2025-12-11

Residence cards have an expiration date, so renewal procedures are required before they expire. Many people worry, “If it expires, can I still renew it?” This article explains the basics of residence cards, how to renew them, and what to do if yours expires.

What is a Residence Card?

A Residence Card is an identification document issued to foreign nationals residing in Japan for medium to long-term stays. This card contains information such as the holder’s name, nationality, address, status of residence, and period of stay. It is used to verify the identity of foreign residents in Japan and manage their status of residence, making it a very important document.

Carrying the Residence Card at all times is mandatory. It serves the purpose of accurately managing information such as address changes, employment restrictions, and period of stay renewals. A particularly important point is that it has an expiration date. Generally, the expiration date matches the period of stay. However, for “Permanent Residents,” the renewal deadline differs depending on whether they are under 16 years old or 16 years old or older.

The Residence Card is indispensable for foreigners residing in Japan for daily life, employment, social activities, etc. If it expires, it can lead to serious consequences. Therefore, it is essential to always check the period of stay and expiration date and complete the renewal procedures well in advance.

Renewal Method

Residence card renewal procedures are generally conducted at the Immigration Services Agency (ISA) office with jurisdiction over the foreign national’s place of residence. Renewal is required when the period of stay expires or when the validity period of a permanent resident’s card ends.

For period of stay renewal, a “Permission Application for Extension of Period of Stay” must be submitted. If approved, a new residence card will be issued. Required documents vary by residence status type but generally include the application form, photo, passport, current residence card, employment contract, and pay stubs. The submission period opens three months before the current residence period expires.

Permanent residents can apply for a “Residence Card Validity Period Extension” starting two months before the expiration date. In either case, missing the deadline can lead to problems later, so applying early is crucial. The review period is typically several weeks, but it can take longer depending on various circumstances.

What if it’s already expired?

We often get asked, “Can I still renew my Residence Card if it’s already expired?” The short answer is yes, renewal may be possible even after expiration, but caution is needed.

Leaving it expired risks losing your residence status and becoming an illegal resident. If you notice it has expired, you must consult with the Immigration Bureau as soon as possible, explain your circumstances, and proceed with the application.

If a valid reason for the expiration is recognized and there is a reasonable justification for wishing to continue residing, renewal may be permitted. However, approval becomes difficult in cases of malicious delay or long-term neglect.

Furthermore, the longer the period of expiration, the stricter the review becomes. Therefore, early action is crucial. You should not give up thinking “it’s already expired, so renewal is impossible,” but it is important to proceed with the procedures while consulting with an expert.

Summary

The Residence Card is an essential and important certificate for foreign nationals residing in Japan. While renewal procedures must be completed before the expiration date, even if you realize it has expired, early action may still allow for renewal.