Form’ will be placed in your mailbox if you are not present when the notification arrives at your address. You can request to have it resent by following the instructions on the form or go to your local post office to pick it up directly. Be sure to contact your local government office if the notification does not arrive or you are unable to receive it by mail. 1 􀁺 The envelope will contain an Individual Number Notice similar to the image below. Scan this QR code to apply for your Individual Number Card . This is your Individual Number (My Number). (Application ID Number) Use this to both apply for your card online, as well as check your application’s status. ●Your Individual Number Notice can be used to confirm your Individual Number. ●Your Individual Number Notice cannot be used as an official form of ID, or as a replacement for your Individual Number Card. ●Scanning the QR code provided allows you to apply to receive an official Individual Number Card. ※The QR code is a registered trademark of Denso Wave Inc. ★Important★ 􀁺 Other than requests from your employer regarding taxes, you should never tell anyone your Individual Number. Asking for or writing down another person’s Individual Number is also prohibited by law. Make sure that you confirm the identity and motive of anyone who asks for your Individual Number. 􀁺 You cannot apply for a card using the Individual Number Card application sent to you if the name, address, or expiration date on your residence card has been changed, or if your residence Card is already expired. 􀁺 If your Residence Card is set to expire within 1 month, you must first renew it at the Bureau of Immigration, and then apply for your Individual Number Card at your local municipal office . Regarding your Individual Number Card (My Number Card) 1. What is an Individual Number Card (My Number Card)? 􀁺 An Individual Number Card is an official form of ID that can be used both online orin-person. 􀁺 It will display your basic information, such as your name, address, date if birth, biological sex, Individual Number, as well as a photo of yourself. 􀁺 Foreign residents can receive an Individual Number Card after confirming their identity using a photo ID such as their passport. 􀁺 You must apply for an Individual Number Card in order to receive one. (Front of Card) Expiration Date (Back of Card) Your IndividualNumber (MyNumber) 氏名番号花子住所 ○○県□□市△△町◇丁目○番地▽▽号平成元年 3月31日生 2025年性別女 3月31日まで有効 0123456789ABCDEF 1234 （裏面） 1234 5678 9012 氏名番号花子平成元年 3月31日生 Benefits of Having an Individual Number Card 􀁺 You Individual Number Card is the only ID you need to confirm your identity and your Individual Number while in Japan . 􀁺 Your Individual Number Card can be used as your Health Insurance Card as well. (You must apply either in-person or online for this benefit after receiving your card) 􀁺 Your Individual Number Card

FAQs

How is a 12-digit Individual Number assigned, and can it change later?

After arriving in Japan and obtaining a Certificate of Residence, you are assigned a 12-digit Individual Number. The number is unique and does not change throughout your lifetime, including if you temporarily leave Japan and re-enter.

What is the Individual Number Notice, and can it be used as official ID?

The Individual Number Notice is sent by mail and can be used to confirm your Individual Number. It cannot be used as an official form of ID or as a replacement for the Individual Number Card.

What should you do if you need to update your name or address after receiving your Individual Number Card?

If you change your name or address, you must visit your local municipal office within 14 days to have the changes applied to your card.

Oct 5, 2026

Uploaded by cksankcs